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Things to know before investing in commercial real estate.
Investing in commercial real estate has been
proven to be an excellent method in creating wealth. However, like
all investment opportunities, commercial real estate options should
be carefully considered and weighed against other potential areas
of investment. Thorough research needs to be conducted by first
time commercial real estate investors with regards to property,
financial and market analysis, negotiating, financing, legalities,
insurance, as well as tenant and property management. Commercial
real estate may seem like a “sure thing” to build wealth,
but the prudent investor will have a good team assembled to command
each step in the process of acquiring and maintaining commercial
real estate.
Essentials
There are a couple of factors that are essential to anyone investing
in commercial real estate, but are really directed to the first-time
investor:
- Be secure in your day job. That is, have an
established career that will allow you to moonlight in commercial
real estate without sacrificing your home, insurance and retirement.
- Have enough savings to cover one year of living
expenses.
Liquidity
Investors also need to realize that real estate is not a liquid
investment. If you need to convert your assets to cash immediately,
commercial real estate is not the answer. A more liquid option would
be CD’s, marketable securities or even a savings account.
The lack of liquidity in commercial real estate may not be viewed
as a negative, especially if you plan to hold onto the property
for the long term. Over time, the market has demonstrated that real
estate is a lucrative investment. The savvy investor will be in
it for the long haul.
Finally, the best real estate investment is your own home. It is
advisable to have experience in residential real estate in some
capacity before embarking on commercial real estate investment.
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