If you are considering starting a career in real estate investment, whether it is part-time or full, you need to be aware of the many legal implications that surround properties and understand which ones apply to the sort of investments that you are interested in.
Of course, your first port of call should always be to speak to an expert in the subject of property law. They will be able to provide you with plenty of information about what applies to you and the issues that you might face with the investments that you are considering.
However, there are also a number of tips that are important to keep in mind before you invest any of your money in property.
Be Organised
The very first thing you need to do before investing in anything is to have complete awareness of your current financial situation. You need to be able to set a solid budget that doesn’t put you in trouble if an investment goes bad and you need to understand exactly where your money is going and what sort of return you are getting on it at all times.
In many cases this will require hiring a certified accountant who can keep track of where your assets lie at all times and will be able to inform you of any changes in law that may affect your investments. This is something that you are going to need to spend a considerable amount of time and effort on, but it is important if you want your investments to start paying out.
Be Aware of Local Issues
Real estate and personal property tax are going to affect every investment that you make, so it is important to be aware of what they are and which of your investments they affect. You will need to budget for each every single year, so don’t let your concentration slip and make sure that they are always included in your figures.
It is also important to note that neither is a set rate across the country. Different areas will have different rates of both types of taxes, so you need to be aware of what they are before you invest. After all, it can come as a massive shock to the system if you invest in a property outside of your comfort zone, only to find that you are required to pay a higher rate of tax for the pleasure.
Know Where to Make Savings
A good accountant who understands real estate will also be able to point out ways that you can save on the tax you pay, based on the investments that you make. This is particularly useful for people who are renting out the properties that they own.
Furthermore, you should always be aware of the 1031 exchange, which allows you to defer the capital gains tax accrued from the sale of one property directly into the purchase of another. You can keep hold of much more of your money by doing this, which has allowed for many investors to build a small fortune through continual deferral.