What To Look For In A "Bargain Property".

By Doc Schmyz

Fixer's and foreclosure properties have always been the "jewels" that RE investors look for in order to make big profits. However if you dont do your home work before hand you may lose not only your investment but your profit as well.

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.

Please Note: The following elements discussed are not listed in any particular order. Nor do they all hold the same value in relation to each other, but they must ALL be considered in their entirety. The property should meet at least one of the criteria, and should have no unjustifiable issues in any one single area.

Doc's List:

KNOW WHY ON PRICE

Price is the first thing and investor sees.

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)

If not, there may be problems with the property that require major expense to correct. Structural problems such as a cracked foundation or outdated plumbing and electrical wiring. The last two are VERY common in older craftsman homes from the 30-50's. CONSIDER HOLDING COSTS

In my opinion the most common over looked profit drainer is underestimating the liquidation costs of holding and selling the property. Things to keep in mind and budget into your holding costs are: commission payments to real estate agents, closing costs, mortgage payments, taxes, plus repair and maintenance costs. Also electric and water.

Poor determination of true market value is another obstacle to the successful deal. Market value is essentially a subjective exercise where the true value is not known until someone buys the property.

YOU MUST ANALYZE similar properties in the area. Keep in mind that prices are set at the margins and may reflect the extremes of a particular housing market environment.

PAY ATTENTION TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS

While price and location are important; don't discount other profit leveraging tools like the terms of the financing.

In some cases a full price purchase can allow you to leverage the terms to mean a lower interest rate or smaller down payment.

STUDY 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 you're 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. LOCATION. LOCATION.

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 than 4 star area...that profit might out shine a nice little bungalow on the beach.

FIXER UPPERS AND FORECLOSURES

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

With small repairs such as painting, minor landscape, and basic flooring, profits may be available but not really worth the risk. More significant profits are found with extremely distressed properties. Plumbing is corroded, the roof needs replacing, and the interior needs to be gutted and remodeled, but the seller is asking 50% of the market value and you can repair it for much less. Always factor in the amount of work that you are looking at once you have a rough idea of the cost of the expense, add on another 5% as a buffer.

Know what it is ZONED for.

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.

Understand that a single use zoned property is always cheaper than a multi use.

Classic zoning "no-no's" are garages converted to bedrooms. Non-permitted granny flats and detached garages. - 23229

About the Author:

Doc has been a investor and project manager since early 1990's. In 2006 he started a real estate investing information website. His goal is to help or investors by giving m information on real estate services that will help m