People make decisions on a daily basis, from minor to life-changing. Buying an investment property is the biggest decision a real estate investor can take due to the financial and personal risks involved in the process. There is also an emotional investment involved, which can lead to different feelings. Whether it is anger from losing money or over-confidence from making profits, every human being is susceptible to allowing their own psychological situation dictate their investments.
One of the most common forms of emotional distress that affects investors is indecisiveness. An investor is likely to see a lot of properties before making a final decision, which is when investors start to feel overwhelmed. They hesitate mainly because they are afraid to choose a property that may not be as profitable as another option. The indecisiveness leads to delays which leads to missed opportunities, which can turn into a messy cycle.
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Any investor looking to buy an investment property has to overcome these 5 mental or psychological obstacles to become successful in real estate.
1. Think of Your Own Interests
Taking advice from experienced investors is totally recommended, but buying an investment property based on the assumption that an investment will work out the same way it did for another investor, is a dangerous move. Each investor has their limitations, skills, financial situation, that will contribute to their overall success. An investor should analyze the strengths and weaknesses they possess and invest according to that only. Following the crowd was never a profitable plan and never will be, if it was, then we’d all be sharing the same marketplace.
2. Don’t Get Arrogant
Successfully buying an investment property and making money can lead some investors to feeling overly confident. After one lucrative property, it’s easy to assume the next property will bring even bigger returns. However, being successful doesn’t mean an investor can start making decisions without doing their due diligence. A good investor stays humble and considers the weaknesses they possess and works to improve on them. Over-confidence will lead to negligence that could affect the investment negatively.
3. Understand Success and Loss
Failure and success are part of any investment. Buying an investment property comes with the risk of losing. It is important to know what success and failure can look like, and then be mentally and financially prepared. Doing this allows an investor to be a good manager of different scenarios.
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4. Think Long-Term
When investing in real estate, don’t think of the investment as a short-term thing. An investment property is likely to reap bigger rewards in the long-term future. Expecting profits immediately will cause panic and distress. Real estate investors who became successful understood the patience needed to make money in this market. Granted, cash-flow is a short-term benefit, but the efforts behind gaining positive cash-flow are long-term.
5. Minimize Your Risks
The bigger the investment, the higher the risks. This is the case for any investment. The psychological fear of losing everything an investor has worked for can lead to making rash decisions that are not in their best interest, like selling too soon. Do not pull all your eggs in one basket, diversify your investments.
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Psychology is a major driving force in the real estate market. Investors buying an investment property, property sellers and even brokers will testify to that statement. The uncertainty behind every investment makes people act without thinking everything through logically. Having the mental power to overcome emotional diversities will guide the investor on the path of success in whatever investment they undertake.
