It’s the New Year and you’re motivated to kick some serious goals!
2020 is certainly your year to get ahead on your investments and grow your portfolio- but be careful– there are some mistakes commonly made that can hinder your investment dreams, let us take you through them:
Not having a plan
Even in a booming property market, you can’t just buy “any” property and instantly retire. Sure, you may earn some cash in the short term if you’re lucky, but it will get you nowhere towards your ultimate goal.
Having a balanced portfolio is key, and each purchase should be the next step towards your long term strategic plan and enable you to grow your portfolio.
A Strategic Investment Plan should always be drawn up with the ultimate end goal in mind, and should be reviewed annually, as well as after each property purchase. It is also wise to review your plan if there has been a dramatic change in the investing environment.
Taking advice from friends and family
This mistake is more about taking the wrong advice, and being cautious of who’s advice you choose to listen to.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on the property market and, unless they are a successful property investor themselves, you should always consider whether the advice of friends and family is the best advice. We often hear people being turned off purchasing an investment property because someone has scared them through an overly risk adverse opinion without having all the facts. What we do know, is that so many of our clients regret not making a property purchase years ago before the market rose, we often hear “if only I had bought” so often. If they had performed their own research and understood the risks, then they would have been well on their way to their financial independence.
Free advice always comes at a cost
Keep in mind that “free” advice is usually not good advice, and comes with its own costs.
If someone is offering you “free” education, or property advice, then be very cautious. Everything comes with a price and they may be receiving kickbacks for recommending certain property developments or off the plan apartments.
Purchasing an investment property based on this advice should be taken with caution as it may not be completely independent, or have your best interests at heart. You should always ensure any investment advice is independent and in line with your long term Strategic Investment Plan.
Not understanding all the risks
We can not emphasise enough how important it is to do research on both the property, the area, and the market.
You should never avoid doing a building and pest inspection just to save costs, and this should always be budgeted into your cost of due diligence. These reports can really save you from buying a property that requires a lot of repairs or has unseen issues lying beneath the surface.
Performing extensive research on the area, growth trends, comparable rental and sales, and the investing environment can really ensure you purchase the most suitable property for your portfolio. Understanding the economic drivers is important, and weighing up all the benefits and risks of each option is important.
Purchasing the wrong property will not only cost you thousands but can instantly stop your portfolio growth in its’ tracks!
Buying close to home because you know the area
We see this happening ALL THE TIME. Just because it is a great area to live, doesn’t mean it is the best place for an investment property. Buying close to your home may be an emotional purchase and not in line with your long term strategy. You should never buy a property based on emotion as the risks could be overlooked, your due diligence may not be as thorough, or your market research isn’t performed extensively.
Always research which is the best market that suits your particular goal, and you will be on the right path to creating your investment portfolio.
Avoiding these mistakes will put you on the right path to begin your 2020 with your future goals in mind!. Good Luck!
If you are looking for a Buyers’ Agent to assist you with purchasing a home or investment property in the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle regions, please get in touch with Lloyd Edge and his team at Aus Property Professionals here or give us a call on 1800 146 837!
