Friday, October 2, 2009

Learn About Investment Real Estate Loans

By Peter Johnson

It is likely you would have been residing on a different planet recently, if you were unaware of the recent financial crisis. Essentially the catalyst for the global economic downturn, it is only now that recovery is really being seen. However, this does not negate that fact that investment property loans can help you get on the property ladder.

Even for those on a small budget, investment opportunities can be taken advantage of with such investment real estate loans, which opens up a world of possibilities for many people, and can really help to kick start the aspirations of those with a real entrepreneurial spirit.

When first getting involved with real estate investment, it is necessary to decide which route you want to take; residential or commercial. Whilst both can of course be incorporated into portfolio, it is always best to start out with just the one. With rates and terms and conditions varying with loans available too, it will make things more straight forward for the first time investor.

A residential investment real estate loans is, as the name suggests, exclusively for those properties where the main use will be for permanent residence.

A commercial investment real estate loans is, again as the name would lead you to believe, intended for properties that will have a commercial use; such as warehouses, stores, and industrial sites. As mentioned above, terms do change, key amongst these being that commercial property needs to consist of at least five separate units.

Despite the economy now coming out of recession, it can still be problematic to source a preferential loans. As such, it may be worthwhile hiring the services of an independent advisor and/or a brokerage service before approaching lenders. Also, do not concentrate your efforts solely with banking institutions; preferential rates may well be offered from organizations such as credit unions for example.

Before lending any investment real estate loans, responsible lenders will; thoroughly research your credit history, assets, current financial commitments and income levels, to assess risk and viability.

Once accepted for a loan, there are many benefits to real estate investment. The most obvious of course are to create a regular income from rent, and appreciation of real estate, (capital growth). However, other benefits include tax deductions, most notably that of negative gearing.

To explore the vagaries, it is again worth approaching an independent financial advisor, though in basic terms this allows any negative difference from the real estate's income against the total interest payable on the loans, to be offset against all your taxable income.

Your IFA should also be approached to advise and assist you in achieving the best rate of interest payable, whilst should also be on hand to explain the terms of the investment property loans fully. There are of course risks attached, though these can be minimized through proper understanding and full transparency of any agreement signed. Once all these boxes have been checked, there is really nothing to stop you building a sizable portfolio.

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