The Real Estate Formula For Success
Todd and I are often asked whether we believe it's a good time to buy or sell real estate. While I believe there are good times to sell, as a rule - here is our ULTIMATE Real Estate Formula for Success:
Step 1 - Afford
Frankly folks, we wouldn't be in this mess if people followed Step 1. Don't buy anything you can't afford! When people buy what they can afford, an amazing thing happens - people don't have to worry about temporary or even longterm market declines. Because the payments are affordable, people who buy what they can afford can continue to make the payments even when the market shifts.
Step 2 - Buy
Buy the best property for your money. Do your research. Work with the best REALTOR in your area. Remember that you can always upgrade a house, but you can never change it's location or view.
Step 3 - Hold
There are exceptions (not many), but as a RULE - we recommend NOT selling. The worst financial decisions I have ever made concerned selling property. Keep it, take care of it and save for another one.
Step 4 - Repeat
Again, get with a great REALTOR and CPA and figure out what type of property you can afford next. Usually this involves a financial projection based on rents, tax breaks, expenses, etc. There is a fortune to be made by investing correctly in Real Estate.
Good success ,
Nancy Moeller, Broker Associate, CPA, REALTOR
RE/MAX Real Estate Service
The OC Experts, Inc.
Direct: 714 404-9540
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Nancy
Great piece. Clearly in this market so many have violated rule #1. It amazes me how many people blame the mortgage community for their misfortune. If you can't afford a payment with an adjustment you should never have bought the property in the first place. Unfortunately homes don't continue to double in value every two years as many had believed. When did buying and selling real estate become like day trading.
by the way, Do you have an outside blog that I can add to my Blogroll ?
Thanks and look forward to reading your thoughts on the world of real estate.