Helena Talbot's blog - Helpful Tips For First Time Investors

If you are just starting out as a real estate investor, you basically have two types of investing options.  You can buy and hold a property and sell when the value goes up or you can buy a property, remodel it and then flip it.

Obviously, the safer risk is to buy a property and hold it until the value increases.  If this is the route you have decided to take, then there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

1.  Look for a property that is close to where you live.  It will be much easier for you to inspect and supervise the remodel if it is close enough for you to inspect the progress throughout each day.

2.  Look for a property that is in a neighborhood that is on the rise as far as future development.  This will allow you to benefit from the increase in the property value as it goes up.

3.  If you are trying to decide whether to buy a newer built home, a remodeled home or a less expensive home that needs some cosmetic repairs - buy the fixer upper and put some upgrades into it.  This will give you a better return on your investment in the long run.

4.  Buying a home as a real estate investment could provide you with some tax savings

5.  Get a personal financial advisor to help you set your investment goals

6.  Your real estate agent can help you find a property that will match your investment plans

7.  Your realtor can help you with a myriad of questions such as:  why a particular property would be considered a solid investment.  Why certain features make a home easier to rent.  What kinds of maintenance expenses you could encounter.  What kind of cash flow you can expect and how the tax savings can add to your investment.

8.  Your realtor can also give you the history of pricing trends for any particular market area so that you can use that information to achieve your investment goals.

Real estate investing is something that you do not want to learn the hard way.  The most important things you can do to make sure you don't make a rookie mistake is to find an experienced realtor and personal financial advisor to guide you through the entire process as smoothly as possible.

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.