Here are the top 7 lessons for any aspiring and growing local property investor:
1
Hunting in a Pack is a Great Strategy African Wild dogs have an incredible hunting strategy that makes them the most successful hunters of any of the predatory mammals in Africa, with a success rate of around 80 %. The packs chase their prey down over long distances, maintaining a running speed of 60kms / hour for many kms. Eventually the weaker animals in the prey herd fall back, putting them in the perfect place for the dogs to catch and kill their prey. When you look for deals and want to grow your property business, keep this in mind.
2
The Dangerous
Stuff is“ Underwater” Should we talk about hippos? They may only munch on plants but they are one of the most aggressive animals on earth and they kill about 500 people each year in Africa.
So don’ t be lulled by a dangerous sense of confidence when you go buy properties. Always insist on a full property inspection as one of the critical suspensive conditions in any deal you sign. Many of the most expensive and dangerous maintenance issues lie just“ underwater” like the hippos and need an expert eye to spot them.
3
A Leopard Sighting
After 22 Years I moved to South Africa in 1999 and I have been blessed to visit many incredible parks and reserves. But I still missed a leopard sighting, until this trip. When the ranger asked“ what are you keen to see?” I normally always answer“ whatever the bush wants to show us” but not this time. I specifically said“ I want to see a leopard”. And we had not one, but three unforgettable sightings. Lesson from the bush? Be patient with your Property investing but also never give up!
4
Beautiful can be Dangerous
Giraffes, definitely my favourite African animal. I have played basketball all my life, I respect height but I adore beauty. One of the biggest mistakes I have seen so many investors making when buying investment properties is to buy beauty over value.
Giraffes are indeed beautiful but one of their kicks can kill a lion; similarly beautiful expensive properties that you buy as“ trophy properties” rarely make for a great investment. Beware the kick.
5
A Poo of an Investment can
be a Great Investment African Dung Beetles are known for their ability to roll a ball of dung 50 times their own weight. But we often overlook the critical fact that dung beetles completely rely on dung for food for both themselves and their
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