Bargain Properties ? How to play this game.

Home foreclosures and fixer-uppers have long been a focus of many real estate investors looking to make big profits. Of course, if the target property doesn't meet certain criteria, an investor can lose their investment as well as any profit that was to be gained

A cautious and methodical approach is best in this decision making process. Keeping that in mind, here are some critical area's that must be considered when looking at real estate bargains for investing purposes.

Keep in mind...this isnt listed in any particular order. Its just things to keep in mind The target real estate should meet at least one of the criteria, but not be too heavy in any other areas.

Doc's List:

KNOW WHY ON PRICE

Investors ALWAYS see the price first.

They search for properties they think are selling below market value. This makes sense?buy low and sell high right?? However think about the reasons behind the sales price? What is their motivation? Are they relocating or in financial duress? The 3 D's come in to play here most of the time. (Death Divorce, Debt)

Are there problems with the property that will cost a small fortune to fix? Out dated plumbing??? Poor electircal wiring? in older houses these problems are VERY common. Dont forget to consider holding costs.

Holding costs are one of the biggest profit killers to investors. Taxes, mortgage, commissions to agents (both selling and buying) gas, electric...all theses things add up...and FAST.

If your not up on the market your shopping in...your going to loose money.

Check out other property near the one your looking at investing in. what prices are they pulling in? Are they the same size? Lot size close to the one your looking at? Same style of structure?

PAY ATTENTION TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS

What areas can you leverage besides price and location. Financing?

If you have the means you can pay full price but jocky for a FAR lower interest rate or a smaller down payment. Over time your cash flow could be in the black faster due to the terms you set up.

RESEARCH THE LOCAL MARKET

Experienced real estate investors try to learn everything about the market they are shopping in. Sometimes its the small details that give the property youre looking at the best chance to appreciate. For example: How close is the nearest church? Is the area family friendly? What is the local crime rate... is it close to good school? Where is the closest Fire/police station? Does the neighborhood have a community watch program? Next factor in the local floor plans that surround your target property. Was the last owner primarily concerned with vacancy rates, so they keep prices low instead of upgrading the property? In contrast, your research shows that particular upgrades like air-conditioning, second bathrooms, or enhanced security allow for both lower vacancies and higher rental rates.

LOCATION IS NO TO BE OVER LOOKED

If your shooting for a long term tenet or residence then location is the second most critical thing to look at...however if you have a chance to turn a good profit for a ugly house in a less then 4 star area...that profit might out shine a nice little bungalow on the beach.

DISTRESSED REAL ESTATE

Most new investors and some seasoned ones, seek out fix and flips and distressed foreclosures for the opportunity to increase the profit margin. If your going this route make sure you have a good eye for the details and a solid understanding of basic home repair.

Distressed property is a gold mine. IF you know what your looking at. How old is the roof on the property? How much will it cost to repair/replace? How is the plumbing? Is the foundation/slab sound? Once you have asked a lot of the basic questions...and you have an idea how much it will cost to fix/correct, do your self a favor. Add 5% as a buffer.

GET IN A ZONE WITH ZONING

Zoning provides an opportunity to put the property to a higher or better use and is an area many investors ignore. Higher and better use means that the owner is getting the most out of the land. For example, if a lot is zoned for three units but contains a single lot, then it is not getting its highest and best use. Or if a lot is zoned commercial, yet there's a three unit residential building sitting on it, it is not getting its best and highest use, like a business or a store.

These are often bargains because the price is based on current use. So the single unit residential is priced low while the double unit duplex could be sold higher or rented out. Harder to find as developers stay more aware of zoning allowances these days.

Classic zoning "no-no's" are garages converted to bedrooms. Non-permitted granny flats and detached garages.