What is a Reserve Fund?

what is a reserve fund?

A reserve fund is like a special savings account that someone or a group sets up to have money available in case they have to pay for unexpected expenses in the future. If the reserve fund is meant to pay for planned improvements, they might use assets that can’t be turned into cash easily. Sometimes, a group of homeowners who live in the same area can have a reserve fund too. They put money in it whenever they pay their dues so that they can keep their community and its shared things in good condition.

How a reserve fund works

A reserve fund is like a special money pot that is set aside to pay for things that are planned, normal, or unexpected. This fund can be created by different types of groups, like the government, banks, or families.

Usually, people put money into the reserve fund regularly, and it earns interest if it’s not being used. The amount of money in the fund can vary, but it’s important to have enough in case there are sudden expenses. The money in the fund is often kept in an account where it’s easy to get to, like a savings account.

Sometimes, when people retire, they get money from a reserve fund. This is because when they were working, they put some of their pay into a pension plan, which is like a reserve fund for retirement. This money is invested to make more money and is then paid out to the employee after they retire.

reserve funds for condos & hoas

Homeowner groups and condos often have a special fund called a reserve fund. They use this fund to pay for big maintenance or renovation projects or for any emergencies that cost a lot of money. They also have another fund called an operating fund that they use to pay for regular things like cleaning, taxes, insurance, and utilities.

Homeowners or condo owners pay money into these funds regularly, and the board of directors decides how to spend the money. Sometimes, they use the reserve fund instead of the operating fund to pay for big expenses like insurance payments.

If there is a really big expense that the reserve fund can’t pay for, each homeowner might have to pay extra money to cover it. For example, if the condo’s parking garage needs urgent repairs, the owners might have to pay more money than usual to the homeowner group.

reserve studies and managing reserve funds

To avoid having to pay extra money for unexpected expenses, it’s important to make sure that a building’s reserve fund has enough money in it. A reserve study is done by experts who look at a property and figure out how much money should be in the reserve fund. They look at things like how old the property is, what condition it’s in, and what kind of maintenance might be needed in the future.

The experts recommend how much money should be in the reserve fund, but sometimes the actual amount is less than what’s recommended. If the reserve fund isn’t managed well, the people who live there might have to pay more money to cover expenses.

If someone is thinking about buying a house in a community, they should find out if the homeowner group or condo association is managing their reserve fund well so they don’t have to pay more money later.

Already have a reserve fund? Sounds like you might be an Accredited Investor! If you are, click here for more information.

Alternative Investments: 8 New Ways to Grow Your Wealth

Are you looking to grow your wealth in new and innovative ways? If so, alternative investments may be the solution for you.

Alternative investments can include a wide range of options, such as fractional investing, venture capital, and more. By diversifying your portfolio with alternative investments, you can help reduce your risk while also increasing your potential for earnings.

So, if you’re ready to explore some new investment opportunities, read on for more details. Not only are these investments rising in popularity and becoming part of the average investor’s portfolio, but you may be surprised at just how beneficial they can be!

8 ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS

fractional investing

Fractional investing is a relatively new investment opportunity that allows you to invest in assets such as real estate, art, and wine. With fractional investing, you don’t have to purchase an entire asset – you can buy a small slice of it instead.

This makes it a more affordable option for investors, and it also allows you to diversify your portfolio more easily.

Fractional investing is a great way to get started in the alternative investment market because it allows you to invest in assets that you wouldn’t normally be able to afford.

This can be a great option for people who are new to investing and want to get their feet wet.

Remember, several different platforms offer fractional investing, so be sure to do your research before choosing one.

Invest in Success

We’re honoured to carry on the tradition of performance as stewards of the historic Karma Candy Building at 356 Emerald St. N. in Hamilton, and we’re excited to invite you to join us as co-owners of this property through BuyProperly.

Learn More

venture capital

Venture capital is an alternative investment that involves investing in early-stage companies. This can be high-risk, but it also has the potential for high returns. This investment is great for people who are willing to take on a little more risk to potentially earn a higher return, and for anyone that loves being a part of new and innovative ideas.

If you’re interested in venture capital, you’ll need to research the companies you’re considering investing in and be comfortable with the risks involved.

private equity

Private equity is the purchase of ownership in a company that is not publicly traded. This investment is typically made by a group of investors, and the goal is to improve the company’s performance and then sell it or take it public.

Private equity investing is a great option for people who want to be more hands-on with their investments and who are comfortable with a higher level of risk. Although private equity can be high-risk, it can also offer high returns.

art

Investing in art can be a great way to add some diversity to your portfolio. Art can be a good investment for both short-term and long-term goals, and it can appreciate in value over time. Art is a great investment for people who have an eye for aesthetics and who enjoy collecting.

When investing in art, it’s important to do your research and purchase pieces that you believe will hold or increase in value.

wine

Now we come to a fun (yet often overlooked!) investment opportunity.

Like art, wine is another asset that can appreciate in value over time. Wine is a popular alternative investment because it can be enjoyed both now and in the future. Some bottles can generate returns of 10-12% per year.

However, it’s important to remember that wine is a volatile investment, so you should only invest what you’re comfortable with losing.

It’s important to do your research before investing in wine, as some types of wine are more likely to appreciate in value than others.

peer-to-peer lending

Peer-to-peer lending is a form of alternative lending that allows investors to lend money to borrowers without going through a traditional bank. This can be a good option for people who are looking for lower interest rates and don’t want to go through the hassle of applying for a loan.

Peer-to-peer lending also offers the potential for high returns, but it’s important to remember that it can be a risky investment.

reits

Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, are a type of alternative investment that allows you to invest in real estate without actually buying property. REITs are an excellent option for people who want to invest in real estate but don’t have the time or resources to do it themselves.

REITs are a diverse investment, and there are many different types to choose from yielding a wide variety of returns. To get started investing in REITs, you can purchase shares on a stock exchange.

private placements

Private placements are alternative investments that are not available to the general public. They are typically only offered to accredited investors, which means they come with a higher level of risk. Private placements can be a good way to get access to alternative investments that you might not otherwise have access to.

You can find private placements through a variety of sources, such as angel investors, venture capitalists, and private equity firms.

When it comes to alternative investments, there are many options to choose from. New and innovative companies, technologies, and ideas make it easier than ever to get involved in lucrative projects!

It’s important to do your research and understand the risks involved before investing. These alternative investments can be a great way to add diversity to your portfolio and grow your wealth.

If you’re interested in getting started with real estate investing for only $2500, learn more about our latest opportunity with BuyProperly for the Karma Candy Building here.

Investing in a Volatile Market: Strategies to Succeed

It’s no secret that the current market is incredibly volatile. Prices are bouncing all over the place, and it can be hard to know what’s the right thing to do when it comes to investing in your future. 

In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the strategies you can use when investing in a volatile market, as well as some common mistakes people make during times like these.

So whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, read on for some valuable insights!

what happens during periods of market volatility?

During periods of market volatility, prices tend to go up and down rapidly, making it hard to predict which way the market will move next. This can be a scary time for investors, as there is always the possibility of losing money. However, it’s important to remember that market volatility is normal and happens every few years.

When the stock market is volatile and inflation is on the rise, it can be difficult to know how to protect your investments. But there are some strategies you can use to help safeguard your portfolio.

Remember, there’s no “right” approach for everyone!  The best strategy for you will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor so you can figure out a plan that works for you.

Invest in Success

We’re honoured to carry on the tradition of performance as stewards of the historic Karma Candy Building at 356 Emerald St. N. in Hamilton, and we’re excited to invite you to join us as co-owners of this property through BuyProperly.

Learn More

the top 6 strategies investors can use during a period of market instability

1. Diversify your Portfolio

One of the best ways to protect your investments during a volatile market is to diversify your portfolio.

It means investing in a variety of different asset types, including stocks, bonds, and cash. This will help to mitigate your risk if one particular asset class starts to decline. It also means investing in a variety of geographies and investing in products.

As an example, your portfolio may include a combination of stocks from different sectors, such as healthcare, tech, and finance, bonds with different maturity dates, or different countries, like Canada, the US, and Europe.

2. Consider Alternative Investments 

Alternative investments can be a good way to diversify your portfolio and protect against inflation. Some examples include real estate trusts, commodities, and hedge funds.

3. Stay disciplined with your investing

It can be tempting to try to time the market during periods of volatility. Often, investors will veer off course in search of a great deal. However, this can be a recipe for disaster. The best way to approach investing during a volatile market is to stick to your investment plan and refrain from making impulsive decisions.  Investing longer periods of time, years rather than months helps even out the ups and downs of the market, and realize market growth over the longer term.

4. Review your investment mix

As market conditions change, so should your investment mix. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio will help ensure that your investments are properly diversified and aligned with your goals. This means selling off assets that have increased in value and buying more of the assets that have lost value.

By doing this, you ensure that your portfolio stays diversified and aligned with your investment.

For example, if you’re close to retirement, you may want to adjust your portfolio to be more conservative. On the other hand, if you have a longer time horizon, you may be able to weather the ups and downs of the market and take on a bit more risk.

5. Be prepared for market corrections

A market correction is when the stock market experiences a sharp decline. These declines are often seen as a normal part of the market cycle. However, they can be difficult to stomach if you’re not prepared for them. Learning how to ride out a market correction will help you stay the course when your investments start to decline.

6. Try dollar-cost averaging

This involves investing a fixed amount of money into security or securities at regular intervals. By buying these securities over time, you’ll be able to average out the price and reduce your overall risk. This technique can help smooth out the ups and downs of the market.

With these tips, you (and your investment portfolio) will be better prepared to handle any periods of economic instability!

here are the 10 mistakes to avoid when investing during a period of market VOLATILITY

1. don't try to time the market

People often do this when they think the market is about to crash and they want to sell before it does. But no one can predict the future, so this strategy is often unsuccessful. If your timing is wrong, you could lose a lot of money or miss out on a rebound.

2. Don't invest everything at once

When the market is volatile, it’s often best to invest gradually over time. This way, you’ll be able to average out the price and reduce your overall risk.

3. Don't put all your eggs in one basket

As we mentioned above, diversification is key when the market is volatile. By investing in a variety of asset types and classes, you’ll be able to reduce your risk.

4. don't panic

It can be tempting to sell everything when the market is crashing, but this is often the worst thing you can do. If you sell too quickly, you’ll likely miss out on the rebound. Through diversification and smart portfolio management, you’ll be better prepared to avoid the dreaded “panic sell” mentality.

5. don't try to guess the bottom

A lot of people think they can predict when the market will hit rock bottom and start to rebound. But again, this is often unsuccessful. If you wait too long to buy, you could miss out on a lot of gains.

6. Don't get emotional about your investments

It’s important to remember that investments are just that – investments. They go up and down, and you need to be prepared for both. Getting too attached to your investments can cloud your judgement and lead to bad decisions.

7. don't forget about the fees

When the market is volatile, every penny counts. Be sure to check how much you’re paying in fees and expenses. These can eat into your returns and add up over time.

8. I’m factor in your taxes

When you sell investments for a profit, you’ll likely owe capital gains taxes. Be sure to factor this in when making decisions about when to sell.

9. always stick to comfortable levels of risk

Just because the market is volatile doesn’t mean you should take on more risk than you’re comfortable with. Be sure to stay within your risk tolerance levels and don’t make impulsive decisions based on market fluctuations.

10. don't forget about your goals

When making investment decisions, it’s important to keep your long-term goals in mind. Don’t let the market dictate your decisions. Stick to your plan and stay the course.

The more you hold onto your long-term investment vision, the less likely you’ll be swayed by short-term market fluctuations.

Although it seems simple, keeping these strategies in mind will help you feel more secure as you invest and grow wealth for your future (especially when the market becomes unpredictable)!

Investing during periods of market volatility can be difficult, but there are some strategies you can use to help reduce your risk. By diversifying your investments, using dollar-cost averaging, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be in a better position to weather the storm.

By staying diversified, investing gradually, and focusing on your long-term goals, you’ll be well on your way to success.

Looking to add to your real estate investment strategy? Learn more about our latest opportunity with BuyProperly.

karma candy building

Now You Can Enter the Real Estate Market With Just $500, Thanks to BuyProperly

“BuyProperly provides you with the benefits of investing in cities with huge capital appreciation — without bearing the brunt of high real estate costs,” says BuyProperly CEO Khushboo Jha. “Our mission is to enable investors like you to grow your wealth through alternate asset classes.”

With BuyProperly, you can enter the real estate market for just $500. Use the promo code BEGIN@500 at BuyProperly.ca to get started.

What is BuyProperly?

Founded in Toronto in 2019, BuyProperly is a fractional real estate investing platform that lets you enter the real estate market through a quick and easy online transaction.

Through BuyProperly.ca, you can go online and complete a fractional real estate investment with expected returns of 20 to 40% in less than 7 minutes.

“There’s only one objective: to give the customer’s options to invest in good deals. That’s it,” Khushboo told Bay Street Bull.

“There’s only one objective: to give the customer’s options to invest in good deals.”

— Khushboo Jha
BuyProperly CEO

BuyProperly grows your wealth by identifying high yield properties with a cutting-edge proprietary AI model.

You’ll earn passive rental income alongside your long-term investments. When a property is sold, your investment principal is paid back to you, plus appreciation.

How does it work?

BuyProperly’s selection process has three stages:

  1. First, using an AI model that looks at 20 years of MLS data, BuyProperly finds assets listed for less than their fair market value. This is determined through 500 million data points, including information on nearby schools, banks, neighbourhood shops, local demographics and economic data.
  2. Next, BuyProperly’s investment committee reviews actual, up-to-date numbers and data to detect red flags not captured in the initial evaluation.
  3. Then, BuyProperly undertakes an in-person inspection. Only 1% of properties reviewed pass BuyProperly’s rigorous evaluation and appear on the BuyProplerly website for you to invest in.

BuyProperly rents the fractionally-owned properties to high-quality, AAA tenants, earning you passive income alongside your long-term investments. In a few simple steps, you can open up a free account and start investing!

emerald street drone
Properties like the Karma Candy Building at 356 Emerald St. N. in Hamilton — which you can invest in on BuyProperly — offer tremendous upside potential.

What Are BuyProperly’s Main Benefits?

    • No need to qualify for a mortgage
    • No downpayment required
    • None of the pain of managing a property or being a landlord
    • No closing costs
    • No need to find tenants or maintain the property
    • You’ll get a share of rent and gains on the property when it’s sold

Properties like the Karma Candy Building at 356 Emerald St. N. in Hamilton  — which you can invest in on BuyProperly — offer tremendous upside potential.

The complex is 280,000 sq. ft and comprises industrial and office units. The property also includes 118 and 65 Shaw St. Karma Candy is set to lease back the entire property. 

What are the experts saying?

“I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to be a part of BuyProperly and Khushboo’s journey since the beginning,” Saurabh Dutta, Partner at Nurture Ventures, said in a statement. “The market need for fractional real estate investing is clear through the customer growth BuyProperly has seen in only a short amount of time.”

“Khushboo and her team created the new hidden gem of real estate investing,” Margaux Perrin said on Bay Street Estate Bull.

“Khushboo and her team created the new hidden gem of real estate investing.”

Margaux Perrin, Bay Street Bull

Here’s How to Join BuyProperly and Enter the Real Estate Market for $500

It’s quick and easy for you to create an account at BuyProperly.ca. Then, use the promo code Begin@500 at BuyProperly.ca to get started with an investment of just $500.

Are you interested but have a few more questions? The folks at BuyProperly are happy to chat! It’s quick and easy to schedule a call with them. Just book a meeting and choose a time that suits you best!

How to Invest in Real Estate with Little Money

options are still available

It’s true, you can absolutely purchase property with little or no money available. How? By using some of the following creative financing techniques.

Before we dive in, have you considered fractional real estate investing? This is a new, but very attainable way to invest in real estate.

Why alternative forms of real estate investing are becoming more popular

In recent years, alternative forms of real estate investing have become more popular with investors who are looking to buy a property with little or no money down. This is because traditional forms of financing, such as bank loans, are becoming harder to obtain.

With house prices rising across Canada and the United States, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult for people to “buy in” to the real estate market.

To purchase an investment property, most lenders require a 20-30% down payment. This could be anywhere from $20,000 up to $200,000 or more just for a single-family, residential property!

On top of land transfer taxes, surveys, inspections, and lawyer’s fees, these expenses are enough to push many investors out of the market.

Ongoing real estate expenses
Aside from your down payment and closing costs, investing in real estate also comes with monthly expenses. These include:
  • Insurance
  • Property taxes
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Condo and management fees
  • Mortgage payments + interest
  • Rental and vacancy expenses
  • Ongoing property management

This means that investors need to set aside even more money to handle monthly expenses that come up. Is it possible to invest in real estate without having a large amount of capital available? AbsolutelyLet’s explore some of the most common ways to invest in real estate with little money.

Fractional investing

 

Fractional investing is a newer concept that’s gained popularity in recent years. It allows investors to pool their money together to purchase a share of an investment property.

This type of investment is often made through a real estate crowdfunding platform, which connects investors with developers who are looking to finance their projects.

With fractional investing, you can spread your investment amount over multiple properties, which also helps to mitigate risk and increase your diversification.

It’s also a great way to get started in real estate investing with little money as you can typically invest as little as $2500.

Seller financing

 

Another option for investors looking to buy a property with little money down is seller financing.

With this type of financing, the seller agrees to act as the bank and provide you with a mortgage. This could be in the form of an interest-only loan or a balloon payment loan.

Seller financing can be a great option for both buyers and sellers. The buyer gets to purchase the property with little money down and the seller gets their asking price for the property.

REITs

 

REITs, or real estate investment trusts, are another way to invest in real estate without having to put down a large amount of money. REITs are companies that own and manage income-producing properties, such as office buildings, shopping malls, apartments, and warehouses.

REITs are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold just like any other stock. This makes them a liquid investment, which is ideal for investors who want to cash out quickly if needed.

Since REITs are traded on stock exchanges, they also offer the potential for growth through capital appreciation.

The downside of investing in REITs is that they’re subject to the ups and downs of the stock market. This means that your investment could lose value if the stock market declines. In addition, there are fees associated with owning a REIT and you often don’t have any transparency about the properties that you are investing in.

Lease-options

 

A lease option is another creative way to invest in real estate with little money down. With a lease option, you agree to lease a property from the owner for a set period.

The length of the lease will depend on the agreement between the buyer and seller, but it’s typically 1-5 years.
During the lease period, the buyer has the option to purchase the property, but they’re not obligated to do so.

Lease options are a great way to get into a property without having to put down a large amount of money. The downside is that you’re not guaranteed to purchase the property at the end of the lease period.

Wraparound mortgages

 

A wraparound mortgage is another financing option for investors looking to buy a property with little money down. With a wraparound mortgage, the buyer agrees to make payments on the existing loan and takes over responsibility for the property.

The buyer then charges their own tenant a higher rent amount and uses that money to make the monthly payments on the mortgage.

Wraparound mortgages can be a great way to get into a property with little money down, but they’re not without risk. If the tenant doesn’t pay their rent on time, the investor could be responsible for making the mortgage payments.

House hacking

 

House hacking is a strategy that allows investors to live in the property they’re purchasing while renting out the other rooms to tenants.

This is a great way to get started in real estate investing as it allows you to live in the property while someone else helps to pay the mortgage.

House hacking can be done with any type of property, but it’s most commonly done with multifamily properties, such as duplexes and triplexes.

The downside of house hacking is that it can be a lot of work. The investor is responsible for finding tenants, collecting rent, and maintaining the property.

Subject-to properties

 

A subject-to-property is a property that’s purchased with the existing mortgage in place.

With this type of purchase, the buyer takes over responsibility for making the monthly mortgage payments, but the seller remains on the hook for the loan.

Subject-to properties can be a great way to get into a property with little money down, but they’re not without risk. If the buyer stops making the mortgage payments, the property will go into foreclosure and the seller will be responsible for any deficiency.

Contract for deed

 

A contract for deed is an agreement between a buyer and seller that allows the buyer to purchase a property while making payments over time.

The buyer doesn’t take ownership of the property until the contract is paid in full.

Contracts for deeds are a great opportunity for buyers, but they’re not without risk. If the buyer stops making the payments, the seller can cancel the contract and evict the buyer from the property.

Joint ventures

 

A joint venture is an agreement between two or more people to work together on a specific project.

In the context of real estate investing, a joint venture is an agreement between two or more people to purchase a property and share in the profits.

Joint ventures are a great way to get into a property with little money down as they allow you to pool your resources with another person or group of people.

The downside of joint ventures is that they can be complex and there’s always the risk that one party will default on the agreement.

Crowdfunding

 

Crowdfunding is a way of raising money from a large group of people.

In the context of real estate investing, crowdfunding allows investors to pool their resources and invest in a property together. Although similar to a fractional model, crowdfunding focuses more on raising capital as opposed to investing in fractional shares of a property.

Crowdfunding platforms such as RealtyMogul and Fundrise make it easy for investors to get started in real estate with little money down.

The downside of crowdfunding is that it’s often a hands-off investment and you’re relying on the platform to manage the property.

Sweat equity

 

Sweat equity is the value of the work that you put into a property.

For example, if you purchase a fixer-upper and put in the time and effort to renovate it, your sweat equity would be the value of the renovations that you did.

Sweat equity can be a great way to get into a property with little money down since it opens up opportunities to get lower-priced properties with huge potential for appreciation. Keep in mind, if the property doesn’t appreciate in value or if the renovations take longer than expected, you could end up losing money on the deal.

Options

An option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a property at a set price within a certain period.

Options are a great way to get into a property with little money down as they allow you to control the property without having to put up all the cash for the purchase price.

The downside of options is that they can be complex and there’s always the risk that the property will decrease in value, leaving the buyer with an option that’s worth less than the purchase price.

There are several ways to get into real estate with little money down. 

The best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances. If you’re looking for a hands-off investment, crowdfunding may be the way to go. If you’re willing to put in the work, a subject-to-property or a fixer-upper may be the best option. Fractional investing is a great option for people who want to own a piece of real estate without the headaches that come along with maintenance and management.

Whatever route you decide to take, do your research and understand the risks involved.
Ready to get started? Take a look at our newest opportunity here and learn how you can get started for only $2,500.

The Top 50 Real Estate Investment Books

If you’re a real estate investor (or thinking about becoming one) you know how important it is to equip yourself with knowledge- from webinars and courses to seminars and mentors, the options are endless!

But what you may not realize is that books can also be a powerful investment tool. In fact, there are plenty of great books out there on investing that can help you make smart choices with your money. To help you get started, here are the top 50 best real estate investment books, based on our experts’ recommendations. 

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting to learn the ropes, these books will provide you with all the information you need to make smart decisions about where to put your money. 

So if you’re looking to boost your financial knowledge and invest smarter, be sure to check out this list of the best real estate investment books!

the top 50 best real estate investment books

 

1. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham: This book is considered the “bible” of value investing and is a must-read for anyone looking to get into this strategy.

2. “The Warren Buffett Way” by Robert G. Hagstrom: This book outlines Buffett’s unique investing philosophy and approach to building a successful portfolio.

3. “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller: This book is a comprehensive guide to real estate investing, covering everything from finding properties to financing and managing them.

4. “The Book on Rental Property Investing” by Brandon Turner: This book is a step-by-step guide to successful rental property investing, from finding the right property to screening tenants and managing your investment.

5. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Flipping Houses” by J. Scott: This book provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to flipping houses for profit, from finding the right property to repairing and selling it.

6. “Build a Rental Property Empire” by Mark Ferguson: This book is a comprehensive guide to building a profitable rental property business, from finding the right properties to managing and scaling your business.

7. “The ABCs of Real Estate Investing” by Ken McElroy: This book is a great introduction to real estate investing, covering everything from the basics of property ownership to financing and taxation.

8. “The Real Estate Investor’s Bible” by William Bronchick: This book breaks down real estate investing, covering everything from finding properties to financing and closing deals.

9. “The Complete Guide to Flipping Properties” by Steve Chaderjian: This book is a step-by-step guide to flipping properties for profit, from finding the right property to repairing and selling it.

10. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Financing” by Robert Shemin: This book is a comprehensive guide to financing real estate investments, from traditional loans to creative financing techniques.

11. “Investing in Real Estate” by Gary Eldred: This book is a great introduction to real estate investing, covering everything from the basics of property ownership to financing and taxation.

12. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Tax Deeds and Foreclosures” by Jackie Beckham: This book is a great intoduction to investing in tax deeds and foreclosure properties, from finding the best deals to bidding at auction.

13. “The ABCs of Property Management” by Ken McElroy: This book is a great introduction to property management, covering everything from the basics of rentals and leases to marketing and maintaining your properties.

14. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Leasing” by Joel Singer: This book is a comprehensive guide to leasing real estate properties, from Negotiating the best terms to managing the tenancy.

15. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Business Plans” by Michael E. Gerber: This book covers everything you need to know about creating a business plan for your real estate investing business, from setting goals and objectives to outlining your marketing strategy.

16. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Residential Properties” by John T. Reed: This book is a comprehensive guide to investing in residential properties, from finding the best deals to financing and managing your investment.

17. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Commercial Properties” by John T. Reed: This book is all about investing in commercial properties, from office buildings to shopping centers.

18. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Economic Indicators” by Sam Khater: This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding and using economic indicators to make better real estate investment decisions.

19. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Market Research” by Steve cook: This book is a great guide to market research for real estate investors, from finding the best markets to invest in and analyzing demographic trends.

20. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Property Management” by William Pivar: This book is an introduction to property management for real estate investors, from finding the best tenants to maintaining your properties.

21. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Financing Options” by James A. Banks: This book is a guide to financing options for real estate investors including both traditional loans and private lenders.

22. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Flipping Houses” by Suzanne Krauss: This book is a step-by-step guide to flipping houses for profit, from finding the right property to repairing and selling it.

23. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Negotiating” by Dean Graziosi: This book is a comprehensive guide to negotiating real estate deals including buying properties at a discount to getting the best terms on financing.

24. “The Book on Rental Property Investing” by Brandon Turner: This book is a great introduction to the ins and outs of rental property investing, from finding the best deals to managing your properties.

25. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Foreclosures” by Martin Welch: This book is a guide to investing in foreclosed properties including finding the best deals for repairing and selling them.

26. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Short Sales” by Suzanne Krauss: This book is a great introduction to short-selling real estate properties, from finding the best deals to negotiating with lenders.

27. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Fix and Flips” by Suzanne Krauss: This book is a step-by-step guide to fixing and flipping houses for profit and covers everything from finding the right property to repairing and selling it.

28. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Rent-to-Own Properties” by Michael R. Lewis: This book is a great introduction to rent-to-own investing, from finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

29. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Wholesaling” by Than Merrill: This book is a guide to wholesaling real estate properties including finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

30. “Long-Distance Real Estate Investing” by David Greene: This book is a wonderful introduction to investing in real estate from a distance, from finding the best deals to working with local property managers.

31. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Incomplete Construction Projects” by James A. Banks: This book is a comprehensive guide to investing in incomplete construction projects, from finding the best deals to financing and managing your investment.

32. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Bank-Owned Properties” by Jackie Beckham: This book is a great introduction to investing in bank-owned properties, from finding the best deals to negotiating with lenders.

54. “Build a Rental Property Empire” by Mark Ferguson: All about building a rental property empire including finding the best deals to managing your portfolio.

34. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Pre-foreclosures” by Jackie Beckham: This book is an introduction to investing in pre-foreclosure properties, from finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

35. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Online Marketing” by Than Merrill: This book is a comprehensive guide to online marketing for real estate investors, from creating a website to driving traffic and generating leads.

36. “Real Estate Riches” by Dolf de Roos: This book covers how to build wealth through real estate investing, from finding the best deals to creating a portfolio that will generate income.

37. “How to Be a Real Estate Investor” by Neil Weinberg:  This book is a great introduction to real estate investing for those who are new to the field. It includes information on finding the best deals and making your first investment.

38. “Investing in Real Estate” by Gary Wiltbank: A straightforward book about real estate investing, from finding the best deals to choosing the right properties.

39. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Cold Calling” by Dean Graziosi: This book is a great introduction to good, old-fashioned cold calling for real estate investors.

40. “How to Be a Real Estate Investor” by Neil Weinberg:  This book is a great introduction to real estate investing for those who are new to the field, from finding the best deals to making your first investment.

41. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to FSBOs” by Jackie Beckham: This book is a guide to investing in for-sale-by-owner properties.

42. “Real Estate: The Ultimate Wealth Builder?” by John Trew:  This book covers the pros and cons of real estate investing, from finding the best deals to deciding if it’s the right investment for you.

43. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Probates” by Jackie Beckham: This book is a great introduction to investing in probate properties including finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

44. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Tax Deeds” by Suzanne Krauss: This book is a great introduction to investing in tax deed properties, from finding the best deals to bidding at auction.

45. “Making Money in Real Estate” by Matthew Puttock: This book is a great introduction to real estate investing, from finding the best deals to making money through different investment strategies.

46. “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller: This book is a journey into the mindset of a successful real estate investor outlining Keller’s own journey to becoming a millionaire through real estate investing.

47. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Rent-to-Own Properties” by Jackie Beckham: This book is a great introduction to investing in rent-to-own properties, from finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

48. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Lease Options” by Suzanne Krauss: This book is a great introduction to investing in lease option properties, from finding the best deals to negotiating with sellers.

49. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Private Lenders” by Than Merrill: This book is a great introduction to raising private money for real estate investing, from finding the best deals to negotiating with lenders.

50. “The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Business Plans” by Michael R. Lewis: This book is a guide to creating a business plan for your real estate investing business, from finding the best deals to negotiating with lenders.

These are just some of the best real estate investment books out there. If you’re looking to get started in real estate investing, or if you’re already an experienced investor, these books can help you learn everything you need to know about building a profitable portfolio.

So what are you waiting for? Start reading and get started on your real estate investing journey today!

Looking for a low-cost, high-return option to start your real estate journey? Check out our latest campaign with BuyProperly, the Karma Candy Building, where you can invest with as low as $2,500 today.

A selection of luxury watches

Grow Your Wealth While Managing The Risks With Diversification

Every investment carries some amount of risk. Since markets can be volatile and unpredictable, diversifying your portfolio helps maximize returns over the long term as well as better protect yourself against unexpected market downturns.

This article will talk about what diversification is, its importance, and how you can diversify your investment portfolio. Moreover, we will also shed some light on the benefits of illiquidity and how real estate investments can help you enhance your returns.

Let’s get started!

Diversification: Why It’s Crucial for Your Portfolio?

Diversification is the most crucial step in risk management. It is the investment technique of holding unrelated investments across asset classes that react differently to social and economic events.

Diversification is a technique that is crucial for investors to reach their long-term goals as it enables them to hedge against unsystematic risk and build wealth over a period across different asset classes. Using diversification, an intelligent investor reduces the risk by planning carefully and allocating funds across various asset classes.

For instance, in a growing economy, stocks generally outperform bonds. However, when market conditions change, bonds hold their value, whereas stock prices tumble. Thus, if a smart investor diversifies their investment portfolio and holds both stocks and bonds, they can reduce their overall exposure to such change in market conditions and mitigate the risks of their portfolio taking a big hit.

Investment Portfolio Diversification: How to Achieve it?

An investor can diversify their portfolio by using the asset allocation strategy, which involves selecting a combination of investments based on the investors’ risk profile, financial goals, and time horizon.

Each asset class available to investors have different risk-reward ratios, and thus, each performs differently in varying market conditions. For instance, while stocks are more volatile and risky in comparison to bonds, they also offer the potential for higher returns.

Some of the standard asset allocation classes include the following:

  • Equities (Stocks and ETFs)
  • Fixed Income Bonds
  • Real Estate
  • Gold
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Collectables
  • Cash and cash equivalents

Diversified Portfolio Example

Source: Cary Stamp & Co.

While diversification is essential, it’s equally important not to over diversify. The best way for an investor to do so is to keep their portfolio at a manageable level that varies for each investor based on their financial goals and risk profiles. For instance, avoiding diversification for some investors could mean only holding six assets in different industries that they are confident about. Whereas, for others, it could mean avoiding investment in certain asset classes that they don’t understand, just for the sake of diversification.

The Benefits of Illiquidity

Liquidity refers to the ease with which an asset can be converted to cash and cash equivalents without losing market value. In general, it is seen that liquid assets such as stocks are more volatile in nature. Thus, to capture the benefits of illiquidity, long-term investors may prefer allocating funds towards illiquid assets.

Typically, illiquid assets have a low correlation to the broader stock market, and thus, they are less volatile in nature, and their value remains stable over a more extended period. As a result, such investments are considered low beta investments that are less risky but offer lower returns. As a result, such investments help minimize portfolio losses when the market sees a downturn.

How to Enhance Portfolio Diversification Using Real Estate

Real Estate Investment is the process of purchasing property to either rent it out or sell it to make a profit. As an asset class, real estate is mainly used for diversification purposes and has helped investors amass generational wealth.

Diversifying your portfolio by investing in real estate offers the following benefits:

  • Long-term stability – Real estate market is seen as one of the most stable financial markets. Thus, real estate investment is considered to be a less volatile and stable long-term investment opportunity.
  • Usability – Real estate is a tangible asset that investors can use for renting out or for personal use. For example, real estate bought for diversification purposes can be rented out and used to generate additional income.
  • Mitigating Risks – Real estate is an illiquid asset and thus, is not highly correlated to the stock market. Hence, many investors use real estate to hedge their risks against more volatile assets in their portfolios.
  • Tax Benefits –  Governments in many countries offer tax benefits on real estate investment to promote the sale of properties in the country and boost the economy.

Additionally, there are many different ways through which investors can invest in real estate. They are as follows:

  • Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – REITs enable investors to invest in real estate even with small amounts of money. Shares of REIT stocks can be bought and sold in the market just like any other publicly listed company.
  • Crowdfunding Real Estate Platforms – These online platforms let investors take a more hands-on approach and invest in specific real estate development projects.
  • Investing in Rental Properties – Purchasing rental properties enables investors to add an alternative source of cash flow and earn some additional monthly income.

Important Questions to Ask About Your Portfolio Diversification

To diversify your portfolio successfully, an investor first needs to understand the fundamentals of diversification and ask the right questions to evaluate how these fundamentals apply to their specific portfolio.

Here are some critical questions about your portfolio diversification to evaluate your diversification strategy and make more informed choices.

  1. What is my risk tolerance? – This changes according to investment objectives and time horizon. Each asset class has different risks. Hence, investors must choose an asset class that is suitable to their risk tolerance.
  2. What is my risk-adjusted rate of return? – This question answers how well you are being compensated for the amount of risk you’re taking.
  3. How many asset classes should I invest in? – While diversifying your portfolio, it’s important to look for a wide range of asset classes.

Closing Thoughts

As an investor, to achieve your long-term financial goals, you need to balance your risk and reward. Diversification allows you to choose a mix of assets that reduce the risk of losses in the market. Thus, it’s essential to find the right balance between risk and return and select a mix of assets that can help you achieve your financial goals while limiting your exposure to unsystematic risks.

How to Invest in Real Estate Without Fear of Rejection

How to Invest in Real Estate Without Fear of Rejection

The Canadian real estate market is hot – and you want in. But you know there can be many hoops to jump through before you score the investment property of your dreams. And one of the last, most frustrating hoops is making an offer…only to have it rejected, Unfortunately, that happens a lot.

Reasons for rejection

Putting in an offer on a property that you worked hard to find and having it rejected can be tough to take. Perhaps there was a counteroffer, but a rejection by the seller may catch you by surprise. Why would your offer be rejected? Here are the most common reasons:

  1. Your offer was too low

Many sellers would counter a low-ball offer in hopes of driving the price higher. But some sellers may just throw out that low offer altogether, especially if they hear of other buyers willing to go higher. And if your offer was very low, and insulted the seller may be unwilling to entertain it at all.

2. Your finances are weak

These days, sellers want to make sure that prospective buyers are at least pre-approved for a mortgage to finance the purchase. If you haven’t spoken with a mortgage specialist yet, there’s no way for the seller to verify whether or not they’re wasting their time with your offer. Instead, they’ll be much more willing to accept an offer from a buyer whose finances are already in order.

3. Your deposit was too small

While your purchase price is a key component of your offer, the seller will also consider the size of your deposit. A large deposit shows the seller that you are financially strong: capable of supporting a home purchase. A small deposit looks weak and could scare off the seller.

4. Your closing dates don’t line up

Matching closing dates help smooth real estate transactions. For instance, sellers who have already bought a new property may want a short closing date so they’re not stuck with two mortgages. Or perhaps the seller has yet to find another home and doesn’t want to risk having anywhere to go. In this case, the seller may want a longer closing date. Either way, if your proposed closing date doesn’t align with the seller’s needs, your offer may be rejected.

5. The seller maybe unwilling to compromise

If the home inspection reveals issues with the property, you may request to have the seller make repairs. But if the seller is unwilling to put in any more work on the home before selling and you can’t reach a compromise, your offer may be rejected.

Aside from the outright rejection of your offer, there are other difficulties that you can encounter in a competitive market, such as bidding wars. But the biggest hurdle to investing in real estate is money. These days, real estate prices are through the roof, especially in certain cities. Many would-be investors simply don’t have the financial means to get started, especially if they are buying a property on their own.

Fortunately, there are other ways to get a foot in the door – even with minimal capital – including “fractional” investing.

Fractional investing in real estate 

In fractional investing, several parties purchase the property: each has its own share and each assumes its share of the risk. For instance, if a property sells for $500,000 and you put in $10,000, you own 2% of that property.

Unlike full ownership, fractional ownership allows investors to diversify their portfolios, reducing risk while getting access to high-value assets. It also eliminates many of the hassles: searching for properties, putting in offers, managing tenants, and maintaining the property.

Who offers fractional investment?

Fractional investing reduces the barriers to entry for investors just starting out in the real estate market. But where can you find these investment opportunities?

BuyProperly is an online platform for fractional real estate ownership: it gives investors with limited capital – as little as $2,500 – the chance to buy into a property without the headaches that usually come with being a landlord.

The expert team at BuyProperly thoroughly vets the high-value, high-growth, buy-to-let properties available for investment. And BuyProperly’s local property managers handle “landlording,” hassles: maintenance, improvements, tenant searches, rent collection…..

Investors can earn monthly rental dividends while watching the property value grow over time. If or when the property is eventually sold, all the investors can capitalize on the increase in equity.

Benefits of fractional ownership 

There are plenty of reasons why investors — particularly beginners with minimal capital or experience — might want to go the fractional investment route:

  • Minimum capital needed. Traditional real estate deals require tens of thousands of dollars (or more); fractional investing requires as little as a couple of thousand dollars to get started.
  • Increased diversification. Adding a real estate property to your investment portfolio is a great way to help you hedge against risk.
  • High return potential. Real estate is known to increase in value over time: this can help increase your returns, especially as renters help pay the mortgage.
  • Asset tangibility. Unlike stocks, real estate is a real-world asset, which can offer both growth potential and intrinsic value.
  • Tax breaks. When the property is eventually sold, you’ll get taxed only on capital gains, rather than having your entire return taxed as income.

 

How do you earn returns with fractional ownership? 

Like any other type of real estate investment, fractional ownership pays out in two ways:

  • Through rental income. Depending on how much you invest and your exact share in the property, you’ll collect rental income relative to your share.
  • Profit when the property is sold. Over time, the property will likely increase in value, which helps add to your equity in it. You’ll be able to recover your initial investment, plus your share of any profits.

 

 

Should you invest with BuyProperly?

 

If you’re interested in investing in real estate but haven’t yet, because of done so because of all the hurdles, BuyProperly may offer a solution.

In particular, BuyProperly may be an ideal investment platform for those who:

  • Want to invest a modest amount of money
  • Want to avoid managing the property and dealing with tenants
  • Want to diversify their investment portfolio
  • Want help choosing the right property to invest in

 

Our final thoughts

There are plenty of benefits to investing in real estate: passive income, regular cash flow, tangible assets that grow in value, investment diversification, and tax advantages. But getting involved in real estate investment can be tough for many. BuyProperly makes getting your foot in the door is much easier. You can start investing with as little as $2,500 and see potential annual returns of 10–40%. And you can kiss that fear of rejection goodbye.

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