Real Estate Investor Dec/Jan 2022 December/January 2022 | Page 52

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
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine DEC / JAN 2022 25