Over the years, the real estate market in the United States has been going through changes which make investing in real estate a bit harder than it was. It is important to analyze and evaluate your next move in real estate before you buy or sell a property. You need a great strategy or you’ll fall into the trap of investing in unprofitable properties. Condos are particularly tricky and you need to learn what to look out for before making a purchase. Here are some traps to avoid if you’re looking to buy a condo.
1. The Developer Hype
When you buy a condo when the market is hot, you may end up with a property that is below your expectations. This is because amateur developers want to take advantage of the circumstances in the market to make quick money. This means that they are willing to develop property quickly without following due diligence. It is, therefore, important to avoid buying a condo during a heated market. If you must buy at this time, ensure you go for property developed by well-known and experienced developers. The last thing you want is to buy expensive property that does not give you value for money.
2. Hoping to Sell Before the Property Registers
Unless you’re in a position where you can easily obtain a mortgage when the condo registers, you should not consider buying newly constructed condos. The market is flooded with assignment condos that are forced to sell below their original pricing which is a loss to the owner. Do not fall into this trap.
3. Income Approach Vs. Capital Appreciation
Different people have different risk appetites. You need to find your unique approach, one that works for your financial situation and investment goals. Investing in real estate is very similar to equity investment. Every opportunity presents unique risks and potential. You need to understand your motive for investing before you place your money in an investment condo.
4. Buying Without A Proper Investment Plan
Like with any other investment, buying a condo requires meticulous planning. Failure to do this could lead to huge losses. You need to find out what type of an investor you are, whether you plan to manage the property on your own, understand taxes, and also decide whether residential real estate is the best investment for you at this moment.
5. Over-upgrading A Property
Most first-time condo buyers go out of their way to upgrade the unit hoping to make more from it. Over upgrading a property may not be appealing to potential tenants or buyers. While it may reflect your taste, it may not the best idea for other people. Also, upgrading may not reflect on the market value which makes it a loss-making venture for you. This will decrease your buyer pool and demand for the condo.
Working closely with a Toronto condo team of experts can help you avoid making these mistakes when buying your condo. While it might cost you, this cost will be justified by the quality of the investment they will help you make.
