Given the state of the economy, the housing “crisis,” and the volatility of the stock market, more and more folks with both extra cash and initiative are being drawn to the idea of property investment. Many real estate and financial gurus offer suggestions for you as a first-time investor in Los Angeles real estate--both tips to follow and traps to avoid. First and foremost, all the experts stress the importance of your need to be realistic about the amount of time, money, energy, and commitment required in such a venture. Their second most common piece of advice is to educate yourself in as many areas of investment fundamentals as you can before you begin.

TIPS:      

  • Develop a plan. Determine your purpose in becoming an investor. Do you want to flip houses, or are you more comfortable with a long-term rental? What kind of property do you want? Single family? Condo? Multi-family? Will you be bidding at an auction? Buying a short sale or foreclosure? What kind of financing will you need?       
  • Identify your target area. Analyze the economic situation of the neighborhood, population levels, and potential employment prospects. Look at the availability of stores, schools, hospitals, and local industry. Determine the median property values.
  • Ask questions. Are prices in the area rising or falling? Is it a safe neighborhood? How long has the property been on the market? What is the condition of the interior and exterior structure?
  • Consider financial circumstances. What is the going rate for rentals in the area? What are the yearly taxes? What will it cost to maintain the property? What kind of financing will be available to you?
  • Avoid Los Angeles real estate with HOA fees. Home Owner Association dues which pay for shared facilities and maintenance must be paid by you, the owner, and can be quite high, especially when major assessments are levied.
  • Have the property inspected by a professional before you buy. Common sense prevails here. You don't want any unpleasant surprises later on.
  • Stick to your preset buying criteria. Concentrate on your cash flow and not on potential capital appreciation.
  • Be sensible about renovations. Save the high end appliances, fixtures, features, and decorating for your own home. Use your head, not your heart, when outfitting the Los Angeles real estatelos angeles real estate you’re buying for investment purposes.  

Enjoy the adventure of investing but always be aware that such a venture can be risky. Make sure you consider the downsides as well as the opportunities for success.

Eileen Walsh has a reputation for tough, yet fair, negotiation, and for facilitating real estate transactions to a successful close. She has earned the loyalty of repeat clients who rely on her for all of their real estate needs. Eileen's goals are to ensure Los Angeles real estate sellers that they receive top net dollar for their properties in the shortest amount of time and to help Los Angeles homebuyers find the property which best meets their objectives at the fairest price. 

Empowered with the appropriate people skills, market knowledge, deal-making track record and dedication to her clients, Eileen has shown that she is THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE to represent you in your next Los Angeles real estate transaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Los Angeles home, please call Eileen direct at 310-738-3807or via email at eileenwalsh.realestate@gmail.com.