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How Small Business Owners Can Strike a Financially Viable Real Estate Deal

Written by Ahmed Raza
CEO of Samurais.co

If you want to improve your finances and have income diversity, real investment is one of the best choices. Many small and large businesses are looking at it seriously and you should too. If you are a small business owner, you will have to focus on what is important. And in most cases, it would be the cash flow and profit. If you have a nice sum of money, it is recommended that you invest it in real estate. You may even turn it into a small side business since the profits can be huge.

Real estate is one of the wisest investments you will ever make. It’s safe (most of the times) with high rewards as well. Real estate prices are rising almost everywhere, and the returns can be as high as 15%, given that you play well.

Many buyers still go the traditional route when it comes to buying a property. However, is it always the right thing to do? Not really. There is a lot you can do to find a killer real estate deal, one that costs you less and gives you a very high ROI.

So how does one find such a deal? Here are some tips.

1. Look at a Lot of Options and Compare them All

It is all about numbers. Look everywhere for sales. Subscribe to online real estate agents, talk to your friends and family members about your intentions, so they can refer you to an agent or let you know of someone looking at selling a property

You will receive hundreds of leads, but only a few will be worth it. It’s basic, a lot of the deals will be too expensive and a lot will be with really low ROI. You should collect all the leads and then chop them gradually, first eliminating the properties you cannot afford. Next, eliminate the properties based on how much return they are going to provide you.

You will also need to keep in mind the pros and cons of buying a new property versus the old one, I got a chance to speak with Tamir Davies of Sellhousefast, a property specialist with years of experience in the industry, according to him, “Though, in all the excitement, buying a property is still a difficult venture and an expensive one too; thus, families, couples and those purchasing alone are opting for new-build properties which are energy efficient, brand spanking new and come with a builders guarantee and a ten year warranty.” That goes to make a point that new builds are often the better choice.

Once you have a few left, compare them all. When you plan on selling in mind, consider how much renovations they need and if such renovations will help the property. Addition such as a pool, can push a property’s value by up to 20%. You should study the real estate market deeply. Also, it is important to compare two options. For example, if you are in Chicago you should see what’s happening in the Chicago real estate market and then compare it to other markets such as Los Angeles and Tampa, both offering high returns.

2. Bank-foreclosed property Is a Good Option

While foreclosure is sad, someone’s loss may end up being your gain. When a borrower fails to pay back a loan, the lender may put the mortgaged property on sale, allowing you to get it at usually a low price.

Banks are good at giving loans, and not managing houses. They are interested in getting back their money, hence they will often sell a property at a cost much lower than its market price. It’s often a deal you do not want to miss. However, you will have to study about buying foreclosured houses. Having the right information will make help you get the right property. You may even ask for discounts based on the condition of the house.

3. Be Quick and Offer Wisely

Believe it or not, at times sellers will sell a property to the first bidder. This may be due to them being in a financial crunch or simply not being in a position to afford the property. Whatever it is, it can be your gain.

You do not have to seal the deal the day you check a property, but do not be late in making an offer. You can also avail discounts by promising to pay lump sum money.

4. Approach Owners Privately

This may not look like a very good idea, but works in several cases. You can look beyond listings and find homeowners privately. However, only make an offer if you are sure of the home owner looking at selling a property.

The problem with listings is that there are often too many offers. The real estate market is hot and everyone is trying their luck. This is also partially why a lot of homeowners still prefer to just put a ‘for sale’ sign outside of their property instead of posting an add online. You should look for such a homeowner and speak to them about the property.

You may also find absent homeowners. So if you find a deserted house, look for a homeowner and approach them privately asking if they’d be interested in selling the property. But make sure to make this offer in a subtle manner, so that you do not end up offending them or sounding too desperate. Highlight the benefit of selling the property. Some pointers that may help you strike the deal include highlighting the maintenance cost, how the property is losing money and taxes.

We hope following these simple tips will help you get the property you want. If you are looking at starting this as a business, remember to not count on it as your primary business till everything is in place.