Here are 11 mistakes you’ll want to avoid as a successful real estate investor.

1. Overpaying for a property

 

Investing in real estate can be a great way to build wealth over time, but it’s important not to overpay for a property.

One of the biggest mistakes that investors make is paying too much (or getting caught in a bidding war) for a property. When you pay too much, you are limiting your potential profits and could even end up losing money on the investment.

To avoid overpaying for a property, be sure to do your research and know what properties are worth in the area you are investing in. Don’t get caught up in the excitement of the purchase and end up paying more than it’s worth. Even if you find a fantastic deal, don’t be afraid to let it go.

 

2. Not doing proper research

 

Another common mistake that investors make is not doing proper research. Before buying a property, be sure to have a solid understanding of the market conditions, the rental potential of the property, and what you will need to do to get it ready for tenants.

If you don’t do your homework before buying a property, you could end up losing money on the investment. The best way to avoid this is to gather as much information as you can before making an offer so you know exactly what to expect. Do your research on the market conditions, the property, and the neighbourhood before making an offer.​​​​​​​​​​

3. Trying to do everything alone

 

Successful investors know they need a team of professionals working alongside them to build a lucrative real estate portfolio.  Trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for disaster.

When you try to do everything alone, you will likely make mistakes and miss out on potential opportunities. Instead, build a team of professionals who can help you with every aspect of your real estate investing. This includes lawyers, accountants, contractors, realtors, and more. By working with a team of professionals, you will be able to make more money and avoid mistakes.​​​​​​

At BuyProperly, they use an AI-powered platform to help match investors with high-performing investments. They use a fractional investment model to allow investors to buy in for as little as $2,500, and they take care of all the property management and necessary legal paperwork.

4. Making emotional decisions

 

One of the biggest traps investors fall into is making emotional decisions. When you buy a property based on your emotions, you are likely to overpay or make other mistakes that can hurt your bottom line.

To avoid making emotional decisions, take some time to think about the purchase and what it will mean for your business. Make a list of pros and cons and be sure to think about the long-term implications of the investment. If you are still not sure, it’s best to wait until you are 100% certain before making a decision.

​​​​​​5. Underestimating repair costs

 

Investors often underestimate the repair costs of a property, which can lead to losing money on the investment. When you buy a property, be sure to factor in the cost of repairs and renovations.

If you don’t have enough money set aside for repairs, you could end up taking a loss on the investment. To avoid this, make sure you have a realistic estimate of the repair costs and be prepared to pay for them out of pocket.

This is where working with professionals really pays off. If you’re not sure how to calculate repair costs, bring in home inspectors, contractors, and licensed professionals to give you accurate estimates.

6. Buying in a bad neighbourhood

 

Another mistake that investors make is buying in a bad neighbourhood. This can negatively impact rental incomes, vacancy rates, and resale value.

When you buy a property in an undesirable or unsafe neighbourhood, you are likely to experience high levels of crime, vandalism, and other problems.

To avoid this, do your research on the neighbourhoods where you are thinking about investing. Make sure to check out the crime statistics, school ratings, and other important information. If a neighbourhood doesn’t meet your standards, don’t invest in it.

​​​​​​​​Instead, look for neighbourhoods that are growing and have a lot of potential. These areas are more likely to experience positive growth in the future, which will translate into higher rents, fewer vacancies, and greater appreciation.

7. Investing without a plan

 

Another mistake that investors make is investing without a plan. This can lead to money being wasted on bad investments and missed opportunities.

To avoid this, create a detailed investment plan before buying a property. The plan should include your goals, strategies, and how you will measure success. When considering your budget, it’s also important to ensure the mortgage payment, repairs, and emergency fund can be covered by the rental income.

By having a solid plan in place, you will be able to make better decisions and avoid mistakes. You will also be able to stay focused on your goals and achieve them faster.

​​​​​​​​Creating a plan is essential for any real estate investor, so don’t skip this step.

8. Not having enough cash reserves 

 

Investors often make the mistake of not having enough cash reserves. This can lead to them being forced to sell a property in a hurry or take out a loan, which can be costly.

To avoid this, make sure you have plenty of cash saved up so you can buy properties without having to borrow money. You should also have money set aside for repairs and other unexpected costs.

If you don’t have enough cash saved up, it’s best to wait until you do before investing in real estate. The last thing you want is to get into a financial bind that forces you to sell a property at a loss.

​​​​​​So, how much cash should you have set aside when you buy a property? Aside from your down payment and closing costs, aim to keep an additional 5% set aside for repairs, maintenance, and emergencies.

At BuyProperly, they use a fractional investment model that allows investors to get started for as little as $2,500. This eliminates the need for a huge cash downpayment and the fear of getting hit with unexpected repair costs.

See their properties here.

9. Paying too much in fees 

 

Another mistake that investors make is paying too much in fees. This can include broker fees, closing costs, and other expenses.

To avoid this, be sure to shop around for the best deals on fees. Ask your real estate agent about their commission, get quotes for title insurance, and compare rates for home inspections.

By shopping around for the best deals, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

10. Not setting short-term and long-term goals

 

Before buying an investment property, it’s important to know your financial goals. If you’re looking for quick returns and you’re available to put more time into your real estate investment portfolio, a buy-and-flip could be a great option.

If you’re looking for long-term wealth, a  buy-and-hold strategy may be better.

Successful investors know their goals ahead of time so they can find the right properties to grow their portfolios.

Not having short-term and long-term goals can lead to costly mistakes, so make sure you know what you want before investing in real estate.

11. Quitting too soon

 

One of the biggest mistakes that investors make is quitting too soon. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as not having enough money saved up or experiencing some early losses.

To avoid this, set a goal for how long you will stay in the real estate market. If you’re just starting out, give yourself at least five years to make mistakes and learn from them.

By setting a goal and sticking to it, you’ll be more likely to succeed in real estate investing. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Conclusion

 

Have you made any of these mistakes when investing in real estate? If so, you’re not alone. But don’t let it discourage you.

Investing doesn’t have to be overwhelming, frustrating, or even costly. Learn how you can get started investing in real estate for as little as $2,500. Visit  www.buyproperly.ca.