Investing in Real Estate (2024)

Investment real estate is land and other real property that generates income for its owner instead of a place to live. Learn how to make real estate part of your portfolio.

The Balance’s Guide to Real Estate Investing

Investing in Real Estate (2)

Buying Real Estate vs. Investing in REITs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How to start in real estate investing?

    The simplest way to start investing in real estate may be to do so indirectly, through a real estate investment trust (REIT), or even an ETF consisting of several REITs. You’ll gain exposure to real estate as an asset, but you won’t have to deal with the day-to-day management. If you want a more direct investment, consider a duplex or small multi-family property. If you live in one of the units you’ll have access to traditional mortgages, and you’ll begin to grow a portfolio of properties.

  • What is real estate investing?

    Real estate investing covers a broad range of operating, investing, and financial activities all based on making money through the appreciation of real property or via cash flows tied to a property. There are several ways to make money from real estate: asset (property) appreciation, rental cash flows, and ancillary cash flow from products and services related to the property.

  • What is a REIT?

    REITs are companies that invest in real estate such as single-family homes, apartments, retail locations, hotels, offices, warehouses, or shopping malls. Generally, REITs purchase and invest in properties to add them to their long-term portfolios, producing returns from rental income and appreciation of the properties. REITs must pay out at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends. They allow investors to invest “passively,” without the need to actively manage real estate.

  • Can you start investing in real estate with little money?

    Yes, you can, although don’t expect to start out buying and selling hotels. Real estate investment trust (REITs) and real-estate focused ETFs can be an easy, and low cost way to get started in real estate investing. Another option might be to join or form a real estate investment club. You’ll be able to pool resources and share knowledge with other investors just starting out.

Key Terms

  • Cap Rate

    Cap rate is the net operating income divided by current market value. Investors use this ratio to compare different investment opportunities.

  • Blanket Mortgage

    Real estate investors and commercial property owners looking to buy several properties at once use one mortgage to cover multiple properties (like a blanket). Because they condense multiple mortgage applications into a single one, they’re able to save time, reduce costs, and increase efficiency for buyers.

  • Depreciation

    Depreciation is a way to refer to a decline in something's value, usually due to age or wear and tear. The IRS allows real estate investors to recover some of the costs of owning a rental property through depreciation.

  • Construction Loan

    A construction loan is a short-term loan for real estate. You can use the loan to buy land, build on property that you already own, or renovate existing structures if your program allows. Construction loans typically last less than one year, and you usually pay them off with another "permanent" loan.

  • Hard Money Loan

    A hard money loan is a loan from a private lender backed by a tangible asset like real estate. These loans usually have shorter terms and higher rates than traditional mortgages.

  • Owner-Occupant

    An owner-occupant is someone who purchases a property with rental units, then also resides there. This is an important concept when it comes to getting a home loan because some mortgage programs require that the borrower make the rental property being bought their primary residence.

  • Closing Costs

    Closing costs include payments to a variety of people and organizations for services during the homebuying process. Standard closing costs might range from 2%-5% of your home’s purchase price. But that depends on where you live, the property you’re buying, and more.

  • Appraisal

    A real estate appraisal establishes a property's market value—the likely sales price it would bring if offered in an open and competitive real estate market. Lenders require appraisals when buyers use their new homes as security for their mortgages.

  • Restrictive Covenant

    A restrictive covenant is a legal binding agreement that outlines what a homeowner is and is not allowed to do with their property. These rules are written into the deed of the property and may have penalties for violations.

  • Real Estate Owned (REO)

    After a foreclosure the property is repossessed by the lender—typically a bank—will auction off the property in hopes of recouping the losses it incurred when the homeowner missed payments. If the home fails to sell in the auction, it goes on the bank's books and is referred to as a "real estate-owned" (REO) property.

  • Encumbrance

    An encumbrance is any legal thing that burdens or restricts usage or transfer of a property. An encumbrance can be a mortgage, a lien (voluntary or involuntary), an easem*nt, or a restriction limiting the transfer of a title. A property free-and-clear of any encumbrances is rare.

  • Real Property

    Real property, often also called “real estate,” is land plus any other tangible improvement that might rest upon it or be installed on it.

Explore Investing in Real Estate

Investing in Real Estate (2024)

FAQs

What is one positive about investing in real estate? ›

In general, real estate has a low correlation with other major asset classes—so when stocks are down, real estate is often up. A real estate investment can also provide steady cash flow, substantial appreciation, tax advantages, and competitive risk-adjusted returns, making it a sound investment.

How realistic is the 1% rule in real estate? ›

The 1% rule is a guideline real estate investors use to choose viable investment options for their portfolios. Although the rule has helped many investors make wise decisions regarding their investment properties, the current real estate market may make following the 1% rule unrealistic.

What are the 5 keys of real estate investing? ›

Here are five guiding principles I've discovered over the last ten years for building a profitable yet balanced real estate investment business:
  • Teamwork and Shared Responsibility. ...
  • Market Positioning and Public Relations. ...
  • Capital and Property Market Understanding. ...
  • Strategic Planning and Risk Management.
Jul 2, 2023

What is the 1 rule in real estate investing? ›

The 1% rule of real estate investing measures the price of an investment property against the gross income it can generate. For a potential investment to pass the 1% rule, its monthly rent must equal at least 1% of the purchase price.

What are the three most important things in real estate? ›

There is an old adage, that the three most important words in real estate are 'Location, Location, Location'.

What are the pros and cons of real estate? ›

The Pros and Cons of a Real Estate Career
  • Pro #1. Achieving Freedom. ...
  • Pro #2. Feeling Responsible. ...
  • Pro #3. Being Respected. ...
  • Pro #4. Excitement. ...
  • Con #1. Having Nothing to Do. ...
  • Con #2. Doing the Wrong Things. ...
  • Con #3. Weird Working Hours. ...
  • Con #4. Irregular Income.

What is the golden rule in real estate? ›

In November, Corcoran appeared on the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast with her son Tom Higgins to describe two methods she says make up her “golden rule” of real estate investing: putting down 20% on an investment property and having tenants of that property paying for the mortgage.

What is the 80% rule in real estate? ›

It's the idea that 80% of outcomes are driven from 20% of the input or effort in any given situation. What does this mean for a real estate professional? Making more money in real estate is directly tied to focusing your personal energy on the most high value areas of your business.

What is the 50% rule in real estate? ›

The 50% rule or 50 rule in real estate says that half of the gross income generated by a rental property should be allocated to operating expenses when determining profitability. The rule is designed to help investors avoid the mistake of underestimating expenses and overestimating profits.

What are the 4 P's of real estate? ›

If you've been working as a professional marketer anytime in the last 60 years, you are likely familiar with the four Ps of real estate marketing: product, price, place and promotion.

How do I avoid 20% down payment on investment property? ›

Yes, it is possible to purchase an investment property without paying a 20% down payment. By exploring alternative financing options such as seller financing or utilizing lines of credit or home equity through cash-out refinancing or HELOCs, you can reduce or eliminate the need for a large upfront payment.

How do I start real estate with little money? ›

Investing in property with minimal funds is possible by using strategies like house hacking, where you live in part of the property and rent out the rest, or by partnering with other investors. Other options include seeking seller financing or using government-backed loan programs.

Is it better to buy real estate or stocks? ›

Historically, the stock market experiences higher growth than the real estate market, making it a better way to grow your money. Stocks are more volatile than housing, making real estate a safer investment. Stock earnings are taxed as capital gains when realized. Stocks have no tangible value, whereas real estate does.

What is the Brrrr method? ›

What is BRRRR, and what does it stand for? Letter by letter, BRRRR stands for “Buy, rehab, rent, refinance and repeat.” It's like flipping, but instead of selling the property after renovation, you rent it out with an eye on long-term appreciation.

How long does it take to make a profit on a rental property? ›

Most of the time, you can get positive cash flow right from day one with your rental. Figuring out your profit for the year is a matter of taking how much rent comes in and subtract how much money goes out for expenses like taxes, insurance, and mortgage payments. What you're left with is your profit for the year.

What are the positive effects of investing? ›

Investing is an effective way to put your money to work and potentially build wealth. Smart investing may allow your money to outpace inflation and increase in value. The greater growth potential of investing is primarily due to the power of compounding and the risk-return tradeoff.

What is a positive investment? ›

Positive investment is about values-based investments that help to ensure a positive social, economic, and environmental future.

What is a benefit of investing in real estate quizlet? ›

income, appreciation, and investment gain. Benefit of investing in real estate. hedge against inflation, higher than average rate of return, the ability to leverage. Returns include income, capital gains and tax shelters. Gross Scheduled Income or Gross Potential Income.

What is a disadvantage of real estate investment? ›

Real estate investments tend to have high transactional costs, especially in legal and brokerage fees. The process of acquiring a new property is also very long and tedious with lots of legal formalities.

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