Real Estate Risk Management

While real estate is often a wise investment, it can be tricky business. There are just so many things that go wrong when investors, like you, seek to make long-term investments in real estate. The better you understand those risks, the more action you can take to minimize those risks, so you can manage your risks properly to maximize your investment. These are some of the top risks real estate investors face and things you can do to for effective real estate risk management.

Types of Risks for Real Estate Investors

While real estate is usually one of the safer investments you can make, there are still a few curve balls that come back to haunt you if you do not conduct due diligence on the property, the location, and future development within the area. This is especially the case when investing in properties you intend to hold over time. Whether you are investing in commercial real estate, multi-unit housing, or even the increasingly popular mixed-use real estate; it is essential that you conduct a few crucial tasks before you make the investment.

• Research local news about the neighborhood. Specifically, you want to know if there are recent crime waves or new businesses coming into the area that might affect property values for better or worse. The last thing you want to do is buy into an area just as others are beginning to flee.
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the property. In fact, you want to have a professional contractor perform the inspection to look for any signs of problems in key areas. You especially want to know if there are problems with the foundation, roof, leaking pipes, water damage, or signs of termite damage, and any other things the contractor could find that might affect the costs of owning the property. While no inspection is foolproof, it can help you make invaluable decisions about how much you’re willing to pay for the property based on the work required.
• Check for code compliance. Bringing older buildings up to code in order to lease them to other businesses or rent them to residents can be a costly endeavor. The fewer things you have to do to meet the current code, the less it will cost you to begin realizing a profit on your investments.
• Purchase the proper insurance products for your property. There are tons of different types of insurance available for real estate. Depending on the nature of your product and the type of investment you’re making, it is likely that you will require multiple different types of insurance. Working with an experienced and reputable independent insurance agency can ensure that you get the right kind of insurance for your investment needs.

Investing in real estate doesn’t have to be a frightening leap toward the future. With the right risk management advice and insurance protection on your side, you can turn your real estate investment dreams into beautiful realities for your future and that of your family. Contact Roman Galey today to learn more about the real estate risk management services we offer in Hattiesburg and surrounding areas.