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Tuesday, August 23, 2022

6 Sources to Raise Capital For Real Estate Investing

6 Sources to Raise Capital For Real Estate Investing

Raising capital for real estate can be a challenge for many new investors, but it is necessary for anyone looking to succeed in the industry. The key to learning how to raise capital for real estate is to focus on identifying what today's lenders covet the most (and give it to them). If you succeed, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to raise the real estate investment capital you need for your next deal.

Other People's Money (OPM) is what makes real estate investing possible for a considerable percentage of aspiring investors. Even the most successful real estate professionals and legendary investors almost exclusively use OPM to reduce liability and maximize returns. Daniel Chan from Marketplace Fairness suggests "It is important for investors to know how to raise capital in the real estate world because it gives them more options and opportunities to invest in the market. Even if an investor has their own money, knowing how to raise capital can help them get better deals and make more money in the long run". As you can see, raising capital is critical for investors of every level.

However, both novice and seasoned real estate investors struggle to connect with potential private investors and close the deal. (Or even understanding how capital works with an alternative strategy such as tax lien investing.)

This is a shame, considering there is more real estate investment capital out there than ever before. Remember, private money lenders want to work with you just as much as you want to work with them. Private lending has never been so attractive or widely accepted, and the benefits for you and your lender are endless.

Raising real estate investment capital is about more than a simple message or conducting a presentation that resonates. It must be more than a pretty website, thousands of inorganic Facebook friends, glossy folders, and a nice suit.

What Is Investment Capital?

Investment capital is the money used to fund a given investment deal. This can include the costs of acquiring a property, initial renovations, and upfront costs. There are generally two types of investment capital: debt and equity. Debt refers to investment capital from hard money lenders, such as banks, and often requires interest payments. An advantage of using debt investment capital is that hard money lenders will not have a say in the company. However, many investors may find it difficult to secure capital with hard money lenders. This is where equity (and OPM come in).

Equity refers to money secured by selling ownership of a property or business. Private money lenders may invest in a company if they see the investment as potentially profitable. Using equity as a form of investment capital has different pros and cons to utilizing debts, so investors must consider both options. For entrepreneurs ready to put the work in, raising private money can offer the chance to pursue various investment opportunities and expand their portfolios.

Top Sources Of Private Money

Private money can be found all over the real estate industry, but it may not be easy to identify if you don't know what to look for. Here are some of the top sources of private money to be aware of:

Business Partner: A common business arrangement is for one partner to manage the heavy lifting in terms of workload, while the other supplies the capital (called a silent partner)
Peer-to-Peer Lending: P2P lending is made possible through online lending platforms that partner you with other investors.
Crowdfunding: Real estate crowdfunding has become increasingly common over the last several years, and again allows you to utilize an online lending platform to finance investment deals.
Family, Friends, or Colleagues: Many private money deals are funded by sources close to the investor, such as a family member with extra capital.
Hard Money Lenders: It is also possible to finance a deal with an investor you haven't worked with before. Ask around your network for trusted lenders to learn more.

What Are Money Partners?

Money partners are anyone you decide to work with to fund a given deal. When it comes to raising capital for real estate, money partners can be beneficial because they can enable investors without significant capital to get started. Money partners can finance a deal, provide advice, and even share a given investment risk depending on the arrangement at hand. Because of this, money partners are often highly sought after in the investment world. However, it is important to note that partnering with other investors is mutually beneficial. Business partners stand to benefit from the success of a good deal just as much as you do, something that is important to keep in mind as you get ready to approach potential lenders.

Money partners exist throughout the real estate industry, though it is important to approach each potential investment carefully. It is not uncommon for even the most seasoned real estate investors to fail to close a deal with private money lenders or money partners. To ensure this does not happen to you, research potential investors you are trying to work with and put in the time and effort to ensure you are prepared every step of the way. If you are interested in learning more about how to find private money lenders or money partners, read this guide.

Uses For Private Money

Those who want to raise capital for real estate most commonly use private money for refinancing a property or buying a new property. For example, suppose you purchased a property using a conventional mortgage but want to want to negotiate for a shorter repayment plan or lower interest rate. In that case, you can use a private money lender to help you refinance.

If you are interested in condos, single-family homes, multifamily homes, or apartments, private money can be used to purchase your new investment property. To get a private money loan for a new investment property, you will have to pitch the potential profitability of the property with reliable numbers and predictions. Raising capital for real estate using private money is typically easier for experienced investors as they have records of successful deals they have made.

How To Raise Capital For Real Estate

Private money lenders will often have their own set of rules and guidelines. While many will exercise similar practices, their borrowers' criteria are different. I maintain, however, that there are several universal things private money lenders look for.

If borrowers can identify what it is their money partners want, it's more likely that they will receive the loan. You see, lenders are in the business of making money, too. There are 6 P's that you can remember when it comes to private money lenders. If you can give them the things I outline below, you could find yourself with the money needed to buy your next deal:

Protect their capital
Promise realistic returns
Prove your potential
Procure a great deal
Provide your track record
Promote relationship building

1. Protect Their Capital

The primary concern investors have is protecting what they've loaned out. If they lose that, they won't be able to profit, which is the whole point. That's why so many money partners have recently invested in low-yielding real estate-related products and ventures. When contemplating this factor, most look for collateral and how easy it will be to get their money back in the worst-case scenario. So be ready to answer these questions and have a plan B in your back pocket. It should go without saying, but the best way to work with a private money lender and raise the real estate investment capital you need for your next deal is to convince them that it's worth their time.

2. Promise Realistic Returns

Where most real estate investors go wrong when trying to raise capital is promising huge returns. If you sound overconfident, your presentation will automatically appear to be a "high-risk investment" or "scam," which is certainly not the message you want to send. You will have to be above average market rates – of course – but don't project too high. The last thing you want to do is overpromise and under-deliver. Even if you think your goals are possible to achieve, start by underestimating and then deliver more later, which will create a sense of loyalty and reliability between you and your first line of money partners. If you tell them they will receive an ROI of 8 percent, and they actually make 14 percent after all is said and done, you can bet they'll put you at the front of the line in their contact database and beg you to take their money for your next deal.

3. Prove Your Potential

On the other hand, you need to make your investment sound appealing. Savvy investors with bigger pockets and heavy-weight venture capital firms are, of course, intrigued by the promise of big wins. So, while keeping projections conservative, don't be afraid to hint at the full upside potential – those big numbers you are hoping you'll really hit.

4. Procure A Great Deal

Everyone wants a "deal." There are two reasons for this. The first is that it is simply human nature. If someone thinks they are getting a good deal on a product, it automatically gives the impression of value. The second is that these individuals and money managers want to look smart and feel like they are making a sound investment. They all have someone they need to impress. It could be their boss, co-worker, spouse, competitor, or even themselves. Regardless of who, your potential money partner will want to be able to boast about how intelligent they were to discover this high-yielding or trendy investment before everyone else. Help them out.

5. Provide Your Track Record

Of course, most investors expect to see a proven track record. They want to know that you can deliver on your plans. If you don't have direct experience in real estate investing, what other relevant experience do you have or who else can you partner with? Have your portfolio ready to go with your successes on top. You've got to have the numbers to prove yourself.

6. Promote Relationship Building

Surprisingly – or perhaps not so surprising – having a personal relationship between both investing parties trumps the rest of the qualifications. So how can you build more authentic relationships or find like-minded individuals – whom you might already know – that might want to work with you? This is one of the most important habits to acquire as a real estate investor. Try attending a local networking event to get your face out there. Building and maintaining relationships is necessary if you want to discover a potential money partner and achieve success.

5 Tips For Raising Private Real Estate Capital

The best advice for raising private capital in real estate will vary depending on who you ask. This is because over time, investors find the way of doing things that work best for their real estate businesses. However, this is not helpful to newbies. What I can say is that it takes time to develop a surefire system for raising private capital. In the meantime, —here are some tips to help you get started:

Use Your Own Money First: Before you start fundraising a new project, assess how much capital of your own you can rely on. Not only will this help you frame the budget for the project, but it will also lower the amount of cash you are paying interest on should you find a private lender. To increase your personal capital, consider redoing your monthly budget and reducing expenses for a while; you may even be eligible for a home equity loan.
Attention To Detail: The details included in your portfolio are going to make or break your pitch to private money lenders. Ensure you have an accurate purchase price, property value, rehab cost, and rental value wherever it applies to you. If this is your first investment deal, make sure the figures and estimates in your deal analyzer are as accurate as possible. Strong attention to detail could mean the difference between choosing a potential investment and securing enough financing.
Showcase Your Success: When you complete a successful real estate deal, don't be modest! Share the good news with your network, website, and social media following. Investors can and should showcase their successes (or wins) as they come along. This can help establish your credibility over time in the real estate industry when done right.
Build Relationships: Networking is not as simple as exchanging business cards, and you shouldn't want it to be. If you want to have a successful career in real estate, building relationships across the industry is critical. Keep up with your connections, celebrate their successes, and check-in from time to time. Building genuine relationships will help your career more than you can imagine.
Educate Others: Sometimes, you may encounter potential lenders who are mostly unaware of the intricacies of a real estate deal or the dynamics of private lending. That's okay; it could be the perfect opportunity to educate someone else about what you do. As you build relationships with other real estate professionals, have conversations about lending and acquiring deals, share the resources you find helpful, and put people in contact with one another when fitting. This will help you build relationships (as I mentioned above) and potentially introduce investors to a mutually beneficial real estate aspect.

Raising Capital For Residential Vs. Commercial

When comparing residential and commercial deals, financing is going to look very different. Residential properties almost always cost less than commercial properties, and investors need to secure less funding overall. It can take a shorter amount of time to raise the capital necessary for a residential deal. Commercial deals, on the other hand, require much more capital but come with higher profit margins. For this reason, some investors may find it easier to secure commercial properties. Overall, it comes down to your network and preferred lenders. Raising capital for residential vs commercial properties requires an understanding of the different income projections.

Continue Learning How To Raise Capital For Real Estate

Raising capital for real estate has become one of the most discussed topics associated with real estate investing. If for nothing else, it's the one concept anyone could stand to improve on, there's never too much funding. As a result, there are volumes written on the subject of raising capital for real estate, and perhaps even more knowledgeable people talking about their own strategies just about anywhere someone is willing to listen. Truth be told, it's not hard to find someone willing to offer their own opinion on raising capital for real estate investments; the hard part comes in distinguishing between those who are truly knowledgeable and those who are, for lack of a better word, ignorant.

It should go without saying, but incorrect information can be damaging to one's career. Therefore, it's important to gather information from trusted sources, not the least of which include:

Books: To this day, books represent one of the greatest ways to filter through the volumes of information made available to investors. However, the number of books one can find on raising capital for real estate can be staggering. Instead of sifting through everything, and risking learning from someone that may not know what they are talking about, save yourself some time and consult "The Real Estate Wholesaling Bible," by my friend and business partner Than Merrill. As the name suggests, aspiring investors will learn how to wholesale real estate, but a large portion of the book deals with raising capital and funding. As a compliment, my own book, "The Real Estate Rehab Investing Bible," will teach readers the importance of raising capital for real estate and the best ways of going about doing so.
Podcasts: Relatively new to their written counterparts, podcasts are not to be underestimated. Oftentimes free, these downloadable audio files are filled with information from today's top minds in the real estate industry. Get Wealthfit, for example, is a compilation of podcasts by investors who have been exactly where many aspiring investors hope to be one day. Get Wealthfit covers everything from money management to marketing strategies and everything in between.
Blogs: Not unlike books, blogs offer knowledgeable individuals the ability to share their knowledge with the masses. Only, instead of releasing once every year or so, writers can publish blog content daily.

Summary

Raising capital for real estate doesn't need to be nearly as hard as many make it out to be. For those learning how to raise capital for real estate, remember, working with money partners is as simple as doing two things: learning what it is they want the most and giving it to them. The investors can identify what today's lenders are looking for that stand the best chance at getting the money they need for their next deal. That said, pay special considerations to the steps above, as they offer insight into what the majority of today's lenders look for in a borrower. Only when you can give a lender what they want will your chances of receiving real estate investment capital increase dramatically.

Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not a Good Faith Estimate and this is not a Guarantee to lend and should not be considered as such. Costs, rates, estimates and terms can only be determined after completion of a full application. Actual payments will vary based on your individual situation and current rates. APR for loans vary from 7.99 - 29.5% and is based on Credit Score, Down Payment, LTV, Income. Mortgage rates could change daily. To get more accurate and personalized results, please call 623 582 4444 to talk to one of our licensed mortgage experts. Terms and conditions of all loan programs are subject to change without notice. Level 4 Funding LLC, 22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112, Phoenix AZ 85027, 623-582-4444 NMLS 1018071 AZMB 0923961 This e-mail is for the exclusive use of the intended recipients, and may contain privileged and confidential information. If you are not an intended recipient, please notify the sender, delete the e-mail from your computer and do not copy or disclose it to anyone else. Your receipt of this message is not intended to waive any applicable privilege. Neither this e-mail nor any attachment's establish a client relationship, constitute an electronic signature or provide consent to contract electronically, unless expressly so stated by Dennis Dahlberg RI/CEO, Level 4 Funding LLC, in the body of this e-mail or an attachment. To the extent this message includes any tax or legal advice this message is not intended or written by the sender to be used, and cannot be used, for legal or tax purposes or advice.

About the Author: Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

A Guide For Private Money Lenders How To Attract Investors

While each individual investor may have their own agenda when it comes to a particular exit strategy, the returns provided by an investment are of the utmost importance.

For all intents and purposes, the ROI is the motivation behind any investor. After all, money means security. Who would not want to maximize their ROI? Having said that, private lending is perhaps one of the best ways to increase returns. Private mortgage lending has typically provided an annual return of 8-10%, based on the historical interest rates charged to borrowers.

The Pros of Private Lending

Assuming you have decided to pursue becoming a private money lender, it is important to familiarize yourself with the benefits it provides borrowers. However, it is equally important to know the drawbacks as well. As with any new business venture, you will face both positive and negative circumstances. The decision of whether to proceed with this moneymaking strategy lies in the balance. Do the pros outweigh the cons for you? The following illustrates some of the biggest pros involved in private investing:

The Pros:

Reliable Cash Flow: While there are no guarantees, private money lenders can typically expect an annual return somewhere between 8% and 10%. Depending on the loan structure, there may be other ways in which profits are realized, like interest.
Capital Preservation: In loaning your own money, your investment will be secured by a first position “priority” lean on the property in question. Additionally, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratios are typically 60-70%, allowing the invested capital to be preserved in the event of foreclosure. Structured correctly, and your investments is very safe.
Diversification: As a private money lender, you are encouraged to diversify your portfolio.
Minimal Volatility: Loans are typically short in their length (usually nor more than 12 months).
Passive: Private money lenders earn relatively passive income, in that their money is working on their behalf. The return on investment is not correlated to the amount of time they put in.

Private Lenders: The First 3 Steps To Get Started

Whether you are interested in having your money work for you now or in the future, understanding what it takes to get started is a critical step. Having said that, it is imperative to equip yourself with the right tools should you decide to become a private money lender. Before you make the transition from borrower to lender, be sure to familiarize yourself with the following:

Make Sure You Qualify: Prior to becoming a private money lender, you must become seasoned. Essentially, you should be actively investing and using the systems that are offered to you. Moreover, if you have already rehabbed, wholesaled or turned profits with some relative degree of success; then there is a good chance you are ready to make money with the money you have already accumulated. You really can’t know where you are going until you are familiar with where you have been. Provided you meet the qualifications, you will also need to make sure that you can afford becoming a private money lender. In other words, can you manage your monthly expenses while simultaneously working as a private money lender? If your answer is yes, becoming a private money lender may be right up your alley.

Pick An Angle: As a private money lender, there are multiple routs to consider. However, your choices will be entirely dependent on the amount of funding you have available, how long you want your money tied up, and the time you have to dedicate to a particular opportunity. In order to better understand the directions, you can take, consider the following criteria:

Residential vs. Commercial
Short Term vs. Long Term
Direct vs. Passive

Each of these options will become available to you as a private money lender. It is up to you to choose the path you want to take.

Speak With A Professional:

Those set on becoming a private money lender should seek council with a professional that has already done it. Moreover, speaking with someone that has already done what you want to do can lead to some valuable in sight. However, if you choose to lend directly, you should speak with your personal team of professionals. This includes your Escrow Company, Title Company, attorney, and anyone else who may be of a concern.

It is an even better idea to speak with a team of people who have been private lending for a while. While you may want to try direct lending, finding a private lending company with a good track record is an exceptionally good place to start.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701
About: Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.
© 2019 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Monday, June 22, 2020

All About Deeds of Trust and Trust Deed Investing

All About Deeds of Trust

You’ve just made the decision to purchase a home! First things first. Find the perfect property for you, make an offer that will be accepted by the seller, and finally secure financing.

When it comes to financing buyers will use either a mortgage or a deed of trust. These are the names of the document’s buyers will use to secure financing. Both works similarly, but not the same. Certain states require buyers to use only one and other states, such as Arizona allow either. The biggest distinction between the two is the number of parties involved. A deed of trust has three parties and a mortgage has only two.

The three parties in a deed of trust are the borrower, the lender, and the trustee. The borrower is also referred to as the trustor and is the person purchasing the property and in need of a loan. The lender is either a legal entity or an individual who provides the loan. The trustee is a neutral third-party who holds the deed to the house and is ultimately responsible for the repayment of the loan. If the borrower defaults on the loan it is the trustee who would sell the property and repay the loan. The trustee is the party that handles the foreclosure process.

Once the loan is repaid the trustee is responsible for transferring the title of the property to the borrower. For this, the trustee must file a Deed of Reconveyance that shows the debt was paid. The Deed of Reconveyance is filed with the local county recorder of deeds registry. If not done within 30 days of the final payment a penalty will be issued.

Who is allowed to be a trustee?

Certain states have legislation describing the required qualifications. You can find this out by simply checking your local laws. Some states have no requirements for who can serve as a trustee to a deed of trust.

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave | Austin | Texas | 78701
About: Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.
© 2019 Level 4 Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Saturday, June 20, 2020

What is a Trust Deed? Trust Deed Investing

What is a trust deed? A trust deed is also known as a deed of trust. It is a document that is used in real estate transactions when one party takes out a loan from another party to buy real estate. The trust deed represents the agreement between the lender and the borrower to have the property held in a trust by a neutral third party until the loan is paid in full.

Trust deeds are less common than they used to be in the past. Trust deeds are quite common in states like Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas. Some states allow both trust deeds and mortgages.

In financed real estate transactions, a trust deed transfers the title to a third party called the trustee. The trustee is typically an attorney, a bank, or a title company. The trustee holds on to the title until the borrower has paid the debt back to the lender.

The purchase of a home or commercial business is a real estate transaction. The lender gives money to the borrower in exchange for a promissory note that is linked to a trust deed. The deed transfers the legal title to the real property to an impartial party (the trustee). Trust deeds take the place of traditional mortgages.

The trustee holds onto the legal title until the debt is paid in full by the borrower. Then the title to the property becomes the borrowers. If the borrow defaults on the loan, the trustee begins foreclosure and takes control of the property

Although trust deeds and mortgages are similar, they do have important differences.

Trust deeds and mortgages are used in loans for creating a lien on real estate. They are both recorded as a debt where the property is located. While a mortgage involves two parties, the borrower and the lender, a trust deed involved three parties. The borrower (trustor), the lender (beneficiary), and the trustee are all significant in trust deeds. However, contrary to popular belief a mortgage is not a loan to buy a property. Instead, it is an agreement to use the property as collateral for the loan. Trust deed and mortgages have very different foreclosure procedures. A trust deed uses a nonjudicial foreclosure which does not require a court to be involved while a mortgage uses a judicial foreclosure which means the lender sues the borrower. Once the lender has control of the property, they typically sell the property at an auction.

Friday, June 12, 2020

Trust Deed Investing Arizona

A lesser-known option for investing in is trust deeds. They have high returns, a low entry point, and more security than many investments.

Investing in trust deeds gives you an opportunity to invest with lower risk and a higher chance of great returns, often in double digits. When people invest in real estate, they are generally experts in the industry. However, with trust deed investing, you do not need experience because this is not a hands-on investment.

Exceptionally High Returns

The stock market is completely unpredictable. You can have the best portfolio but there are zero guarantees it will perform well. However, when it comes to investing in trust deeds, you are guaranteed a specific return over a specified period of time. Generally, these returns are much higher than other investments produce.

Low Entry Point

You do not need a huge amount of money in trust deed investing. Typically, you can begin with as little as $20,000. When you invest in your own property it costs much more. Flipping a house, for example, will cost you much more than $20,000. Trust deed investing will give you just as good of a return as flipping a house if not better, which is why this investment is so lucrative. Less money up front and just the same high returns as other investments.

Security

Another great part of trust deed investing is the security investors will experience. Investment, high returns, and security generally don’t go together. However, trust deed investments carry a fixed rate of return so you are aware of exactly how much money you will make. This type of investment is not affected by the market. If the market goes up or goes down, you will still receive the same amount of return. You will know from the beginning what you are investing in and what your return will be. Peace of mind comes with trust deed investing.

Inveseting in Foreclosure Properties–How To Do It

How To Invest in Foreclosures

You’ve seen the TV programs where attractive young couples buy foreclosed homes, renovate them, and flip them for huge profits. They make it look easy.

While of course, the process of purchasing, renovating, and flipping foreclosed properties is a bit more complicated than it appears on TV, it is doable and you can make a profit from it. Here’s what you need to know before spending one dime on a foreclosed property.

Drive-By the Property

When the sales list comes out, peruse the list, and identify potential properties for purchase. You’ll want to visit them prior to the sale. Of course, you will want to get an idea of the condition of the property, but you also want to inspect the neighborhood.

First, research the property online. You will be able to determine how old it is, how many bedrooms and bathrooms it has, how many owners it had, how long the previous owner had it, what the property taxes are, and in many cases, whether permits were pulled to perform any renovations and what they were.

If the property is vacant you want to get as close as you can, without trespassing, to determine as best you can what condition the property is in. It is typical for foreclosed homes to show some degree of deferred maintenance because if the previous owner did not have the funds to pay the mortgage chances are they did not have the funds to make repairs or updates.

Look at the roof, the siding, the foundation, and the state of the yard. The exterior will likely give you an idea of what to expect in the interior. Expect to update all surfaces and renovate the kitchen and baths. Of the flooring, the roof, and the foundation, expect there will some work to do and budget for this contingency.

Determine Your Maximum Purchase Price - and Stick to It!

After you’ve visited the property and determined you can handle a renovation, you must determine your maximum bid. Your maximum bid should not be based upon what you can afford, but should be based on several objective factors, including the sale price of comparables on the market, what a potential buyer would expect in the property, what renovations bringing the property up to meet those expectations will cost you and how much value those renovations will add to the property.

Bear in mind that most sheriff’s or trustee’s sales are all-cash transactions.

Know Your Buyer

Here’s where your visit to the neighborhood pays off. Who will buy your renovated property? An established professional who commutes? A married couple with kids? A young first-time homebuyer? This will determine the type of renovations you do and the style in which you do them.

You will likely need to update most surfaces, including flooring, paint, and countertops. If the home is older, the kitchen and bathrooms may need updating. Who your prospective buyer is will determine the style.

Determine How to Add Value to the Property

Besides updating surfaces, you may need to make more significant changes to the property. For example, if the property is located in a neighborhood of homes with three bedrooms and two baths and the property you are considering only has one bath, you’d better believe you are going to need to add a bath. If homes with an open floor plan are selling in that neighborhood and the property you are considering is a warren of small rooms, you should consider taking down some interior walls.

When you drove by, you should have been able to see serious foundation issues or if the roof needs to be replaced, and whether you will need to improve the landscaping. Also, if you are considering purchasing an older home, you must be prepared to update the electric and remediate lead paint and asbestos.

Set aside at least 10% of your renovation budget for unexpected costs.

Research Comparables

You’ve seen the neighborhood, figured out who your buyer is, and determined what the home needs as far as you can. Now is the time to research properties that have recently sold that are comparable to your vision of your renovated property.

Once you have your recent comps, set a range of expected sale prices as the market will fluctuate in the time you take to renovate.

Set a Budget

Your budget should include the anticipated cost of renovations plus a 10% cushion and carrying costs. Your budget plus the purchase price of the property should be well below your ultimate sale price range. If it is not, you should pass on this property.

Be Prepared to Rent if the Property Does Not Sell

Not every property sells right away, and you have to be prepared in case yours does not. When researching comparable properties, also research what comparable rental properties rent for. This should factor into your decision whether to purchase because if you can’t rent for the number of your carrying costs, you will be in the red as long as you own the property.

Be conservative in your spending and realistic in your sale price, and you should do well. Good luck!

About the Author

Veronica Baxter is a legal assistant and blogger living and working in the great city of Philadelphia. She frequently works with David Offen, Esq., a busy Philadelphia bankruptcy attorney.