A great way to diversify your portfolio is to make investments in real estate. Placing cash into land and buildings could give you exposure aside from bonds and stocks. But investing in real estate is fundamentally different than investing in stocks and bonds. Continue on to learn more about how to be a smart real estate investor.

Take time to properly access the market before you go out and make a real estate purchase. Check out anywhere from 50 to 100 properties in your desired location, and take notes in a spreadsheet. Rent expectations, pricing and repair budgets should be factors you’re considering. You can easily spot which deals are good and which deals are bad this way.

Keep in mind that your reputation is one thing you have to keep intact as you start working in this kind of business. This means sticking to your word and not lying to your clients. This gives you credibility and will help people to be loyal to you.

Careful not to overextend in terms of buying property. Real estate investing is very exciting, and sometimes it can get the better of you. You may bite off more than you can fiscally chew. Know your numbers and your budgets and stick with them. Even if it seems like an easy flip, don’t go past your budget!

Get an understanding of tax laws and recent changes. Tax laws are updated and amended regularly which means it is up to you to keep up with them. Sometimes the tax situation on a property can really up the hassle. When it seems to be getting to thick to manage, consider a tax advisor.

Make sure you have a budget when you invest in real estate that includes how much you’re going to have to pay to fix the home you’re buying up. You don’t want to blow all of your money on getting real estate just to find out that you can’t afford to fix it up.

Think long-term when investing in real estate. While some investors seek to make quick turnovers by buying cheap and flipping within weeks or months, your better bet is a longer view. Look for safe properties where you can park a big sum of money and get investment return via monthly income like rent.

Always get your properties inspected. Inspections are not a bad thing, and you shouldn’t think of them as an annoying expense. Inspections can uncover serious issues that may not be immediately apparent. This can give you negotiating leverage or allow you to fix issues before someone else requests an inspection.

Be a visionary in your real estate purchases. You can create instant equity where virtually none existed before with a little creativity and hard work. For example, a quick paint job can put a property in prime condition for selling, as can landscaping. A quick fixer-upper can mean a quick and profitable sale!

As stated in the beginning of this article, investing in real estate could broaden your portfolio better than bonds and stocks. Nonetheless, the rules governing real estate investment are different. So, use this guide as a starting point and you will surely achieve success.