Do you want to make more money? Sure, we all do, at least according to the advertisements. And while this may be true, not everyone knows exactly what they should do to achieve that goal.
According to Savvy + Co. Real Estate agent Susan Hill, real estate is one of the best and easiest ways to build wealth.
Susan has been with Savvy + Co. for over eight years. Growing up, Susan watched her mother, a realtor, work with clients and help them build wealth. When faced with the decision after college to get her real estate license or go back to school and become a licensed counselor, Susan chose to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
“Wouldn’t you know that I’m a continuous “unofficial” counselor to my clients now,” said Susan. “Home buying or selling is usually an emotional process, and I love that I was able to mix both of my strengths in such an unexpected way.”
Here are Susan’s 4 reasons why real estate is a great way to build wealth.
Accessibility
Real estate is an accessible way for people to build wealth by living in their homes and gaining equity.
This year’s market has been trickier for buyers, and most predictions are that home prices are only going to continue to rise through 2022. According to Susan, by waiting 3, 6, or even 12 more months you could inadvertently price yourself out of the market.
“There are accessible ways for people to purchase a home that doesn’t necessarily require the traditional 20% down payment. This is the number one reason people don’t think they can afford to buy a home. But so many lenders have fabulous programs for first-time homebuyers requiring only 3-5% down and provide additional incentives for closing costs, so it is definitely within reach.”
Low Risk
Susan says that real estate is also a relatively “low risk” way of investing, especially when compared to other ways of investing, including the stock market.
Do you still feel safer renting instead of buying? Susan wants to ask you a question.
“Do you want to help somebody else (your landlord or apartment company) build wealth, or do you want to build that equity for yourself?”
With Charlotte’s increasing rental rates, many renters are spending $25,000 – $30,000 on rent each year, which could have been equity in their pocket. You’ll also lock in your mortgage amount so you won’t have to worry about price increases every year!
Start before you think you’re ready
I’ve had countless clients purchase a home they know they will only be in for 3-5 years and put no more than $50,000 into it. When they go to sell it “x” number of years later, they’re making at least an $85,000 profit. That’s quite the return on their investment, and they were able to use some of that equity as a down payment for their next home.
Susan recommends seeking out financial planners and having a “take the meat, leave the bones” attitude, which means doing what works best for you and your situation.
“Most experts can usually give general advice, which while it may be great advice, it’s up to you to make it your own and make it work for the details of your situation.”
Set goals
I want to be in real estate for the long haul, and from that goal has grown a real desire to educate my clients on the benefits of how owning real estate can put them in a great financial spot.
Something I heard recently from a colleague is that goal planning is not solely about accomplishing the goal; it’s about stretching yourself to reach that goal.
Remember, that even if you can’t achieve it in a set amount of time, keep it on your plate and know that one day you will.
If you have any questions on how you can build wealth through real estate, contact Susan today.
