When one considers all the investments available to them, all the investments they have made throughout their lifetime, one of the most valuable across the board is, without a doubt, real estate. Many of us do not consider real estate decisions heavily enough, simply considering buying into real estate a benefit in the way of current comfortability. In reality, real estate is an investment not only for your current comfort, but also for your future self. Perhaps you want to keep the property forever, handing it down along the family line. Or maybe this is an investment property to live in now, and rent out later to bring in additional income. Either way, real estate is without a doubt one of the most important investments one is ever likely to make. It is important to treat it as such.

Taking the time to figure out what you want, and why

Finding the perfect house and land package can take some time, but this is time well spent if you make sure to take adequate care in all regards. The first step to finding the perfect property is of course to understand why you are looking at property in the first place, and what you expect to gain from it. There is no point going to a realtor and having no answer when they ask what it is you are looking for in your next property. Know what you want from the property itself – is it going to be a house that you will turn into a family home, or is it going to be a fixer-upper that you breathe new life into through extensive renovations?

Making sure that you factor in location, climate, neighbours

Wanting a farm house is great, but you should also be considering if you want a farmhouse on a farm property, or if you want to live in a close-knit community, close to your neighbours. Having a farm-style house, and owning a farm property, are two very different things, and it is important to differentiate between the two and make sure that all properties you are considering cater to the specifications you want. Real estate is expensive, so why risk buying a property you ultimately end up unhappy with? Do the work ahead of time.

Consider the potential resale value before signing on

Unless your next real estate investment  is your last real estate investment (meaning it is going to be your “forever home”), it is always important to consider the value of the area you are potentially buying into, for future sale value. If you do want to potentially sell later down the line, it is important to know ahead of buying the property in question yourself, if it is in a desirable area, if it is likely to rise or deplete in value, etc. Knowing all these things about your property before you sign anything places you in a very advantageous position now and in the future. A homeowner that knows their property well, is a smart homeowner.