5 types of property investor
There’s a common perception that a property investor lives the high life. Their portfolio rakes in hundreds of thousands of dollars that funds an extravagant lifestyle others can only dream of. This is true, but only for a small number of them. One type of property investor likes to boast about their success, others prefer to keep it quiet. Do any of these traits look familiar?
The dreamer: This type of property investor has big visions of wealth, owning a large portfolio, and making it in the ‘big leagues’. You’ll find them constantly looking at property listings and researching suburbs with good growth. It’s good that this investor does their homework, but their dream might cost them if they put down a deposit they can’t afford. In property, you must spend money before you can make it, something that this type forgets.
The renovator: This property investor looks at the old and outdated, sometimes the crumbling, and sees something beautiful: potential. Occasionally they’ll buy the home for the sake of the land because it’s in a good location, and demolish the house. They’ll build it up again into a property that will attract tenants and give them a better return. This type of property investor, though, has sometimes watched too many renovation shows and has visions of doing everything themselves. That’ll turn the investment property into a money pit rather than an asset.
The silent assassin: You’ve seen agents and reps on the phone at auctions communicating with their clients and making bids. This type of property investor has the experience to know what they want. They’ll trust a rep to inspect the property on their behalf and put down money at the auction.
Another side to this investor is they’ve often got a full or part-time job that keeps them busy. They don’t boast about their property prowess. When they turn up at the auction they’ll wear sunglasses and stand at the back of the crowd. They look like a silent observer…until the bidding begins.
The wise: This property investor isn’t necessarily older, but they’ve got experience in the property market. They were born into it, had an early interest, or just educated themselves. The wise property investor does their research, knows the best growth suburbs, and has their property manager on speed dial.
The one-home ponies: This type is probably your parents, or someone else’s. After the children leave the nest, their parents move into a smaller home. Some will sell the family house, others will renovate it and lease it out to tenants. They’re an ‘accidental’ investor, and don’t think of hiring a property manager or getting a depreciation report until someone else suggests it.
