4 mistakes to avoid when investing in real estate

4 mistakes to avoid when investing in real estate

At a time when property prices are skyrocketing, real estate investment is a lucrative decision because the value of a well-invested property is most likely to appreciate. There is a rising trend of people purchasing properties not just to stay there but as a long-term plan to gain a steady income. However, buying property is a major decision, so one needs to beware of certain common mistakes when investing in real estate:

Not having a definite investment goal
Like any other investment, one also needs to have a definite goal when investing in real estate. The objective should be concrete, such as receiving a specific amount of fixed income by leasing out the property, letting it out as a vacation home, staying in the house, and letting out a part of it as a paying guest accommodation, etc. One should be clear about the purpose of the property once it is bought.

Choosing property at the wrong location
Where one’s property should be located largely depends on the purpose of buying it. For example, if one plans to rent it out, buying a house in a prime or emerging area in the city makes sense, which can provide one with sufficient rental income. On the other hand, if the goal is to let it out as a vacation home, the ideal location would be the countryside, a hill station, or a coastal area, which people frequent for their holidays. Additionally, regardless of the, one must buy a home in an area that is safe and well-connected.

Underestimating or overestimating the size of the house
The size of the property one buys depends on various factors: how many people will be staying in it, whether there will be children, the budget, and how much furniture has to be accommodated. If one plans to lease out a flat, the approximate income one expects from it is also a deciding factor; the bigger the house, the more the rental income. Buying a small home may be suitable for those who expect lower income levels from the home, have a limited budget, and need it to accommodate a small family. On the other hand, those who expect to earn a substantial amount on the side, need to house many people, and have a wider budget range, can choose to buy a larger property.

Not considering potential tenants’ requirements
Suppose one is buying property to rent it out. In that case, it’s essential to factor in future tenants’ possible requirements, including lawn space, amenities nearby, spacious rooms to move in their furniture, a furnished kitchen, and a dedicated wash area for increased convenience. If one is offering a furnished home, it should have all the necessary furniture and appliances to suit modern needs and living standards. One should consider all of these factors when buying a property for renting purposes.

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Pros and cons of automated investing

Automated investing services, or Robo advisors, have become ubiquitous in the present times. Many financial service companies now have their own automated investing services. There’s no doubt that the introduction of Robo advisors has made investing an accessible financial option to many. However, automated investing has some disadvantages as well. So, before you decide to opt for the best automated investing service, have a look at its pros and cons.Pros of using Robo advisorsLow feeLow management fees are one of the biggest advantages of opting for a Robo advisor. Big names in the finance industry such as Charles Schwab Corp.'s Intelligent Portfolios offer Robo advisors for free, while some financial institutes such as Betterment and Wealthfront charge a low 0.25% as a management fee. High-quality investment portfoliosAlgorithms used in some of the best automated investing services such as the ones provided by Betterment are backed by Nobel prize-winning investment models. These models are created to offer the greatest return on investment for the smallest risks. Access to a financial advisorMany traditional financial services companies now use Robo advisors to select assets for their client’s investment portfolios. This allows them to offer their clients financial advisers that can help them with taxes, loans, and any kind of financing or investment.Easy to useRobo advisors make the entire investing process extremely quick and easy. With Robo advisors, all you need to do is answer some questions about your financial goal, risk tolerance, and capital, and the algorithm will come up with an investment portfolio that is suitable for your needs. Low minimum balanceEven individuals with low net worth can enjoy the services of professional advisory via Robo advisors. Several investment companies such as Betterment and Ellevest offer access to the best automated investing services even with zero balance. Cons of using Robo advisorsThey're not financial plannersIndeed, in terms of purely creating profit-racking portfolios, the best automated investing systems can be better than human financial planners. However, a Robo advisor cannot understand your short- and long-term goals and financial concerns as a human financial advisor. A good financial planner understands your financial aims and helps you create a portfolio that helps you meet your future retirement goals. Financial planners are especially helpful at times when the market is not performing well. They can be limitingRobo advisors can’t go beyond their pre-programmed questions when creating an investment portfolio. They can also be limiting if you’re looking for more complex investment strategies, and can’t engage in trading on your terms. Many sophisticated investors demand a larger investment portfolio with different asset classes, which may not be possible even with the best automated investing systems.

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6 things to remember before taking cash loans

Taking out a loan is a significant financial responsibility that requires careful consideration. For some, it can be a way to get out of high-interest debts; for others, it may be a financing option for a particular purchase. In either case, borrowers are exposed to high risks when they opt for cash loans, which are loans received in cash. That's why one must exercise caution and consider several factors before signing up for cash loans. Check credit history Based on one's financial activities, individuals are awarded a credit score between 300 and 900. A higher score signifies better credit, which increases the chances of getting a loan approved and improves the terms and interest rates offered. Before applying for a cash loan, borrowers must always check their credit history to ensure they can negotiate accordingly. Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian, the three major credit bureaus, offer users a limited number of free credit reports per year, which can be a valuable resource. Research well When taking out a cash loan, consider where the loan will be taken from. Banks, credit unions, or other private financial institutions offer loans. Remember that each body has a unique set of terms and conditions, so it is important to carefully read the fine print before applying for a cash loan. Compare the different loan options to make a well-informed decision. Consider all the costs When taking a loan, it is important to consider all costs and interest rates, including processing fees, pre-payment or late payment fees, or any other charges associated with one's loan. A clear understanding of these costs will help one prepare better for the upcoming repayments. Reassess the needs Even if one has found the right lender for a cash loan, it is better to proceed with the process gradually. Take a moment to reassess the need for a loan and prioritize what's important. Pay close attention to what the funds will be used for and explore alternatives to achieve the same goals. This will help narrow down the amount. If this remains unclear, opting for a flexi-loan may be a better option. Consider the repayment timeline Once the needs are determined, one must focus on ways to pay back the cash loan. Spare a thought for daily needs and financial obligations and create a guide to draw out a payment timeline that aligns with one's financial goals. One can opt to pay manually or set up an automatic debit transaction to avoid any delays. Stay away from scams When it comes to money, unfortunately, there are a lot of scams out there that people need to watch out for. Some of these financial scams may offer unnaturally low interest rates or gimmicky schemes to trap borrowers. Falling for such plans could result in significant financial consequences. To stay safe, it's essential to look for credible lending institutions and verify their credibility with the Better Business Bureau to keep all bases covered and avoid any potential financial risks.

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