Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa October 2013

COVER STORY accommodation was identified in an Australian city. But de Roos and his team did not simply build or acquire suitable property, they conducted a survey among the students to determine what students were looking for, offering as a reward a priority spot on the waiting list. As a result, the team identified that students’ priorities were – quite surprisingly - double beds, followed by high-speed Internet, microwaves instead of stoves, and sensor security systems on doors. In providing for their exact needs, de Roos and his team can charge a premium for their student accommodation and have an extensive waiting list guaranteeing longer term sustainability. acquisition, zoning, planning, marketing and the many other aspects. Property investment offers endless possibilities to challenge yourself and find out how far you can take it. It is an infinite canvass for applying knowledge, trying new things, coming up with smart ideas, and finding new ways to do it bigger, better, faster and more cost-effectively.” This, says de Roos, is the real secret to identifying opportunities: being creative and going beyond the average. De Roos notes that for investors facing challenges in obtaining finance as a result of the banks’ tight lending criteria, partnerships are often the answer. He encourages investors to explore opportunities to partner with friends or family, with other investors whom they can meet at networking functions, conference and seminars, or even through placing an ad in the newspaper. The most valuable real estate In order to beat the average, identify a niche and own the niche by differentiating your property in a way that adds value to the tenants, investors need to think outside the box. In light of this, de Roos notes that the most valuable piece of real estate you will ever own is the six inches between your ears. This is where out-ofthe-box thinking occurs and real opportunities are identified. He says that investors should read books, research strategies online, attend conferences and seminars and distil from these resources classic investment principles. However, investors should not passively absorb information, they have to apply these principles to each unique deal and situation, and that means thinking for yourself. Partner up As these master investors relish the creative side of property investment, they also take care of the details by building a strong network of experienced, expert partners. Ettienne Pretorius, in sharing his Seven Rules for building a property business at the Wealth MasterClass events, further noted that when investors build a network of property professionals and people in the know, it creates a funnel of information which results in deals simply landing on your desk. In addition to a network of professional contacts, investors should also find mentors or coaches. And not only mentors in the property industry, but also personal development mentors and coaches who can assist them to fulfil their true potential. Take action! The only limitation on a property investor is his/ her own imagination. Property investment is a great adventure. Be creative, be extraordinary. 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Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa October 2013 | Page 18