Friday 29 April 2011

7 PLACES TO INVEST IN ONTARIO RIGHT NOW

7 PLACES TO INVEST IN ONTARIO RIGHT NOW

1            KITCHENER-WATERLOO
2            TORONTO
3            MISSISSAUGA
4            BARRIE
5            KINGSTON
6            BRAMPTON
7            BURLINGTON 










When preparing this report, the following areas were considered as key fundamentals.  These areas include, but are not limited to:

1.   Employment rate
2.   Population growth
3.   Industries / Employers
4.   Immigration
5.   Transportation / infrastructure
6.   People perception
7.   Geographical location
8.   Household income



Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario


Kitchener Waterloo is one of Canada’s most dynamic economies.  The average price of a home in Kitchener increased by 6.1% during the first half of 2010 over the same period during 2009.  The presence of large-scale employers, such as Research in Motion, Manulife, Sunlife and Toyota, as well as two universities and a community college has had a direct impact on positive migration.  The largest, the Huron Business Park is home to a number of industries from seat manufacturers to furniture components.  Buying near a profitable major employer usually means security and good wages for employees, which means that the employees are typically good tenants.  There are plans for new infrastructure, connecting Kitchener-Waterloo & Cambridge, making it easier for commuters.  The average vacancy rate in Kitchener moved lower to 2.6% in the Fall of 2010.  It is projected that the vacancy rate in Kitchener will move lower to 2.4% in 2011.

TORONTO

People move into the Toronto downtown core to live and work.  Toronto is the number one city in North America for new condo construction and availability.  Toronto has indeed earned its reputation as the top market for condominiums in North America with over 260 projects planned or already under construction.  You can have confidence that investing in the Toronto market will be a smart investment decision.  Toronto offers safe haven to investor buyers who seek to have their money in a stable environment, lower interest rates and strong economic growth.  However, when investing, keep in mind that brand new condo prices are very high and could be costing you approximately $500-$600 per sq.ft.  On the other hand, an existing condo or townhome may cost you $200 less per sq.ft. than a brand new condo.   Being an investor, you should be looking for a below market value with positive cash flow properties.  With the University of Toronto, Ryerson University and York University being the 3 main campuses in Toronto, rentals are in high demand.

Young people seeking a downtown lifestyle, empty nesters downsizing and people tired of commuting all make Toronto extremely popular and a perfect place for investing. The key is to invest in below market value properties, which would provide equity and appreciation over a period of time.




Mississauga

Mississauga is one of the fastest growing cities in Ontario, Mississauga has thousands of companies, ranging from corporate head offices to small retail businesses.  The city stands as an economic leader in both the Province of Ontario and the country as a whole.

With population of over 700,000 and over $30 billion GDP, Mississauga is the third largest economy in Ontario and sixth largest in Canada.  The city also boasts among the most well educated populations in Canada with an impressive 59% holding either a post-secondary degree or diploma.

Growing population base, community diversity, talented labour force, higher average incomes, technology-driven economy, regional employment centre, post-secondary education and research programs, multi-modal logistics infrastructure, extensive cultural assets, small business and entrepreneurs, evolving health and life sciences sector and diverse finance and insurance sector makes Mississauga one of the best cities to invest in.

The average vacancy rate in Mississauga moved down to 1.8% in October 2010 as compared to 3.0% in 2009.  *
*source: “CMHC Rental Market Report” Fall 2010




BARRIE


Barrie has become a prime destination in Ontario for your family.  Average home prices have increased by 17.2% from September 2009 to September 2010.  Population is expected to rise from 136,000 to 210,000 in 10 years.  Royal Victoria Hospital and Georgian College, which currently has over 8,000 students are expanding and will drive rental demands up.  What drives the market is affordability.  The most typical house in Barrie is about $260,000 to $270,000.  For investors, a 3 bedroom house with 1½ baths could rent from $1,200 to $1,400.  A 3 bedroom townhome would rent for $900 to $1,100.  Barrie’s vacancy rate has decreased to 3.4% in October 2010, as compared to 3.8% in October 2009. *
*source: “CMHC Rental Market Report” Fall 2010


KINGSTON





The cost of a typical suburban home in Kingston averages at approximately $251,624, an increase of approximately 3.6% since September 2009.  If you can get enough bedrooms out of them, they may rent for approximately $450 each.  There is a strong demand for rental units in this area due to Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College, due to little or no construction of new rental units in recent years.
BRAMPTON

Brampton is the 11th largest city in Canada and 3rd largest city in the GTA and is among the top 10 most active construction markets in the country.  Brampton is strategically located within the Greater Toronto area – Canada’s economic engine.

With a modern infrastructure, a vibrant workforce, and immediate access to an extensive network of trans-continental highways, seaways and Canada’s Pearson International airport, Brampton is connected to global markets and ready for business challenges of any size.  Downtown development activities are boosting Brampton’s economic and cultural vitality.

Brampton’s population dramatically increased during the last decade and will continue to grow as one of Canada’s most diverse and multicultural cities.

Major companies and businesses currently working in Brampton include an automobile company (Brampton Assembly) which became one of Brampton’s largest employers.  The average vacancy rate in Brampton moved down to 1.9% in October 2010, as compared to 3.3% in October 2009. *


Strong economy and continuous population growth will provide excellent investment opportunities in Brampton.                          
*source: “CMHC Rental Market Report” Fall 2010
BURLINGON


Burlington is one of Canada’s fastest growing communities.  Burlington’s economy is not dominated by any single employer or sector.  Burlington’s economic strength is the diversity of its economic base, mainly achieved because of its geography, proximity to large industries in Southern Ontario (Canada’s largest consumer market), its relationship with the Greater Toronto area market and Hamilton and its transportation infrastructure.  The city has a robust economy with potential for future growth.



 


BONUS FEATURE

GREATER TORONTO AREA




Greater Toronto is growing and so does the demand for rentals.  The growing size and level of employment of the 25 to 44 population was a major contributor to the rise in demand for rentals.  Population trends available at the Provincial level for the first half of 2010 indicate that immigration is up 20% compared to the first half of 2009.







Rental Apartment Vacancy Rates Move Down


The rental market in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) experienced significant change in 2010.  The average vacancy rate for rental apartments fell by a full percentage point to 2.1 percent.  Strong demand for renting this year led to a 30% decline in the number of vacant units.  Several factors worked together to contribute to the sharp reduction in vacancies this year, including a rebound in employment, a high level of immigration and the rising cost of renting units in the condominium market.  Perhaps the most influential underlying force was the marked slowdown in demand for buying homes.*








Disclaimer:  This report is for informational purposes only.  The author, company, employees or any related individuals are not responsible or liable for any damages.  Everyone is expected to do their own due diligence. This information and any materials are not legal, tax, or accounting advice. We suggest you consult your own professional advisors in running your business and working with private lenders.  The information contained herein has been researched in good faith without warranty or liability for any incomplete or misleading information.

*Source: MCHC, Rental Market Survey

PLACES TO INVEST IN THE USA - 6

LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas is the most populous city in Nevada, United States, and an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining.  Las Vegas, which bills itself as the entertainment capital of the world, is famous for the number of casino resorts and associated entertainment.

The primary drivers of the Las Vegas economy have been the confluence of tourism, gaming and conventions, which in turn feeds the retail and restaurant industries.

Constant population growth means that the housing construction industry is vitally important.  In 2005 Las Vegas was regarded as the fastest growing community in the US.  However, the financial crisis of 2007 – 2010 and the accompanying business downturn has sent business and growth tumbling.

In recent years, the Nevada state government has tried to attract non-gambling companies and industries into the state and there has been an increase in the number of non-gambling manufacturing companies.

Local government spending has also focused on bringing the human traffic back to Nevada City.  Property investors in the area would therefore want to take a look at properties in this area if the revitalizing of the city is successful.  Investing in the line of progress is excellent in this respect.

Property investment in Las Vegas is thus a good place to start investing, especially in the areas which are situated next to some of the most famous casinos in the area.  Such properties provide good rental yield and income for the longer term.

PLACES TO INVEST IN THE USA - 6

ARIZONA

North Arizona lies on the Colorado plateau, an area of dry plains more than 4000 feet high, with deep canyons, including the famous Grand Canyon by the Colorado River.

Manufacturing is the leading economic activity with electronics, printing and publishing, processed foods, aerospace and transportation leading sectors.  Arizona abounds in minerals.  Copper is the states’ most valuable mineral.  Arizona leads the nation in production.

Arizona’s economy, which also largely depends on the real estate industry, has been hit hard.  Prices of homes have fallen approximately 50 percent from their peak, but on a positive note affordability has improved.

There is a huge demand for rentals in different counties of Arizona.  Rental households comprise almost one third of the total occupied homes in Arizona according to census 2000 (32%) and American Community Survey 2005-2007 (31.4%)

PLACES TO INVEST IN THE USA - 5

ATLANTA, GEORGIA


Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the US state of Georgia.  The Atlanta Metropolitan area with more than 5.2 million people is the third largest in the southeastern United States and ninth largest in the country.  Atlanta is considered to be a top business city and is a primary transportation hub of the southeastern United States.

Atlanta is one of ten US cities classified as a “Beta World City and ranks fourth in the number of Fortune 500 companies’ headquarters within city boundaries, behind New York City, Houston and Dallas.  Several major national and international companies are headquartered in Atlanta including Coca-Cola, Home Depot and United Parcel Service.  When it comes to real estate, sure, the projected price gain is only a third of Panama City, but it’s dramatic for a metro region with a population of more than 5 million people  Andrew Schiller, founder of Neighborhood Scout, notes “Atlanta’s strategic importance as the primary “growth pole” for the entire southeast.”

With the greatest job growth expected near Atlanta’s heart, commuters from far-flung suburbs are fighting harder each day to get back inside the I-285 “perimeter” that encircles the city.  That has already pumped up prices in the more desirable North Atlanta neighborhoods.  Expect to see the greatest appreciation along Atlanta’s southern perimeter fringes.

PLACES TO INVEST IN THE USA - 4

NORTH CAROLINA

The eastern end of North Carolina just out from the east coast of the United States into the Atlantic ocean and the Gulf Stream, North Carolina, in the warm temperate zone, has a generally mid-climate, with abundant and well distributed rainfall.  The states congenial climate, its’ many miles of beaches and its’ beautiful mountains attract large numbers of visitors and vacationers each year.

North Carolina leads the nation in the production of tobacco and is a major producer of textiles and furniture.  It grows 40% of all US tobacco, but the continuing trend is toward diversification.

North Carolina is attracting thousands of visitors each year, including Hollywood, which filmed 180 features here during past two decades.  This makes North Carolina one of the best places to invest in the USA.

PLACES TO INVEST IN THE USA - 3

TEXAS

Few cities in Texas are gold mines for investors.  One of the cities in Texas is McAllen.  A Hispanic baby boom is working its’ way through the regional economy.

McAllen is already 85% Latino and is larger: 3.8 members on average, compared with 2.4 for Caucasians.  These border towns have a housing shortage.  Cochrane says, “There’s pent-up demand.  They’ll be looking for more space and better space.”

He predicts that incomes will catch up to the areas’ economic growth, currently more than double the state average of 2.9%.   Manufacturers located on both sides of the border to take advantage of low wages and the common market for goods created by NAFTA.


Buying properties in an area where there is a housing shortage is predicted will usually provide investors a consistent rental income with great appreciation value.  Being an investor you may buy now and wait for the market to go up, while enjoying cash flow every month.

PLACES TO INVEST IN THE USA - 2

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA

Unlike the rest of Florida, Panama City hasn’t really attracted either, mainly because it is isolated on Florida’s panhandle.

But now, Panama City is poised to host big airlines, more visitors and a lot more buyers.

Panama City is an economy waiting to break out says Steven Cochrane, Chief Regional Economist for Mooday’s economy.  Other major factors increasing demand are property prices are still low by Florida’s standards.
Due to a major visitor’s place, rental demand will remain at a high level.  Buying and holding properties in Panama City, Florida may explode your profit in the next five (5) years.

PLACES TO INVEST IN THE USA - 1

OHIO

Ohio is a mid western state in the Great Lakes region of the Unites States.  The state is bordered by Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Lake Erie.
The state is most industrialized in the nation.  It has a leading share in the production of lime, clays and sale in the whole United States.

Chief industries of the state are manufacturing, trade and services.  Important manufacturing goods are transportation equipment, machinery and primary and fabricated metal products.

Due to major manufacturing industries located in Ohio, this state is usually known as “blue collar” population.  Currently, in Ohio, a home can be purchased for less than $40,000 with a potential rental income of $400 - $500 per month.  Rental demand is high and triple AAA tenants are available.  What’s even better, rent to own tenants are easier to locate. We are buying here because of one reason…positive cash flow. I mean cash flow of 15-20% has become norm and you can access a fully detached house that is completely renovated with a renter or least to own tenant for only 25K.

These properties are generally located in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Youngstown and Columbus area. 

By the way, in all cases, we use a management company so we don’t have to do day to day work with the tenants, making it a great passive income opportunity. We expect to cash out big time in approximately 5 years while we wait, we collect amazing amount of cash flow. Some of you may not want to ever sell these cash cow properties…and I don’t blame you. By the way, Ohio may not be a sexy place to invest but my bank account loves it.

Monday 11 April 2011

7 PLACES TO INVEST IN THE USA by Sunil Tulsiani

USA IS ON SALE
Lots of people are talking about how bad the real estate market is in the USA and we should stay away from buying anything right now.  I guess people who are writing these kinds of statements are either from the media or they are like to buy when the market is up and sell when the market is down. One thing is for sure, they are not investors who make full advantage of investing in real estate.
From an investors’ point of view, this is a better than perfect time to invest in the USA.  Why? Because the US real estate market is on sale and what happens when there is a sale going on?  Do you take advantage of rock solid real estate opportunities or simply follow majority of people who stay away and let good opportunities go?  I don’t have to go into this more, either you believe that you should invest when the market allows you to grab properties at 30, 40, 50 % or more off the replacement value. 
Currently, US market is presenting to you, what most people can only dream of. In fact many people pass these opportunities thinking it’s too good to be true or it’s so hard to invest in the US from Canada. The real estate in the US market is at an all time low, offering Canadian property investors the opportunity to purchase excellent US properties in great neighborhoods at low fantastic prices.  
Typical cash returned of between 15% - 18% are being achieved right now, and these passive income returns are in addition to the capital gains that these properties are delivering to their owners.
So, to summarize, here are some of the reasons why I am investing in the US right now:
Extremely low price (no need for a mortgage)
Good Positive Cash flow
About 15-20% income on monthly basis
Can be set up as Passive 
Huge amount of upside potential in approximately 3-5 years
You collect great cash flow while you wait for the market to come back
Our Canadian dollar is at par with US dollar
There are thousands of “Cash Cow Properties” available all over the USA.  Here is a list of States where excellent properties, at a great price, are available.  These are places where, I personally and my investors are buying properties or are considering to invest in the near future. Some states are great because you get a huge discount when purchasing properties, others because there is large sums of passive income coming into my pocket every month or both.
So, what are these places?
Here are 7 Places where I have personally invested, or my friends have invested or where I am currently doing my due diligence. I find the following 7 states worthy for you to look into further. Ready? Here we go.
Ohio
Florida
Texas
North Carolina
Atlanta
Arizona
Las Vegas
Stay tuned, I will provide you my full analysis on each of these areas.

Sunday 20 March 2011

Get Motivated Sellers to Call You by Sunil Tulsiani

The best way to get great money making properties is to have the people who need to sell their properties very quickly for whatever reason, i.e.  job change, divorce, multiple closings etc. Most of the time they want a quick closing and keep it confidential.
  
In order for motivated seller to call you, you will need to advertise in your local newspapers such as, Toronto Star, Mississauga News, Globe etc. Here are some time tested ads:

"Sell your house as-is, within 7 days"
"A free report reveals how to sell your house in five days."
"Discover how you can sell your house in the next seven days."
"Would you like a sold house in the next 72 hours?"
"Divorced? Job loss? Need to sell your house quickly? Call now…
"I can buy your house now for cash."
"I buy houses for cash"

Remember, most people do not want to sell their house for Below Market value. They want top dollar. You are looking for people who, for whatever reasons, have gotten into a situation that forces them to sell quickly. I have personally met people who have either lost their job and waited for a long time, hoping their problems will go away. When the bank is about to foreclose on their house, they become very motivated, at least to save their credit (and ego).

Remember, finding motivated seller who is willing to discount their property is  hard but when you do - it could mean $30,000, $40,000 or even more in your pocket.

Real Estate Lead Generation by Sunil Tulsiani

Lead generation is one of the hottest topics in the real estate industry, and with good reason. Leads are the first step in the business relationship. So without them, you have no business.

But real estate lead generation is also one of the most confusing topics for new real estate agents (and even some of the veterans). In fact, ever since I have been involved with real estate marketing, one of the most frequent questions I get is: "How do I generate real estate leads?"

  
  
  
Re-think Traditional Lead Generation Methods

My goal is to change the way you think about lead generation. Back in the "old days," purchasing real estate leads was a popular strategy. And while a lot of agents still use this approach to real estate lead generation, it is by far NOT the most effective way to go about it.

Think about it for a moment. When you purchase real estate leads, you are basically buying the names and phone numbers of people who (A) don't know you, (B) haven't asked to be contacted by you, and (C) could very well have an agent by the time you contact them.

In other words, you will be cold-calling strangers, in an age when cold calls are dying out. This is not the best way to approach real estate lead.

Website Lead Generation - Make People Want to Contact You!

One of the best things you can do to generate real estate leads is to make people actually want to contact. Think about the difference in mindset here. In the previous scenario of cold calling, you are contacting strangers who don't know anything about you. And because we live in an age of skepticism, they will have a level of distrust right from the start.

But instead of contacting strangers to introduce yourself, what if they contacted you and introduced themselves? For one thing, they would be much more inclined to listen to what you have to say. They would be more trusting and receptive as well. In other words, you would have a much easier time building a business relationship with them. Now that's the way to go about real estate lead generation!

How to Generate a Response

Sure, having people call or email you is the ideal scenario for lead generation. But how do you go about it? How do you motivate people to initiate that critical first contact? Well, there are several things you need to do. Here's a summary:

1. Be Visible

Obviously, people cannot contact you if they don't know you exist. This is where your business visibility comes into play. Online visibility is a big part of this, which is why search engine optimization is such a hot topic among real estate agents. The more visible you are online, the more likely people will be to find you.

You can also increase your business visibility by publishing articles in your local newspaper, publishing articles and press releases online, being active in your community, conducting free seminars, and other aspects of PR. Visibility and awareness are the first steps to generating real estate leads.

2. Be Valuable

The agents who are most successful with real estate lead generation are those who understand the concept of "perceived value." When a person perceives something as being valuable, they naturally want that thing. In real estate terms, this perceived value comes from many elements:

A real estate agent with unique knowledge of a certain niche ... or one who offers access to the best listings ... or one who has a proven (and illustrated) track record of client success ... or one who streamlines the process by networking with mortgage folks ...

These are all ways a real estate agent can increase his or her perceived value, which is the value your audience perceives you to have.

You can also create an item with a high perceived value, and you can in turn use this perception of value to generate leads. Let's examine the concept of "free reports" as an example. Many agents use this approach to real estate lead generation, but they botch the strategy because the report in question does not have a high enough perceived value -- not by a long shot.

A report entitled "Top Ten Home-Buying Tips" does not have a strong perceived value and therefore will not generate many leads. Why? Because (A) it is generic, (B) it does not identify closely enough with the target audience, and (C) it's information that you can find anywhere. It is not exclusive "must read" information. It will not motivate the average reader.

So how do you increase the value of such a report? Easy. You make it a "must read" document. Instead of basic home buying tips, why not boost the value and put people under pressure to read the piece? Why not promote something like this: "Which Happytown Schools Are the Best? Exclusive Report Tells All."

This kind of document would have a much better chance of motivating people and generating leads. It would be easy to tie into real estate, too, so most of your leads would be qualified ones. You could create an even better "hot button" report with a little imagination and knowledge about your community.

To take this approach even further, you can add a visual element. Have a graphic designer create an eye-catching cover for your report, along with some thumbnail-sized versions to put on your website says.

3. Be Trustworthy

People don't trust strangers. I talked about that already. So if you cold call people as a stranger, you already face an uphill climb in terms of real estate lead generation. The key, then, is to inspire trust among your target audience. This will help you overcome the natural skepticism people have and make them more likely to contact you.

How do you generate trust? Testimonials help, especially when you use the former client's full name, photo, and neighborhood. A long track record helps too, as do professional certifications and sales awards (just be sure to tie these back to the success and satisfaction of your former clients.

You can also generate trust by sharing your expertise with people. Real estate blogging is a great example of this. If you publish a real estate blog over a long period of time, and people find that blog online (through search engines or otherwise), they will feel as if they already know you a little. If you publish quality content, people will realize that (A) you know your market, (B) you are active in that market, and (C) you obviously like to help people. Suddenly, you're not such a stranger ... you're a perfect candidate to be their real estate agent.

Lead Generation Success

Being visible, valuable and trustworthy will make your real estate lead generation efforts pay off in the long run. Is all this effort worthwhile? Well, let me ask you this. What would it be worth if you never had to call or email a stranger again? That's a goal worth striving for, isn't it? That's the kind of thing that can happen when you change the way you think about lead generation.

(What Are You Waiting For!!)

Benefits of Joining a Real Estate Investment Club by Sunil Tulsiani

Everywhere you look there are many real estate investment clubs to choose from.  Keep in mind that real estate investment clubs are different from real estate investment trusts or REITs. You can use the Internet to find local clubs and resources, or join an online club.

In order to get a feel for investing, its good to associate yourself with like minded people. Think about what you want from a club before joining. Support, information and motivation are very good common goals. But they’re certainly not the only reasons to join. You should identify the real purpose of any real estate investment club you consider joining.
Attend a few meetings before you pay dues. Ask questions about the group’s founders and their motives for setting up the club. Did they want to invest and learn together, or did they want to sell their products? You should find out who the members are and what they do. Think about whether what they offer matches your goals. Some more questions to ask would be: -Is the club set up for education as well as networking? -Will people making sales pitches for books, seminars or services hammer me? -Does the club focus on the kind of real estate I’m interested in? -How many serious investors belong to the club? Are they more experienced than I am, or are they mostly newbies?

You’re likely to learn more from experienced investors. Investing in real estate is a big step to take alone. Sometimes club members form partnerships. A partnership might actually help you feel safer about your investment, or it might let you purchase more property than you could alone. One real estate investor estimates that 95 percent of people who attend club meetings never invest, or give up after one or two tries. It can be daunting to discover the amount of work ahead of you. But a club can keep you from facing that work alone, so join one today!

Ways to Obtain Funding for Real Estate Investing by Sunil Tulsiani

USING BUSINESS OR CORPORATE CASH CREDIT

As a real estate investor or business owner Sunil Tulsiani notes that you may have been using your personal credit profile and credit cards for many ventures. Credit card companies, however, have become more stringent in the use of your credit cards. Sunil Tulsiani recalls that you may have experienced increases in your interest rate or a reduction in your credit line. Instead of using your personal credit and personal credit cards, Sunil Tulsiani explains that you can raise money for your real estate projects or working capital by establishing and building excellent business and corporate credit up to $200,000 and more in a short period of time, without hiring an expensive consulting service. Sunil Tulsiani believes that real estate investors should be using a business entity such as an LLC or corporation for their investment activity instead of a sole proprietorship and having business credit is one of them.
  
Business owners, such as Sunil Tulsiani, understand that the biggest advantage of having business credit is saving money. With no personal guarantees and regardless of what your personal credit looks like, your good business credit score will lower your interest rate on all types of borrowing for business services including:

-Business credit cards
-Lines of credit
-Real estate
-Vehicles
-Office equipment
-Business loans and leases
-Many more types of business financing

USING PRIVATE LENDERS

One of the easiest ways to raise money — without credit, a job, and NO PERSONAL GUARANTEES, namely, to get funding from regular people, not banks, and you’ll get it faster, easier and without limits as to how much you can borrower. Just think what you could do with that kind of borrowing power!

Using this strategy of private lenders gives you the ability to raise an unlimited amount of money quickly, into the millions. Why would regular people want to loan you money? Because they are looking for a better return on their money than what their Certificate of Deposits are paying or other very low interest rate investments, and they have the security of the real estate you are buying.

USING SOCIAL LENDING

Across the world social lending is being utilized as an alternative to traditional bank and personal loans, according to Sunil Tulsiani. Social lending sites connect individual lenders and borrowers through a peer-to- peer network that is streamlined, efficient, legally formatted, profitable, and most importantly, helpful. Social lending sites provide an opportunity to reduce loan rates and loan costs for borrowers and provide a rate of return for lenders which may beat investment alternatives.

What it takes to be a Real Estate Agent/Investor by Sunil Tulsiani

It takes a certain breed to become a real estate agent, or a real estate investor for that matter. Sunil Tulsiani points out that it's a profession that some people take pride in and are highly successful at, but it can also be a demoralizing and unrewarding one for others. Sunil Tulsiani explains that it has to mainly do with your determination.

  
  
  
Sunil Tulsiani notes that there really are no specific qualifications or experience required to become a realty agent, but there are some attributes that are essential if you're to make a decent living from it over a long period of time.
In every town, city, or country you go to, there is real estate. In the city you'll have more contact opportunities, meaning more chances for listings and sales. Sunil Tulsiani has learned that the city also has it cons. The competition is a rife and spreading your name, let alone your company in such a large area, can be a big challenge. Sunil Tulsiani has found that this market is more cut-throat and possibly requires a sales person with comprehensive client canvassing strategies and is, by nature, is determined and competitive.

Sunil Tulsiani recognizes that working in smaller towns and suburbs is a different kettle of fish. This market typically offers a slightly more relaxed approach but with that comes less potential clients. A friendly and well-respected real estate agent is required in these areas. You must be able to adapt to an area where everyone knows everyone. It's much easier to build a reputation but don’t forget that it's just as easy to ruin it. Sunil Tulsiani wants you to keep in mind that the key thing to remember is that word spreads quickly in small towns. Being able to build and maintain relationships is crucial.

There are some attributes that are fundamental, no matter which area of real estate market you're based. Being able to sell basically yourself with confidence is very imperative and so is being able to sell a product with passion. Sunil Tulsiani goes on to explain that you must have a warm personality with excellent communication skills, but the most important attribute to have is being able to sell something without coming across as "just another sales person". When clients realize that their real estate agent is actually sincere and honest and has their best intentions at heart, the more likely they are to buy from them. Based on what Sunil Tulsiani has experienced, there's simply no room for pushiness, arrogance or a lack of patience in the real estate game.

Don’t forget that there's also a lot of sacrifice involved. By no means is it a 9am - 5pm job. Realty agents are mostly on 100% commission so there really isn’t room for complacency. Sunil Tulsiani recalls that potential buyers are busy at work during the day so the only option to gather work is through evening contact. There's also the requirement to run open homes on weekends. This can generally be particularly frustrating, especially if the relevant home is gathering little interest. The most important thing is keeping your confidence level high, as well as your positivity for a certain outcome.
People are lured to real estate because of the quick buck it promises. But don't hold your breath; you won't get rich quick. An "overnight sensation" usually takes about five years. Sunil Tulsiani informs that, unfortunately, more than ninety percent of the people who take a real estate seminar quit after three months.

Real estate investing should be treated with the seriousness of a career. It takes months, sometimes even years for a business to cultivate customers and have a life of its own. Sunil Tulsiani elaborates that you need to treat it like any other business.

How to Find Good Property to Invest in by Sunil Tulsiani

When you are considering purchasing a property for real estate investing, Sunil Tulsiani points out that you’ll want to remember that there are generally two ways to make money on the property you purchased. One, for instance, is from capital appreciation. Sunil Tulsiani explains that this is where the value of the property increases, and the other is from renting your property out. However, how do you know whether a property is a good investment or not? Sunil Tulsiani has provided the following information to help you with this question.  

Obviously, one of the most important factors in determining whether a property is a good investment or not, is to consider the price of the property. Sunil Tulsiani recalls that if after you’ve made the initial down payment and your mortgage payment is over and above what you can rent the property out for, you’ll find that to be a poor investment. Sunil Tulsiani explains that one of the most important factors is determining whether or not the property will bring in a positive monthly cash flow for you.

Sunil Tulsiani adds that the location of the investment property is also an important factor. Regardless of whether or not you purchase a rental property well below its market value, if you can’t find tenants for the property, it won’t matter. Make sure you choose a property in a location where there is a demand for housing. Sunil Tulsiani has learned that researching the market can save you the hassle of a poor choice in real estate investing. Also, you’ll want to make sure the property you choose will appeal to the masses. Sunil Tulsiani notes that just because you like the uniqueness of a house, doesn’t mean someone else will and you may have trouble renting or selling when the time comes.

If the investment property you are considering is a fixer-upper, you may want to bring a contractor with you to determine the cost for repairs as well as renovations. Sunil Tulsiani informs that you’ll want to figure this into the cost of the property and if it will not yield you a return on your money, whether you plan to sell or rent, you are taking the risk that it may be a very poor investment.

Whether you plan to flip houses or rent them out, real estate can be a very profitable business for yourself. While determining whether or not a property will make a good investment or not can be difficult, the important thing to remember is to always do your research. Sunil Tulsiani finds it important that you find out the rental history on the property, the demand for housing in that particular area, and any other pertinent information you can find on the investment. Any research you do will help you to choose properties that will be beneficial to your real estate investing.