Real estate investment refers to a procedure for buying, building or improving a real estate. Real estate is land consisting of the buildings and other property on it, and its underlying natural resources like water, minerals or crops; immovable real estate; an additional interest in a single piece of immovable property, buildings or real estate in general. In United States, real estate investment refers to real estate purchased for development or resale, either completely new constructions or reconstructing older structures to make them suitable for resale. In Canada, real estate investing refers to buying an existing structure and converting it into residential, commercial or industrial space, sometimes using tenants to occupy the structure.
There are various real estate related processes involved in order to purchase a property. One of these processes is buying a property to be used as a residence; this process can be done through a sale process, where a person buys a piece of property that does not occupy an entire lot, and then turns it into an apartment complex, or sells it to an investor for a profit. The second process of Real Estate investment deals with developing property. In this process, you use certain methods and techniques to improve the property, making it more attractive and profitable for rental or sale. Other real estate related processes include property management, which involves the maintenance and repair of the properties; selling the properties; developing new properties and disposing of old ones.
If you are planning to invest in Real Estate, you need to know that there are four types of investors in real estate – residential, commercial, industrial and retail. Residential investors tend to invest in houses or apartments, or in plots of land, which they develop themselves. Commercial investors invest in real estate for the purpose of leasing it to other people, sometimes in return for a lease payment; they are also involved in the financing of commercial projects. Industrial and retail investors buy properties for the purpose of developing them into business establishments.
An important aspect of Real Estate investment is real estate management, which is concerned with the day-to-day operations of the property. Some investors are into contract negotiations with tenants, looking out for any increase in the rent or any default on the part of the tenant. Some invest in buying foreclosures or repossessed real estate properties, which have been offered for sale at an auction. They clean the house, fix up the location, take care of the tenants, and turn a profit from the increased rent. Some investors are into the buying and selling of personal properties, especially those with multiple beneficiaries. They organize auctions, open trust accounts, pay and close taxes, handle financial statements, collect rents, and manage rental and other funds.
If you want to invest in Real Estate, you must learn how to select a Real Estate investment type according to your needs and preferences. For example, if you are an experienced retiree, you can be into residential real estate investing. You may have to buy plots for your future garden or buy single-family units in a planned community. But if you want to be part of the subprime housing market, you can do so with loans.
Residential Real Estate Investing can be into several types of Special Use Real Estate Properties (SUREPs). They are, in fact, four types of residential Real Estate: first home, second home, property rental, and vacant land. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can choose the one that fits your needs, budget, and strategy. There are also, special programs that can help you qualify for certain types of residential Real Estate investment opportunities.