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Investing in real estate is almost always regarded as a safe bet by the vast majority of people. But it isn’t always the case, and for the new property investor, many pitfalls stand in the way of your success.

It can be an incredibly uncomfortable experience, too. The expense of buying a home or commercial property is considerable, and everything from personal mistakes to market changes could see you lose a fortune.

In short, like any other investment, putting your money into real estate is a risk. And while you can’t control some of those risks - the markets, for example - it’s vital to do all you can within your power to ensure you survive - and thrive. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about becoming a successful real estate investor - read on to find out more.

Measurable goals

You can’t expect success in anything in life if you aren’t planning on it. Setting up goals and laying out your plans is vital, and the science is there to prove it: research shows that people who have clear goals are more likely to achieve them than those that don’t. So, your starting point should be planning and creating measurable, achievable goals for the short and long-term.

Always plan for exit

Part of your planning process should involve an exit strategy. What sort of property do you want, how long do you want to keep it, and what will you do with it when you sell it? Answering these three key questions will give you some direction, which is vital to ensuring you fulfill your plans and become a success as a property investor.

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Analyze the markets

Savvy real estate investors understand the importance of getting to know the market. According to real estate entrepreneur Nicolas Livsit, it's vital to take each project as a unique opportunity and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the property and its location from every possible angle. Once you know a local market intimately, you will be able to start making informed buying decisions, be more aware of bargains, and then expand into new markets.

Build a team

Behind every successful, real estate investor is a successful team. You won’t hear much about them, but they will be there, working hard, spotting opportunities, and bridging the gaps between what an investor knows and what they are unaware of. There will be real estate legal experts involved, and general contractors rely on to improve and renovate rundown properties. You’ll need to establish key relationships with real estate agents and lenders alike, and also grow (or hire) your own marketing team. There is simply too much to do for one person, and the team you build and the relationships you develop will determine whether your investment plans come to fruition.

Create a diverse portfolio

Ask any successful investor, and they will all tell you the same thing - never put all your eggs in the same basket. It’s vital that your real estate plans are supported by other investments to protect yourself against risk. A dip in the markets here, or a natural disaster there, and your entire investment strategy could go up in flames.