The choice to buy a home or investment property is the largest one time purchase most of us ever make in our lifetimes. Regardless of the location real estate is a serious, long-term strategy for building personal wealth, passive income, and financial security.

In order to make educated and informed decisions, many elements contribute to the success of your investment.  

• Property
• Neighborhood safety and security
• Cost of living
• Leisure activities
• Return on investment asset

The ultimate goal is that the real estate fits your purpose. It is essential that you take a long-term view as you may be holding or living in the property for a long time.

Property

Determine your preferences and finances before considering a real estate purchase. This is essential to remain focused and on track. There are studio homes and one, two beds, three or more bedrooms. Do you want a house, apartment, townhome, or condominium? There are homes in the city, urban environment or the rural countryside setting.

Neighborhood safety and security

As an owner investor, location, location, location is the top priority when considering a real estate purchase. Study the neighboring school systems, medical facilities, and business industries. Many databases contain demographics and statistics for crime rates, weather, hurricanes, earthquakes, other catastrophic events, and acts of God. This is an excellent time to determine if you and your family prefer warm, sunshine weather or year round or the shivering, snowy cold. No one place is 100 percent safe and secure do your homework and be informed.

 Cost of living

The cost of living around the nation and in other countries varies immensely. It is cheaper to live in many cities in the United States due to their lower than average cost of living expenses. Taking this into will make your earned income dollars go further. In addition, it will allow the opportunity to build up savings accounts faster. Look for affordable places within your budget and work industry. Expenses like food, transportation, taxes, housing, entertainment, and insurance all add up very quickly.

Leisure activities

There are many tourist attraction centers such as Walt Disney World and theme parks, McDonald’s, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Six Flags. The question is do you wish to live nearby. As an example, throughout the year 60 million tourists visit the city of Orlando. Recreation centers nearby can add to the value of your investment. Choose wisely. Make a list of non-negotiable activities, parks, restaurants, and shopping malls that must be nearby. You will select different locations if hiking, fishing, golf, skiing or the ocean are you passions.

Return on investment asset

Real estate property is an asset. It is important to have an investor mindset. Real estate investors have the option of buying homes to live in, rent, or turning them into to vacation homes or temporary rentals. You must check the local zoning and regulation requirements before allowing tourists to stay in your home rather than a hotel.

More than ever before, real estate is ideal for young professionals just starting their careers, great for families, or those heading toward retirement. The key is to find the real estate property that fits your purpose, whether personal or for business reasons.

Quality of life

Complete your homework and due diligence to select the best property for your needs and future goals. Take your time. There is never any hurry, as the next property will always come to market just around the corner.