7 Signs You Are Ready to Invest in a Property

Making a first real estate investment comes with careful financial decision-making. Before finally deciding to invest in real estate, it's understandable that anxiety, doubts, and hesitation can be high. Having savings might not be enough to tell that you're ready to invest in a real estate property because of the other responsibilities that a property investment entails.

So, when is the right time to buy a property? How do you know that you are capable of taking on the risks of real estate investing? Read on below to know of signs that you are ready to manage and make an investment property. 

You know you are ready to buy an investment property when:

1. Your financial foundations are solid

A telling sign that you are prepared to pursue your first property investment is having your finances sorted out. That means having established a system for paying monthly dues and setting aside a portion of your income for savings. If managing your earnings is still an issue, property investment will just complicate your life. Keep in mind that having the skills to save up whether for property purchases or retirement is fundamental when it comes to real estate investing for beginners.

2. You have set your long-term financial goals

Before you get started on investing in property, you'll need a goal.  It will not be wise to start investing in real estate without a strategy and goal. One must take careful consideration of the ultimate picture of the future and know how a real estate investment or investments can help one reach a financial goal. Before you make your first property purchase, you need to make sure you know the following terms:

• capital growth - the increase in the market value of the property over time
• tax benefits - how will being a property investor put you at an advantage or disadvantage? Have an accountant on your side to check for depreciation, negative gearing, claiming interest on the mortgage, capital gains tax exemptions, etc. 
• cash flow - how much will be your yield all year round when you buy a property? What returns do you gain from the real estate purchase minus the costs you incurred to acquire and manage it? 
  
  

3. You know how to manage your debts

Being debt-free is ideal but knowing you are capable of not making loans pile up is among the signs you're ready to dive into property investing. The problem with acquiring debt is how it could easily deplete what you earn, especially ones with high-interest rates. One has to learn to be on top of bills and make sure payments are made on time. Settling loans prior to buying a property will spare you from a headache.

4. You have a stable income

Payments for any investment will come so having dependable regular earnings is important. Paying off those dues while capably sustaining yourself is key. Having a steady income also matters in getting home loan applications.

5. You are aware of your risk tolerance

Investment properties come with varying degrees of risks that relate to lending, managing the property, and the costs involved in the maintenance of a property. How many of these will you be willing to handle? Do an assessment. This will be a great opportunity to find out if you need to take a more conservative stance or if you can afford to take bigger risks. 

6. You have the right amount of cash buffer

Part of being a real estate investor is not overlooking a contingency or emergency fund for your property. A good landlord to your tenant is having ready finances for repairs and ensuring that your tenant is safe, secure, and can comfortably live in your property.

7. You have time to oversee your property

Owning a property requires time. Staying on top of repairs and yearly dues and legal work can be demanding especially when you are already juggling a full-time job outside your real estate venture. Investing in real estate will involve a lot of leg work and customer service so make sure you have time to spare.

Purchasing a property for the first time comes with sacrifices, hard work, and risks. Make it a worthwhile experience by reviewing these factors to ensure you are prepared for a long-term commitment.