Residential Guidebook Residential Handbook Dec/Jan 2017 | Page 10

STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE

STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE

Get the knowledge to give you the advantage

Now is the time to invest
BY NEALE PETERSEN

Now is probably the best time ever to invest in property . Many people are struggling to survive , there is low economic growth and unemployment is up . These are indicators to invest counter cyclically . With inflation on the rise prices will be at its lowest point and property always indexed with inflation , you will reap the benefits down the line . It is probably a good time to get back to understand the basics . While bank finance is difficult to get , this calls for creativity on behalf of the investor . Now is when the real money is made . Property investment is a professional business undertaking and it requires a professional and focused approach . Just like any other investor or professional , you have to get the knowledge to be successful .

A surgeon can ’ t successfully operate on a patient without the knowledge of the human anatomy and the surgical procedures . A property investor can ’ t expect to be successful without the knowledge of the property market and the various investment strategies . Educating yourself is the first priority .
A solid education is an investment in your future . The reason is simple – there are risks involved in any undertaking and the best way to manage these risks is to understand the game , so you know what to expect and how to deal with it . The time and
money required to get this education from the many reputable sources available before you start , will pale in comparison to the cost and time involved in learning by trial and error at the University of Hard Knocks !
“ There are no risky investments , only risky investors .” - Robert Kiyosaki
Remember , applied knowledge is power . Having a thorough understanding of the market , the risks and the strategies for dealing with these will give you an edge to take action in the investment world .
Investors have so many options and resources from which to choose that life-long learning really takes on a literal meaning in the property investment world . Getting knowledge on how to maximize your tax , how to use debt effectively , when to take risks and how to maximize your compensation from the investment can give you a real unfair advantage in the market .
Books and magazines Many successful property investors have shared their
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