Making any investment, especially in real estate, can be daunting. It’s important to remember that, like most things in life, success doesn’t come easy, and it takes a lot of hard work and preparation to achieve your goals. One of the most critical factors when venturing into the real estate market is having the finances to support your endeavor.
Various statistics show the importance of having enough money before investing in real estate. A study by GOBankingRates found that nearly half of American homeowners (47 percent) regret buying their homes. The main reason for this regret was not being able to afford their monthly mortgage payments. Another study by Bankrate showed that nearly 60 percent of Americans don’t have enough saved to cover a $1,000 emergency expense. If an unexpected event were to occur, such as a major car repair or medical bill, many people would not be able to cover the cost without going into debt.
Avoiding debt is why it’s so important to have the finances saved up before making any investment, especially in real estate. If you cannot cover your monthly expenses or an unexpected bill, you quickly find yourself in your head. It’s also important to remember that real estate investments typically take a while to pay off, so you must stay prepared for a long-term commitment.
In addition, you might need to avail of services that can help you buy and sell homes, turning it into a genuine business. Here are some of the services that you might need.
Real Estate Agent Services
Unfortunately, most real estate investors do not have the time or knowledge to find suitable properties, do all the paperwork, and get the best deals. This scenario is where real estate agents come in. They work as your middleman to help you buy or sell a property. And because they have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), they can easily find properties that match your criteria.
The real estate agent will also handle all the negotiation and paperwork involved in buying or selling a property. The service can greatly relieve first-time investors unfamiliar with the process. Furthermore, agents usually have a network of other professionals they can recommend, such as home inspectors, loan officers, and appraisers.
Loan Officer Services
If you’re planning to finance your real estate investment, you must work with a loan officer. Loan officers are the professionals who handle the financing for your purchase. They will help you determine how much you can borrow and what type of loan is best for your situation.
Most loan officers work for banks or mortgage companies, but some work independently. You can find a loan officer by asking for recommendations from family and friends, searching online, or visiting your local bank.
Home Inspector Services
A home inspector is someone who inspects homes to ensure that they are in good condition. This service is an essential step in the home-buying process because it can help you avoid purchasing a property that needs expensive repairs. Home inspectors will check for structural problems, wiring issues, and plumbing leaks.
Home inspectors typically charge by the hour, so comparing rates is essential before hiring someone. You can find a home inspector online or ask for recommendations from family and friends. If possible, you can partner with a professional inspector for all your future transactions.
Appraiser Services
An appraiser is a professional who determines the value of a property. The appraised value can determine how much you can borrow from the bank and set the price of a home for sale.
Hiring an appraiser is not required when buying a home, but it can be beneficial. An appraisal can help you avoid overpaying for a property and give you negotiating power if the seller’s asking price is higher than the appraised value. You can find an appraiser through your local real estate association or by searching online.
Real Estate Legal Services
Purchasing properties can be a complicated process, so it’s essential to have a real estate lawyer on your side. A real estate lawyer can help you with all the legal aspects of buying and selling property, such as contracts, title searches, and closings.
A real estate lawyer will also represent you in court if there are any legal issues with your property. You can find a real estate lawyer online or ask for recommendations from family and friends.
Final Thoughts
While most first-time investors think they can do everything on their own, the truth is that it’s best to avail of professional services to ensure everything goes smoothly. These services will save you time and money and give you peace of mind knowing that experts handle everything.
So if you’re planning to venture into real estate, find the right professionals to employ. From finding the perfect property to ensuring that all the paperwork is in order, they will be there to help you every step of the way.
