Few business categories thrive in a recessive economy. Real estate, when invested into properly, is one of the few forms of investment that can pose good returns on profit in a faltering market. The trick is to know how to determine which properties are worth the effort, and which are going to cause hardship.
Professional real estate investors know that you won't sell a home anywhere near actual value if the market in a specific neighborhood isn't in good condition. A good market is characterized by frequent interest in homes in the area, with an emphasis on buying rather than selling. Too many sellers can snuff out even high interest areas within a community.
House "flipping" is another way to make money if you are handy with construction and renovation. Home flipping can take several months to complete, so it's not the ideal solution for those with a full time job. Good real estate candidates for this type of investment would include homes that have exterior problems- such as needing paint, siding, or minor repairs.
Long term real estate investments are easy to pick out if you are familiar with the development of cities in a specific area. For instance: nabbing land just out of the limits of a developing neighborhood will prove to be valuable in a decade, when the neighborhood expands and costs shoot up. In the meantime, investors can rent out the property to cover the costs of the mortgage and associated fees.
Investments are about getting the highest end profit possible, which won't happen if too many expenses are being tacked on. An example would be with using an inspector to check the real estate out for problems. Inspectors provide a valuable service, but at a price. It is more cost effective to learn the tricks of the trade of inspectors and find any problems with the home by yourself. Learning material is available in book stores if you need assistance.
Mortgage loans will hopefully not pose much of a long-term problem if you intend to sell the house quickly. It's still worth investigating types of mortgages and multiple lenders so that you are able to find the best fit. If you don't want to spend money on a down payment, you might opt for a 100% mortgage. If you are well versed in investing, you might instead go for a foreign currency exchange mortgage. Buy to let mortgages are even geared towards investors- making them especially useful.
Closing Comments
It's true that getting into real estate without knowing much about it can be a disaster. Starting small, educating yourself, and becoming certified in various fields of real estate topics is a good way to start. Be cautious in first investments- they are most likely to fail than subsequent ones.