Real estate investment is not as complicated and intimidating as you would imagine. Getting started is a relatively simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting started in Atlanta real estate investment.
Your Initial Investing Expenses
First and foremost, you should consider purchasing a property for your own personal use. When you are paying rent, it does not make sense to make real estate investments in the future. Make your money do the job for you by making your first real estate investment in a rental property. No house has to be flawless; it only has to be functional for your requirements. Keep in mind that other people will be living in the space, so you should make improvements but avoid going overboard.
Proper Financial Management is essential.
It’s perfectly acceptable if you don’t have the funds on hand to pay for your Atlanta real estate investment right immediately. All you have to do now is put in the effort to get your finances in order so that you can save up for a down payment and apply for a loan. You may be eligible for one of a number of first-time home buyer assistance programs, which can aid you in qualifying for a loan with a lower down payment requirement than standard loans. It’s time to look for your first investment once you’ve been approved and have saved up a down payment for it.
Research
It is critical to conduct thorough study before making your first and subsequent Atlanta real estate investments. Check to see if the neighborhood is in high demand; this will assist you in finding tenants when the time comes. Examine the schools, entertainment, and conveniences such as shopping and grocery stores. You’ll want to be certain that the investment you choose is suitable for a variety of different family types. This will provide you with the best opportunity to find a suitable tenant in the future.
Also, make sure to look into each and every possible property. Check that the taxes are current, that the zoning is correct, and that the property is not part of a property owners association, which can cost you money in the long run and reduce your rental revenues. Make certain that you undertake an inspection of the home you are considering purchasing; most lenders will demand you to do so. You want to make certain that the house you choose has a sound structure, a functional floor layout, and a pleasing appearance from the outside.
Commencement of the Investment Cycle
Once you have purchased and moved into your first home, it is important to stay on top of your bills and look for ways to earn extra money. Pay off your mortgage as soon as you are able to. When you pay more principal than the minimum monthly payment, the loan’s principal balance decreases more quickly, resulting in lower interest payments overall in the long run. Once your home has been paid for, it is time to start looking for your next Atlanta investment property to purchase.
Getting Your Second Investment Purchased
Your monthly expenses will now consist just of homeowners insurance and utilities, freeing up significantly more funds to put towards your next down payment. You will not be eligible for the same first-time homebuyer loan, so you will need to come up with at least 20% of the purchase price of your next investment to avoid losing your eligibility. Once you have saved up enough money for a down payment and have been approved for a loan, you may begin looking for and purchasing your next investment. You can now either rent or buy the home, depending on how you feel about your first home in the first place. Maintain a sufficient level of rental income to cover the payments and to make significant progress in eliminating the loan principal. Moreover, this is how anyone may get started in the Atlanta real estate investment market. You reach a point when the rental income from the property covers the cost of the investment. Continually save more money for the next down payment, qualify for a loan, and purchase the next property in this manner, and on a similar basis. You now have a portfolio of properties that are paying for themselves, as well as a source of passive income.