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Why Invest in Real Estate: 7 Key Benefits to Know

Why Invest in Real Estate: 7 Key Benefits to Know

Investing in real estate can be an incredibly rewarding and lucrative endeavour, but if you’re like a lot of new investors, you may be wondering why you should be investing in real estate and what benefits it brings over other investment opportunities.

In addition to all the amazing benefits that come along with investing in real estate, there are some drawbacks you need to consider as well.

We’re going to cover the 7 top reasons why you should be investing in real estate (and a few reasons you may not want to jump in right away!)

Opportunity for Cash Flow 

Purchasing real estate to rent out for additional cash flow is becoming a very popular investment strategy, and it’s easy to see why.

Not only do rental properties give you the opportunity to generate additional cash flow month-over-month, but they allow you to build up a portfolio of long-term, stable assets and benefit from all that appreciation over the life of your investments.

There’s another big advantage to cash flow: it provides an opportunity for new real estate investors to “house hack”.

It’s no secret that real estate prices are going up and pushing a lot of new investors out of the market. When you decide to purchase a rental property, you can use the cash flow to fund your living expenses and pay your mortgage down faster to continue investing in more real estate!

Many newbie investors buy duplexes or houses with additional dwellings to make extra cash to fund their real estate business.

If you’re looking for a way to buy into the real estate market without having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, check out the properties at BuyProperly. They use a fractional ownership model that allows investors to start with as little as $2,500.

High Return on Investment

Another major benefit of real estate investing is the ability to make a high return from buying, renovating, and reselling (a.k.a. house flipping).

Although this requires significantly more upfront cash than rental properties, there’s huge potential for profit if you buy the right property.

Most flippers look for undervalued buildings in great neighbourhoods. These properties need work (and money!) to get them up to average market value, but, once renovated, the returns from these resales can happen relatively quickly.

Appreciation 

The wonderful thing about investing in real estate is that the value of the property is expected to appreciate. The principal amount that you invested in the property will grow over time and should be worth more than what you paid for it when you purchased it.

Real estate is a fantastic long-term investment because it’s almost always guaranteed to appreciate in value.

Investors patient enough to buy and hold their properties will benefit from predictable appreciation year-over-year. Depending on where you buy, you can expect annual appreciation rates anywhere from 2-8%.

In Canada, there’s been an average of 6.11% annual appreciation over the last 15 years.

Tax Benefits

Another major advantage of investing in real estate is all the tax benefits you’re eligible to take advantage of!

Many investors can write off costs associated with depreciation, mortgage interest, operating costs, repairs, and property tax. These incredible tax benefits are a fantastic way for investors to save and build wealth.

For example, if you are charging $2,000 rent per month and you incurred $1,500 in tax-deductible expenses per month, you will only be paying tax on that $500 profit per month.  That’s a large difference from paying taxes on $2,000 per month.

The profit that you make on your rental unit for the year is considered rental income and will be taxed accordingly.

It is vital that you keep good accounting records on your investment property. If you are claiming maintenance and repairs, for example, be sure to keep those receipts as proof. If you are to be audited by the government and can’t supply the proof of expenses in form of official receipts, chances are you will be disqualified from claiming those tax deductions.

The appreciation of the property will be assessed when you dispose of the property and capital tax will come into play.

You will be taxed on the capital gains that you earned on the property from when you invested and purchased the property to the day you sold it.  The difference between the sale price and the price you paid to purchase will be the capital gain, which will be taxed, but only in the year that you dispose of the property.

Low Volatility

Real estate isn’t subject to the same volatility as other kinds of investments. Unlike stock trading, the real estate market isn’t like to have the same massive overnight shifts.

For this reason, it’s an option for people who want something more stable and predictable. It’s a great addition to a more risk-averse portfolio, making it an all-around fantastic investment.

It’s important to note that real estate investment doesn’t come without risk. The US housing market crash of 2008 showed investors the importance of not over-leveraging and making smart investment decisions when growing their portfolios.

Leverage Your Investment

One of the most appealing aspects of real estate investment is the ability to leverage your assets. In a nutshell, leverage refers to “the use of debt (borrowed funds) to amplify returns from an investment or project”.

This means you can put 20%, 10%, or even 5% down and control an asset worth significantly more than that.

It also means you have the ability to borrow against your assets to continue investing. This creates a snowball effect and, when done effectively, can skyrocket the value of your investment portfolio.

Passive Income

This last point ties into the other benefits we’ve mentioned above. Rental income aside, real estate accumulates passive wealth through its inherent tax benefits and long-term appreciation.

In addition, the rental income you collect can be done with minimal involvement and effort. With the right property managers and rental team, the ROI on your investment becomes relatively passive.

At BuyProperly, they help investors start with as little as $2,500 and see projected annual (passive) returns of 10-40%! Find out how.

What are the cons of investing in real estate?

Real estate is a fantastic investment to add to your portfolio, but it doesn’t come without risk. Here are a few things all new investors should consider before jumping in.

Upfront costs

It’s no secret that investing in real estate the traditional way takes a substantial amount of money. If you’re buying a property to live in, expect a minimum of 5% down plus closing costs. Most investment properties and second homes may even require a 20% down payment to buy.

Real estate isn’t cheap, and it’s important for new investors to be prepared for the costs.

At BuyProperly, they leverage a fractional ownership model to allow investors to buy real estate for as little as $500. This means they can get started quickly without having to wait and save up huge lump sum deposits for investment properties.

Sourcing deals

In addition to financial costs, investing in real estate comes with a significant time cost when you take into account sourcing property deals

Unlike buying and trading stocks which can be done with the click of a mouse, property investment often requires more time, research, and preparation.

Not only do you need to find great deals, but you need to analyze them and gather the necessary paperwork to get the deal done. On top of this, if you don’t have a good team in place, managing your repairs, maintenance, and tenants can turn into an overwhelming process.

Fortunately, sourcing great deals doesn’t have to be complicated. At BuyProperly, for example, they’ve created an AI-powered platform that allows investors to view, buy, and sell real estate digitally (much like they would trade stocks).

Difficult to unload

As much as we love real estate for its security and predictable returns, it’s not the type of investment that can be bought and sold quickly. In fact, the highest returns are earned when investors are willing to buy and hold.

If you think you may need to free up cash quickly, or if you’re looking for an exceptionally quick profit, real estate may not be your main investment vehicle.

Conclusion

Investing in real estate has several major advantages. In addition to cash flow potential, you can also take advantage of steady appreciation, reduced volatility, and investor tax benefits.

It’s important to remember that real estate is a fantastic long-term investment, and not well suited to people who want instant returns. It’s a reliable, predictable asset with great cash flow and ROI potential.

Real estate is a great addition to any investor’s portfolio.

Interested in learning how you can get started in real estate investing for as little as $500? Learn more at www.buyproperly.ca

in Editorial Posted by Jessica Wright

11 Real Estate Investing Mistakes to Avoid

11 Real Estate Investing Mistakes to Avoid

Investing in real estate can be a great way to secure your financial future, but it’s important to avoid mistakes that can derail your success. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes that real estate investors make and how to avoid them.

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.

in Editorial Posted by Jessica Wright

How to Calculate ROI in Real Estate to Maximize Your Profit

How to Calculate ROI in Real Estate to Maximize Your Profit

If you’ve dabbled in real estate investing (or even if you’re brand new) you’ve undoubtedly heard of “Return On Investment” (ROI) and how important it is to consider when making your investment decisions.

But what exactly is it, and how do you calculate ROI in real estate? Is it crucial for investment success?

We’re going to break down the basics of ROI, how to calculate it, and how to use it to make smart investment decisions so you can grow your real estate portfolio with confidence.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

What is ROI?

Because ROI stands for “return on investment,” it’s a very important concept to understand when it comes to real estate investing.

It is a standard metric used to calculate the profitability of an investment on a case-by-case basis. It measures the financial return of a particular investment relative to its cost. The higher the ROI, the more profitable the investment and (presumably) the better it is.

Why is ROI so popular for measuring profitability?

Two reasons: first, it’s incredibly simple to understand and easy to calculate the ROI on almost any investment.

Second, it provides a simple way to get a financial snapshot of an investment, relative to other investments, so you know when to buy, sell, or simply measure whether or not your portfolio is on the right track.

Although it’s incredibly important to know the ROI of any investment, it often doesn’t take into account the complexities, nuances, and “life factors” involved in growing a successful real estate portfolio. For this reason, it should be used as a tool to give broad feedback on the quality of your investments.

Why is ROI in real estate so important?

Although many ROI formulas paint a simplistic picture of investing, they can also give a very quick and solid overview of a property’s profitability.

In a pinch, you can figure out the “health score” of any potential investment you’re interested in and ditch some of the lemons along the way. Properties with an obvious cash flow issue or negative ROI can be identified quickly.

When taken into account along with your overall investment goals, using ROI calculations will help you make smart financial decisions and build a solid real estate portfolio.

At BuyProperly, an online marketplace for fractional real estate investments, they calculate ROI for investors and use it as a benchmark to measure the profitability of their properties. Most of their investors can expect to see projected annual returns of 10-40% Take a look at their properties.

The formula for calculating ROI

There are a few different ways to calculate ROI depending on the type of real estate investment you have. Let’s look at how to calculate ROI for real estate investments that are resales or rental investments.

Here are some examples:

Resales

When calculating the profitability of resale real estate investments, use this simple formula:

Your equity in the property (total gains minus your total costs) divided by total costs

There are two methods real estate investors can use to calculate their gains and costs:

  1. the Cost Method
  2. the Out-of-Pock Method

Let’s look at them both in detail.

1. The Cost Method

This method for calculating ROI uses the total equity in a property divided by that property’s costs (renovations, repairs, and sale price). The Cost Method works for properties purchased with cash and/or financing.

For example, say you purchase a home for $250,000. After putting in an additional $100,000 for repairs, you sell the property for $500,000.

First, you need to calculate your equity in the property. If it sold for $500,000 after your total costs were $350,000 for the purchase and repairs, you had $150,000 left of equity.

Next, calculate the total costs. As mentioned above, the total costs for the property were $350,000 ($250,000 purchase price plus $100,000 in repairs).

After you divide your equity ($150,000) by the total costs ($350,000), you get 0.43, which is a 43% ROI.

2. The Out of Pocket Method

The second popular method for calculating ROI looks at only what you’ve spent out-of-pocket for property costs and expenses and doesn’t take into account the property financing.

When would investors use this method? The Out of Pocket Method can be used to calculate ROI only when investors purchase a property with a mortgage. Both the down payment and financing on the property are calculated as equity, making the overall ROI higher.

Let’s use the same example as above.

You purchased the property for $250,000 and put in $100,000 of repairs, only this time, let’s say you put a 20% down payment on the house and used a traditional mortgage to finance the rest.

This means your out-of-pocket expenses are only $50,000 (your down payment) plus $100,000 (repair costs).

If the property is worth $500,000 after repairs, this means you have $350,000 of equity (including your bank financing as leverage). After you divide $350,000 by the total sale price ($500,000), you’re left with an ROI of 70%.

Rental properties

Calculating ROI on rental properties is slightly more complex since we need to factor in year-over-year profitability.

For this ROI, we use the following formula:

Net operating income (annual rental income – operating expenses) divided by the total out-of-pocket expenses.

Using the example from above, if you purchased your property for $250,000 with a 20% down payment, that means your out-of-pocket expenses would be $50,000. Add in closing costs ($5,000) and some money you spent on repairs ($20,000) your total expenses are $75,000.

Now, let’s say your monthly rent is $1,200. Multiply this by 12 to get the average yearly rent. Subtract operating expenses (let’s assume these are $500 a month). This leaves you with a yearly net operating income of $8,400.

Divide $8,400 by your out-of-pocket expenses ($75,000) and you’re left with an ROI of 11%.

Other important factors when considering ROI

When you’re trying to paint a more detailed picture of your ROI on a property, there are two other important factors to consider:

  1. home equity
  2. year-over-year appreciation

Using the above example, if you buy a $250,000 property with a $50,000 down payment and a $200,000 mortgage, your equity grows over time as you pay down the principal balance on your loan.

Let’s say that, according to your mortgage amortization schedule, you paid $2,300 on the principal balance of your loan in the first year. This $2,300 now becomes equity and can be used in your ROI calculation.

Furthermore, it’s important to consider year-over-year appreciation. If we assume your $250,000 property appreciates at 6% each year, then next year, your property will be worth $265,000, adding an additional $15,000 to your equity.

At BuyProperly, they calculate ROI using net cash flow, mortgage repayments, and capital appreciation to paint a more accurate picture of the returns investors will make over time.

What is a good ROI for real estate?

Determining your acceptable ROI for real estate investments depends on your personal goals and your ability to tolerate risk, which means there’s no right or wrong answer.

Investors looking to rent will normally be content with lower yearly ROI numbers knowing they plan on holding the property as a long-term investment. For rental properties, it’s common to expect a 5-10% ROI.

Property flippers, on the other hand, are more interested in the immediate ROI and are looking for a property with the potential to generate higher returns. In this case, an ROI of 20% or above is ideal.

At BuyProperly, they help real estate investors get started for as little as $2,500 and see projected annual returns of 10-40%. Want to know how? Learn more >>

Conclusion

ROI is an important consideration when investing in a property. Whether you’re looking for a quick return or long-term cash flow and appreciation, calculating ROI can help make your next investment decision easier.

Remember, since ROI is a simplistic method of sizing up your next real estate investment, it’s important to analyze it alongside your risk tolerance profile, as well as your long-term and short-term goals ,before making any investment decisions.

Looking to get started in real estate investing without feeling overwhelmed? Check out BuyProperly’s properties and see how they use a fractional ownership model to help investors build their real estate portfolios.

in Editorial Posted by Jessica Wright

How to Become a Real Estate Investor: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become a Real Estate Investor: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you wondering how to become a real estate investor and start growing your very own property portfolio? We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to find your first property deal and build a lucrative real estate investment business.

Real estate investing is on the rise and now is a great time to get into the market. In fact, according to an article in The Globe and Mail, investors account for one-fifth of all home purchases across Canada!

If you’re brand new, investing can feel overwhelming, but there are a few simple steps you can take to set yourself up for success. With a clear plan and the right strategy, being a real estate investor is incredibly exciting, rewarding, and lucrative.

What qualifies you as a real estate investor?

The great news is that you don’t need any special credentials or qualifications to start investing in real estate. Many people choose to get their real estate license so they can get commissions on sales and find private deals, but this is absolutely not mandatory to start finding great property deals.

Even though you don’t need specialized qualifications, it’s important to educate yourself as much as possible on the world of real estate investing so you can become an expert in your field.

Is it hard to become a real estate investor?

Building a lucrative real estate portfolio isn’t incredibly difficult, but it does take time, effort, and patience. New investors should be prepared for a learning curve as they figure out how to navigate the market and build the connections that will help them succeed in the industry.

If you’re brand new to real estate, BuyProperly has opportunities for investors to jump into the property market without tons of money (or risk!).

How? Through fractional real estate investing, BuyProperly offers people the chance to own properties for as little as $2500 with a 10-40% return on investment! Want to learn more?

Now, let’s dive into the six steps you’ll need to follow to become a successful real estate investor.

Step One: Educate yourself about real estate

As a new investor, there is no shortage of concepts, terminology, tricks, and lessons to learn about real estate. The single most important thing you can do is educate yourself.

What are some ways you can learn more about real estate?

  • Read as many books and articles as you can on the subject
  • Attend local seminars and meetups to discuss real estate with investors, realtors, and brokers
  • Find supportive online communities. Sign up for the BuyProperly email list

Your real estate education is an ongoing process that will change and adapt as you become a more confident investor. Be open to meeting new people, making connections, and learning as much as you can!

Step Two: Get crystal clear on your goals 

There are many different paths you can take as a real estate investor that depend on what short-term and long-term goals you’re trying to achieve.

The best thing you can do before getting started is to sit down and write out your 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year goals. Remember, real estate should be a long-term investment that not only generates some cash flow, but also appreciates in value the longer you hold onto it.

If you’re looking for instant returns and a quick exit strategy, real estate and rentals is probably not the best investment to start with.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:
– why do you want to become a real estate investor?

– do you want real estate to be a full-time profession or a more “passive” investment strategy?

– what financial goals are you hoping to achieve in the next 1, 5, and 10 years?

– are you prepared to adopt a “buy-and-hold” strategy with your real estate portfolio?

– are you more interested in monthly cash flow or long-term appreciation?

If you’re not in a position to put a 10% or 20% down payment on a property, consider working with partners or starting with a fractional ownership model. At BuyProperly, their investors start with as little as $2500 and see projected annual returns of 10-40%.
If you’re interested in learning more, visit www.buyproperly.ca

Step Three: Nail down a location and property market

Deciding on which location you want to target is an important part of building your real estate portfolio. Are you planning on investing in your local area or would you consider expanding your search to include neighbouring towns and cities?

When looking for areas to invest, focus on locations with job stability, nearby schools, facilities like parks and recreation centres, predictable rents, and opportunities for economic growth. Remember, you’re building up a real estate portfolio for short-term cash flow AND long-term appreciation, so make sure you choose a stable location.

If you’re willing to purchase investments outside your local area, you can often find great deals in smaller cities and various up-and-coming housing markets! At BuyProperly, they help investors across Canada find rental properties through fractional ownership. Investors can be 100% remote.

 Step Four: Start building your network

Many real estate investors attribute their success (at least in part) to having an incredible network behind them.

One of the most important things you can do as a new investor is to start making connections with other investors, local realtors, lawyers, and brokers. These people know what’s going on in the housing market and they often have access to insider opportunities before the public finds out!

Not only will this allow you to take advantage of off-market deals and get a leg up on the competition, but you’ll also have the confidence and knowledge you need to make smart financial decisions. Having a great “team” by your side will make the process go more smoothly.

Step Five: Learn how to assess properties for sale

When you’re trying to figure out whether or not to purchase a property, there are many things you should keep in mind.

Here are a few examples to consider:

Income potential: What is the current rental revenue and is there an opportunity to increase that? Are there improvements that could be made to the building? Is the rent lower than the average for the area?

Expenses: What are the ongoing expenses for the property? How much is heat, water, and electricity? What will your insurance costs be? Don’t forget about potential vacancies! When analyzing property income, assume a 10% vacancy rate for the year.

Repairs: Are there any significant one-time repairs that need to be done on the property? How old is the roof and windows? What’s the age of the hot water tank and furnace? Factor in all one-time repair costs when analyzing your budget.

Management fees: How will you be structuring property management? Will you be handling it yourself or hiring a company to collect rent, find tenants, and perform routine maintenance? Factor this into your expenses.

Location: We’ve already talked about the importance of location, but it’s crucial to analyze the location for every single real estate deal you make. In some cities, adjacent neighbourhoods (and even streets) may seem similar, but they actually have significantly different average monthly rents and property appreciation.
Ask your realtor or property broker for more information on how you should analyze rental properties.

Step Six: Dive in and make a deal

It’s true what they say: practice makes perfect. No amount of books or real estate seminars can replace the knowledge you’ll get from jumping in and taking action.

Remember: there’s no such thing as a perfect property. Being a real estate investor means analyzing properties carefully, weighing the pros and cons, and making a decision based on your goals and investment strategy.

Don’t be afraid to get out there and start looking at properties, putting in offers, and making deals.

If you’re ready to invest in your first (or next) rental property, be sure to check out BuyProperly’s available listings here. You can get started for only $2,500.

in Editorial Posted by Jessica Wright

Artificial Intelligence making Real Estate Investment smarter, simpler.

Artificial Intelligence making Real Estate Investment smarter, simpler.

When Lucy Ainsworth saw that the real estate around her Toronto neighbourhood was booming, she knew that it was the right time to invest. But unlike her parent’s generation, the Senior Tax Associate did not ask a trusted local realtor, she simply went online. This generational change in approach, to seeking investment-related solutions has placed investors at the core of unmeasurable information and data. Thankfully Artificial Intelligence is here to rescue investors from the chaos of detailed analysis on innumerable investment opportunities available online by carefully connecting them to the best deals.

A booming real estate market and a thriving tech ecosystem have poised Canada to be a hub for real estate innovation where Artificial Intelligence led opportunities to guide investors as they build their portfolios. 

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI), in simple words, is the ability of a machine to learn and solve problems. AI has simplified the investor’s search process by connecting them to the right opportunities and bringing transparent access to reliable information on market trends, historic prices that were historically only available to agents.

Online real estate listings replaced newspaper advertisements long ago but the continual rise of AI is credited to its ability to process large data, predict trends, transparency, and most importantly ease of access to investors.

Process Data
Thanks to the world wide web, a few clicks can show thousands of properties,  attend or host virtual tours, review market trends and receive data but that doesn’t necessarily help in making the right decisions. Thankfully, the real estate industry has adapted to the digital era by using Artificial Intelligence to better match investors with opportunities. One might think that the old-fashioned realtors did the same, but platforms like BuyProperly have mastered machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to monitor and evaluate over two hundred thousand data points, that uncover high-value opportunities suited for each investor.

Predict Trends
It’s no surprise that real estate data represents a treasure trove of information for a keen investor. Local insights, key market trends, sale prices, demographics and other market data can all be used to browse through listings, but not predict the future of investments. AI has become a game-changer for real estate investing as its predictive real-estate analytics enables stakeholders to make better, more informed decisions when trying to assess property values and rental returns. Smarter AI models predict tenant churn, maintenance issues, building energy requirements, elevator usage in buildings as well as space utilization. This information gives a better idea of potential upcoming costs and issues.

Ms. Ainsworth’s financial planning now includes the returns from a beautiful house in Hamilton. ‘I had been interested in owning investment property for a while, but the barriers to entry felt insurmountable. Enter BuyProperly, the company that makes it possible for “the little guy” to get started. It was so easy to research the properties available on the website, create an account, and buy into the real estate market, and at an entry price point that feels safe. No need to bet the farm on a single investment!’ she said.  Read more about the Niagara Falls property here.

New tools can combine a company’s data with third-party sources to gain insights into new strategies for existing properties or portfolios or identify additional markets or locations for investment opportunities.

Transparency
Traditionally, the real estate market has been dominated by brokers, and information about high-yield investments was made available to a select few.  Latest AI-powered platforms bridge the gap by aggregating once isolated data, constantly updating information to arm investors with all the information they need. This approach allows websites to better match users to their properties and investment units that are more likely to convert into sales.

Ease of access
Investors can now access information on potential rental earnings, net cash flow, expected monthly mortgage payments and decide on whether the return makes sense given the details of the property. Websites like BuyProperly provide free tools which can indicate the potential cash flow/ positive negative from investments in a given property based on past sales, potential rental value, and interest rates. AI models work with the assumption that house prices are a function of both the features of the house and the suitability of the neighbourhood and hence focused on intrinsic value (rather than the market sentiment).

Innovative solutions to Pandemic
The impact of AI across industries has been increasing over the past few years, however, Covid-19’s disruption was a crucial flip to the digitization of real estate companies and their use of digital data analytics. With restrictions on travel and physical tours, technology simplified all phases of the process from origination, analysis & due diligence, financing & closing, post-closing rental/ongoing maintenance, and finally to exit through the sale with the investor safe in his own home.

PWC Canada’s 2021 report on the, ‘Emerging trends in Real Estates’ stated that as the business continues to emerge from pandemic restrictions, proptech will offer additional solutions for real estate needs. The report stated that ‘With digitization giving real estate companies access to more data than ever, they have a powerful new tool to help them make important business decisions…data analytics and predictive modeling can help with the determination of optimal asset allocation for mixed-use developments at a high level, as well as provide more detailed insights into the composition of unit mixes for a property.’

Buy Property, Properly
Every real estate investment needs to consider a multitude of dynamic factors, but through the power of AI, it is possible to identify emerging trends and uncover opportunities that others don’t see. ‘Thousands of data points and factors are considered over the long term before we consider a real estate valuation using AI. We then physically inspect each nook and corner of the property. Finally, less than 1 percent of the properties get qualified for our marketplace,’ said Khushboo Jha, founder of Buy Properly Canada-based real estate investment firm. BuyProperly’s proprietary AI tracks the markets, monitoring hundreds of economic and regional factors before predicting the profitability.

BuyProperly, Canada based fractional investment company uses AI as its most reliable tool for initial screening and then audits each property. ‘I am often asked how am I confident about the growth of investments, truth is that no human can assess over 150 variables and 200,000 data points for each proposal, but AI can. We merge the predictive power of AI and the experience of our on-site team so that before any product is added to the marketplace, we are certain of its future,’ Jha added.

BuyProperly’s online marketplace shows qualified properties with clear details of fees, charges, risk, and projected returns. Simply choose properties from the marketplace and start investing with as little as $2,500.

in Editorial Posted by Jessica Wright
64 Hatt Street, Dundas, Ontario

With AcreageWay, Now You Can Invest In The Soaring Commercial Real Estate Market With As Little As $1,000

With AcreageWay, Now You Can Invest In The Soaring Commercial Real Estate Market With As Little As $1,000

Rising prices have locked many Canadians out of the real estate market — and the wealth gains that come with ownership.

“For too long, real estate has been behind closed doors and not accessible to everyone,” says Joe Accardi, Partner & CEO of Forge & Foster. “We want to bring real estate to all Canadians. And so does AcreageWay. Their new investment portal is something that we’re really excited about.”

What is AcreageWay?

AcreageWay is a new Ontario-based commercial real estate investment startup. It lets investors like you enter the commercial real estate market with as little as $1,000 and earn income from your investment.

“Commercial real estate requires a huge amount of upfront cash to gain entry, and that ranges from $500,000 to $1 million-plus, so a common investor who doesn’t have that much cash won’t be able to enter these opportunities,” AcreageWay president Aditya Koparde told the Globe and Mail. “Where we come into the picture is we’re fractionalizing these opportunities so they can invest.”

“For too long, real estate has been behind closed doors and not accessible to everyone.”

— Joe Accardi, Partner & CEO of Forge & Foster. 

AcreageWay lets you click to buy a percentage of a commercial property by investing in an equity portion of the property ownership.

AcreageWay provides a secure and regulated platform for you to buy fractional real estate in the form of tokens. All the transactions are documented and stored digitally through Blockchain technology.

What Are AcreageWay’s Main Benefits?

  • Investors do not need to get a mortgage
  • Investors do not need to pay a huge down payment
  • None of the pain of managing a property or being a landlord
  • No closing costs
  • You’ll get a share of rent and gains on the property when it’s sold
  • AcreageWay provides you with ongoing oversight and support
  • Every investment property undergoes a detailed due diligence process

AcreageWay is licensed by the Ontario Security Commission, which requires the company to put prospective investors through full due diligence to ascertain their risk threshold to determine their suitability for certain projects.

Why Invest In Commercial Real Estate in Hamilton?

“Hamilton is a high-speed, exciting, electric city that is primed to have an amazing decade,” says Accardi, whose Hamilton firm is committed to delivering optimal returns to investors by artfully restoring local real estate.

Properties like 64 Hatt St., which you can invest in on AcreageWay, offer tremendous upside potential through redevelopment.

64 Hatt Street, Dundas, Ontario
64 Hatt St. in the Hamilton community of Dundas.

The Millworks at 64 Hatt St. was founded in 1850. It’s an easy two-minute walk away from the historic and beautiful downtown Dundas community in Hamilton. All units boast brick & beam construction, large windows, and open-concept designs.

This historic brick & beam building has excellent accessibility with a Walkers Paradise Walk Score of 90. The property is professionally managed by Forge & Foster. With onsite parking and access to a back patio on the beautiful Spencer Creek, 64 Hatt St. is sure to attract AAA tenants.

HERE’S HOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ACREAGEWAY

It’s quick and easy for you to create an account at AcreageWay. So start your investment journey today. Visit acreageway.com/signup to create an account and invest in AcreageWay’s investment opportunities now.

start your investment journey today
in Editorial Posted by Jessica Wright
1 West Hamilton Ontario

Imagine Joining This Reliable New Investment Opportunity Today For Free, Thanks To Forge & Foster

Imagine Joining This Reliable New Investment Opportunity Today For Free, Thanks To Forge & Foster

Soaring real estate prices have locked many Canadians out of the housing market — and the wealth gains that come with ownership.

“For too long, real estate has been behind closed doors and not accessible to everyone,” says Joe Accardi, Partner & CEO of Forge & Foster. “We want to bring real estate to all Canadians. addy is something that we’re really excited about.”

What is addy?

addy is a Vancouver-based start-up offering crowdfunded real estate investments to help all Canadians profit from the housing market.

“We’re investing in 150 addy memberships so that we can bring real estate to everyone,” says Accardi.

Since 2018, addy has been buying institutional-grade commercial real estate properties that investors can buy passive fractional ownership shares of for as low as $1 or as much as $1,500.

“We’re investing in 150 addy memberships so that we can bring real estate to everyone,” says Accardi.

That’s right: thanks to Forge & Foster, you can now skip the $25 membership fee. But only 150 of these memberships are available and they’re going fast, so act now!

How Does addy Work?

addy identifies investment opportunities and puts them through due diligence by looking at financial statements, then gets approval from an investment committee to ensure the property makes sense economically.

“There are no fees on transactions, acquisitions, or withdrawals because the goal of the platform is accessibility,” addy co-founder Stephen Jagger told The Globe and Mail.

“There’s no opportunity where we would ever win on a property and (investors) would lose,” Jagger said. “One of our core values of business is win-win or no deal so we are completely aligned with our crowd.”

Once addy acquires a property, it divides the investment into equal increments of $1. For example, a $500,000 property would be divided into 500,000 units.

Then investors can invest as little as $1 or as much as $1,500 in any building. Investments are locked in for various lengths of time depending on the building.

It’s different from a real estate investment trust (REIT) because investors know exactly what properties they have invested in.

1 West Hamilton Ontario
This is 1 West Ave. S. in Hamilton, Ontario. It’s a 3 storey mixed-use brick and beam office and retail space in the heart of downtown. It features a stunning mural called “Raise.” Through addy, this property sold out to 650+ Canadians. Shares, which were reseved exclusively for addy members, sold out in just 13 hours. Get your addy membership now for free, thanks to Forge & Foster.

What are addy‘s main benefits?

    • No fees — thanks to Forge & Foster waving the $25 membership fee
    • Pride of ownership
    • No need to qualify for a mortgage
    • No downpayment required
    • None of the pain of managing a property
    • 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

“Hamilton is a very fast, exciting, electric city that is primed to have an amazing decade,” says Accardi.

Some of the fast-growing asset classes Forge & Foster are excited about include:

      1. The film industry
      2. Tiny cottages and tiny homes
      3. Biotech

“Real estate is a top asset class, but most people can’t afford to invest in it,” addy CEO Michael Stephenson told the Toronto Star. “This is a way to make housing investments accessible to everyone.”

“We believe everyone should have the opportunity to own property through access to real estate investing at any amount, regardless of income, age, or other conflicts,” Stephenson told Yahoo Finance Canada.

“Join addy. Take a look at their projects. You can invest in a project that you’re excited about,” says Accardi.

What are the experts saying?

“I feel that real estate crowdfunding can be a viable tool for those who want to invest in real estate but are restricted due to a lack of money or credit,” says Mark Ting, CBC’s finance columnist, who is investing in addy with his children.

“Small investments in multiple projects add up over time. That makes it appealing for young people who want to get in the habit of investing — which now can be done in real estate for as little as the cost of a daily cup of coffee,” Ting says.

“A crowdfunded model comes with transparency and tangibility,” Tina Tehranchian, an Assante Capital Management Ltd. senior wealth adviser told the Globe and Mail. “You can drive by the property and boast to your friends that you have a share of ownership of this property.”

“Join addy. Take a look at their projects. You can invest in a project that you’re excited about,” says Accardi.

Behold 29 Harriet St. in Hamilton, Ontario. It’s a 21,200 square foot light industrial and office property with a stunning new bald eagle mural and huge potential. Through addy, this property sold out to 400+ Canadians. Shares, which were received exclusively for addy members, sold out in just 63 minutes! Get your addy membership today for free, thanks to Forge & Foster.

How to join addy

Sign up for addy now and skip the $25 fee, thanks to Forge & Foster.

Join Addy Now For Free Thanks to Forge & Foster
Join addy Now For Free, Thanks to Forge & Foster

(Psst: If you’re a good pal, you’ll tell your friends about addy so that they can grow their wealth, too!)

in Editorial, Thought Leadership Posted by Jessica Wright

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