Why is it that so many people want to invest in real estate, yet never end up doing so?
I could write a book on this subject alone. Here’s a list of some of the reasons or excuses why people don’t invest:
- Lack of knowledge and therefore confidence in their decisions.
- Property management fears, “I don’t want to worry about repairs and maintenance; I’m not getting called at three in the morning to fix a toilet”.
- Timing the market, “I’m waiting for the market to soften before I purchase”. That may be the intention, but what if the market rises instead?
- Lack of time. People simply don’t have the time to learn the fundamental principles of safe investing, but more relevant is the fact that they don’t have the time to identify smart investments, even if they do understand the basic principles.
- Finance. People are not sure how to correctly structure their finance or go about obtaining the right finance. They also seem to feel embarrassed if they are denied a loan the first time they make an application. Never let this stop you, there’s more than one bank out there.
There is huge benefit to being able to discuss financial strategy with like-minded people, particularly if they are family. Now most people would say that they love their family dearly, but most families do not have a history of investing. Therefore, even though people may respect their family, if family members haven’t proven themselves as investors, they should not be considered as advisors.
Let’s look at this a different way. If you wanted to bake the perfect chocolate cake, think for a minute on what you’d need to accomplish this. You’d have to mix the right amount of flour with the right amount of water, you’d add an egg, maybe some cocoa, etc. Would you take advice from someone that has never baked a cake before? No, you’d go and find a funny hat-wearing, cake-making chef and you’d decide upon a recipe that has been tried and tested. The same applies to investing; learn from those who have a proven method that works.
Be very careful taking ‘advice’ or ‘tips’ from anyone that has not built a portfolio of property. Basically, don’t listen to them.
Most times when you hear negative talk, people are simply trying to justify why they’re not investing for themselves.
Remember, with these types of people, don’t waste your time trying to change their views, instead just nod and smile.
Stay on track. Stick to your plan.
Cam’s Tips
• Don’t take ‘advice’ or ‘tips’ from anyone that has not built a portfolio.
• Block out the nasties.
• Stay on track. Stick to your plan.
Cameron McLellanDirector of OpenCorp, Cam McLellan is committed to sharing his passion and property investment knowledge with everyday Australians.
After thriving in the telecommunications, technology and recruitment sectors and making the BRW Fast Starters list twice and the Fast 100 list three times in 8 years, alongside accomplished OpenCorp entrepreneur and brother-in-law Allister Lewison, founded OpenCorp eight years ago.
Cam started investing in real estate at a young age and quickly mastered the art of building sustainable wealth. He has used the same wealth building strategy to develop a multi-million dollar business, sharing his knowledge and skill with ordinary Australians. Cam has personally bought, sold and developed numerous properties and has an extensive residential and commercial investment portfolio.
