Done a refurb? Had a repair? Extended or converted a property? If yes, then chances are, you like me, will have probably followed one of these courses of action at some point: 'phone a friend', 'Googled it' or thumbed through Yellow Pages. There are other ways though... Probably the best way to … [Read more...]
Property Research…Online
Some useful pointers here about basic desk research on a property location to help with area-based investment checks In addition to the items listed, we could also look at recent comparable sales (e.g. via Rightmove or Zoopla) and rental figures (again Rightmove could help but even better is to … [Read more...]
Get-rich-quick property seminars make a comeback
"A fool and his money are soon parted" The shame, red face and embarrassment will subside quickly but the longer-term consequences, especially financial ones can quite literally last a lifetime. There are good guys and there are bad guys out there; so how can we tell the difference? Here is … [Read more...]
Landlords beware: five common financial traps
Most of these 'financial traps' are common sense; perhaps with the exception of #3... #1 Setting the rent too low or too high #2 Failing to monitor arrears #3 Attempting to self-manage a property #4 Neglecting maintenance #5 Inadequate insurance As for #3, appointing an agent does carry a cost … [Read more...]
Property shows, courses and seminars – are they worth it?
This is a sensitive subject. On the one hand, education is absolutely vital to be successful in property inesvting. Not only in the tangible aspects of investing such as the responsibilities of being a landlord or the economics of yields, return on investment and the like but also some of the … [Read more...]