How to Effectively Employ Apartment Consultants

THE SECRET TO WORKING WITH ACCOUNTANTS

An accountant can help you with statistical analyses and income tax strategies. The accountant should be able to give you a written report that includes projections and tax implications on your real estate transactions. Most accountants who specialize in real estate have computer programs to facilitate this kind of reporting. In a matter of one or two sessions, the components of your transaction can be inputted into the computer, and with the help of specialized computer programs, the accountant will be able to answer questions as to the “what ifs” scenarios and resulting tax implications.

Accountants, by the nature of their profession, tend to be conservative. Accountants should be employed for their accounting and tax ability, not to decide whether your purchase is a “good deal.” Your investments must be extremely aggressive in order for you to become wealthy. Don't be discouraged if your accountant gives your real estate deal a “thumbs down.” It’s an accountant’s nature! The advice is given out of the fear of being aggressive rather than the investment itself.

GETTING THE MOST FROM THE ESCROW AND TITLE COMPANIES

The key to getting a good escrow company is complete independence. Use a national title company to escrow the transaction whenever possible.al  Smaller Apartment Escrow Companies are more susceptible to playing favorites to selected clients. In addition, if interstate transactions are involved, communications improve when you use the services of a national firm. Again, use a company experienced in apartment transactions. A competent escrow company must display a high degree of proficiency in tax-deferred exchanges, bulk sales transfers, perorations, and various forms of ownership.

Another advantage in using a national title insurance company to escrow your transaction is the cost. As an incentive to purchase title insurance, some companies reduce escrow fees. If the quality of the service remains the same, it’s an excellent opportunity to save money.

THE CONSULTANT WHO WILL SAVE YOU THE MOST TIME AND MONEY

The one consultant who can save you the most time and money is a real estate investment broker. Notice we said investment broker. Once again we ask you to work with a specialist. All real estate brokers do not have the same qualifications. A real estate professional who you can rely on has the Apartment Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation.

You should be able to delegate many of the tasks involved in buying and selling to a qualified real estate investment broker. However, keep in mind their services are not free. This has to be taken into consideration when calculating a rate of return. If the selling broker is also the listing agent, according to agency law, the broker/agent primarily acts on behalf of the person or entity to which the broker/agent is contractually obligated. So, if the selling broker is functioning as a listing agent, the broker/agent is primarily representing the seller.

An Effective Way to Save on Commissions

There is no such thing as a standard broker’s commission. Commissions are negotiable. Generally, the higher the selling price, the lower the commission. A reputable broker will not sell you a piece of property just to earn a commission. But, always be careful and analyze all potential conflicts of interest.

Remember, agents working strictly on a commission basis, do not get paid until the sale occurs. It’s important to negotiate the commission and the services to be performed up front before anyone starts working.

Understanding How Multiple Listing Services Work

Most larger apartment buildings do not get put into the multiple listing services (MLS) book. Members who belong to the MLS are required to submit all new listings, and/or changes, to the board of realtors literally within hours so that it can be disseminated to other board members quickly. However, not all “hot” listings get on the board or, when they do, it occurs in a matter of days, not hours.

The MLS book provides information on real estate activity for Realtors. It is distributed by the local MLS boards to members who subscribe to the service. Some real estate boards make this information available to the general public.

A knowledgeable investment real estate broker who belongs to the Apartment MLS Service normally is in the best position to find properties. The broker’s continual full time effort to stay abreast of market conditions provides a decisive edge in finding the best deals.

If you decide to use the services of a real estate investment broker, work with several. You should be exposed to as many properties as possible. Be sure to let the broker know your parameters (building size, price range, down payment, age, unit mix, and so on). A good relationship with a qualified real estate investment broker can be your best ticket to wealth.

 

Part 1 of 3

TWO RULES FOR BUYING AND SELLING

How many times have you heard it said, “The three most important things to remember when investing in real estate is location, location, location”? Or, “If I'd bought that property 10 years ago, I would be a millionaire today.” Knowing what, when, and where to buy is not only the key to sound real estate investing, it is the key to all investing.

John Paul Getty said, “Buy when everyone is selling and sell when everyone is buying.” This simple statement represents the cornerstone of our investment philosophy. When buying, find out where everyone is selling, evaluate the area, and negotiate the best deal possible. Sell when everyone else is buying. This is our Standard Operational Procedure (SOP). In this chapter, you learn how to apply this SOP.

THE BENEFITS OF BOTTOM FISHING

Remember, there are always pockets of opportunity for real estate investments. Good markets exist all over the world at varying times. Concentrate on weak markets, not weak properties. A weak market is the most favorable condition in which to buy. Prices are depressed and profit potential is high. Sellers just want to get out. Buying in a depressed market is called “bottom fishing.”

The Key to Evaluating Locations

Focus on areas where the local economy is basically strong and the current downturn is caused primarily by overbuilding. The U.S. Bureau of the Census publishes building permit activity for buildings five units and up for Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Identify markets with the largest gains in building permits from one year to the other. If you discover a “construction bubble,” it could mean you've located an ideal market. With a diversified local economy, the overbuilding should be absorbed. A weak market caused by conditions other than overbuilding should be scrutinized carefully.

Apartment buildings often make money for the second owners in overbuilt markets, not the first. Builders get paid for building and they will keep on building as long as they get paid. More often than not, banks are the ones doing the paying.

The market becomes deluged with an excess of inventory. This is when you should step in.

Employment Trends

Base employment is probably the single most important factor contributing to the economic health of an area. In evaluating employment trends, be careful of construction employment. During boom-and-bust building activity, the labor base can become distorted by construction related jobs. If possible, eliminate construction employment figures when plotting trends. Predicting growth industries and where they will be located can give you a further indication of where future employment growth will take place.

Talk with the local city planner to determine the direction of city growth. Plans for shopping malls, universities, and business parks create a potential demand for employment and desirable apartment locations.

Demographic Factors Affecting Apartments

Apartment Demographic factors are also important in evaluating demand. People tend to marry later and divorce is on the increase, both of which result in a larger single population. In addition, people are living longer, and we have the empty nest syndrome, as grown children move away from the family home usually into apartments. The parents no longer need a large private home and many choose an apartment as well. The number of households is increasing, and the size is decreasing. The affordability of single-family homes is also decreasing.

Demographically, look for an area in which there are a higher percentage of females to males, younger and/or older adults as opposed to middle aged, singles rather than married, smaller families over larger families and renters over non-renters in evaluating favorable rental areas.

APARTMENT BUILDING CYCLES

The “when” to buy and sell is just as important as the “where.” With bad timing you'll strike out every time. To improve your timing, you must become familiar with apartment cycles.

Cycles results from the influence supply and demand have on the marketplace. Economists spend countless hours trying to accurately predict them, and gurus for the current year are the ones who guessed correctly the previous year. As long as their crystal ball remains clear, they will continue to be called on for their advice. One false prediction and they are ousted from the Nostradamus Hall of Fame.

Apartment cycles are difficult to forecast. Yet, it’s essential to have projections when buying and selling. Understanding them will give you the insight to make intelligent decisions.