When you think about investing in real estate, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is your home. Real estate has become a popular investment vehicle over the last 50 years or so. Here’s a look at some of the leading options for individual investors.
Buying and Owning Real Estate
Investing in real estate is an investment strategy that can be both satisfying and lucrative. Unlike stock and bond investors, prospective real estate owners can use leverage to buy a property by paying a portion of the total cost upfront, then paying off the balance, plus interest, over time.
Real estate has long been considered a sound investment, and for good reason. Before 2007, historical housing data made it seem like prices could continue to climb indefinitely.
Managing a Rental Property
Investing in rental properties can be a great opportunity for individuals with DIY and renovation skills, and have the patience to manage tenants. Rental properties can provide cash flow and generate value from appreciation. Investors also get tax incentives and deductions from owning real estate. It can be an excellent way to ensure financial security before you retire, or just have extra money in the bank.
If you invest in rental properties, you become a landlord, so you need to consider if you’ll be comfortable in that role. As the landlord, you’ll be responsible for things like paying the mortgage, property taxes, and insurance, maintaining the property, finding tenants, and dealing with any problems.
Flipping Properties
Flipping is a type of real estate investment strategy in which an investor purchases a property not to use, but with the intention of renovating or upgrading the property and then selling it for a profit. Investors who flip properties concentrate on the purchase and subsequent resale of one property, or a group of properties. Many investors attempt to generate a steady flow of income by engaging in frequent flips. In simple terms, you want to buy low and sell high (like most other investments).
