Tips to Maximize Real Estate Investment Profits

The process of investing in real estate involves the acquisition, possession, management, rental, or sale of real estate property for profit. While investment in real estate can be a profitable venture that can generate a steady income while building equity in a relatively easy and safe manner, failure to have the right know-how to monitor how the investment is performing can lead to massive losses.

There are two ways in which an investor can make profits in real estate. One is through capital growth which can be achieved when a property is sold for more than it was paid for. Another strategy is leveraging rental yield, the rent earned from leasing to tenants after deducting maintenance and running costs.

For a real estate investment to be profitable, it is essential to know how the local market works. To maximize profits, it is advisable to find markets that are in the expansion phase. These markets guarantee rising sales and prices, good affordability, rising capital investment, and low construction. Investors should also time their investments wisely to avoid losing money. For example, it is advisable to avoid investing in real estate in hot markets. This is because choosing to invest when the market is hot comes with the risk of buying a property at higher prices.

Another determinant factor of whether a real estate investment will be successful or not is the location of the property. Location is considered a significant factor in appreciation. For example, when the neighborhood around a property progresses and transit routes, shopping centers, schools, and playgrounds are added, it is more likely that the property’s value will appreciate. However, a decay of the neighborhood can lead to the depreciation of a property’s value. Great distance to major business districts, establishments, schools, hospitals, and restaurants can also decrease the value of a property.

Providing extra services to tenants can make a property more attractive. For example, a property that offers laundry, garbage collection services, or even allows tenants to keep pets would attract more tenants than a property that didn’t provide those services. In addition, the supplementary services can be provided at an extra cost which could lead to increased profits.

Real estate investors can also maximize profits by engaging in property flipping, which involves adding short-term high-return fixes to houses and selling them. While this can be a lucrative way to maximizing profits, an investor should have an eye for properties that can yield returns after having them fixed. It is also essential for an investor to understand the property’s underlying costs and potential value and the necessary skills required for the renovations.

Nowadays, most people looking for property to buy or rent rely on the internet to find their preferred choice. The best way to build a brand is by using the many social media platforms. For instance, maintaining a website that describes the type of property you deal in, the expected rent, and a virtual tour around the property can attract many potential buyers, investors, and tenants.

An Overview of Property Enhancements by Castellan Real Estate

John Salib has served as managing partner with Castellan Real Estate Partners in New York City since 2007. In this leadership position, John Salib is tasked with the oversight of all investments and operations at the firm, which encompass both property renovations and enhancements.

The Castellan team is well versed in addressing various issues of physical deterioration through comprehensive renovation projects. However, when the poor management of a property’s previous ownership has resulted not only in extensive damage, but unhappy tenants, the firm may look to make a variety of property-wide enhancements. Common examples of property enhancements include boiler replacements and conversions to natural gas, dual pane window installations, and roof replacements, which might include added insulation.

Enhancements may also involve improved security measures, such as the installation of closed-circuit cameras and intercom systems. Property-wide security measures designed to benefit tenant safety range from replacing old smoke detectors to adding child guards in front of windows.

Other enhancements focus on optimizing a property’s energy efficiency. Castellan’s efforts in this area include the use of energy efficient amenities, from refrigerators to lighting, and property-wide weather stripping. Furthermore, brick pointing is used to reseal small openings in the property’s exterior.

These are only a sampling of the renovations and enhancements the Castellan team may invest in to improve a property.

Castellan Real Estate Partners’ Sale of Two Brooklyn Apartments

Castellan Real Estate Partners pic
Castellan Real Estate Partners
Image: castellanre.com

John Salib serves as a partner of Castellan Real Estate Partners in New York, where he oversees all aspects of the company’s operations and investments. In January of 2018, John Salib led the sale of two Brooklyn apartment buildings in the East Flatbush neighborhood to Sterling Group for nearly $19.2 million. The prosperity of the East Flatbush neighborhood makes it an appealing location for purchasers of multifamily properties.

Properties in the sale included a 47,680-square-foot complex on New York Avenue and the 26,126-square-foot apartments on Newkirk Avenue. Consisting of 62 residential units, the New York Avenue building features a 1,600-square-foot retail space leased to a grocery store and options for studio, one, two, and three bedroom housing. The Newkirk Avenue property has 30 apartments, including studio, one, and two bedroom units.

The sale occurred five years after Castellan acquired the properties for a combined $8.6 million. After purchasing them, the company completed renovation projects intended to update and restore the properties. Renovations included the installation of a new boiler, emergency exit signs, and camera and intercom systems. Castellan also restored the façade of the New York Avenue apartments and installed a number of additional upgrades.

Castellan Properties Acquires Former Home of Alexander Hamilton, Jr.

 

Tribeca pic
Tribeca
Image: castellanre.com

John Salib, managing principal of Castellan Real Estate Partners, is a broker and real estate developer. Through Castellan Real Estate Partners, John Salib seeks out new investment opportunities in and around New York City. In recent years, Castellan Real Estate Partners has acquired, rehabbed, and sold properties to develop a healthy portfolio with transactions exceeding $900 million. The firm focuses heavily on multi-family residential housing as well as spaces with retail use. Recently, Castellan Real Estate Partners acquired the historic former of home of Alexander Hamilton, Jr.

New York has a storied history and has been home to many of our nation’s political and social leaders. In 2016, Alexander Hamilton Jr.’s former home was placed on the market for $12 million. This Federal-style home was originally a single family residence but now features multiple residential units as well as two retail spaces. Castellan Real Estate Partners purchased the historic property for $10 million. The firm has worked with architects and civic leaders to maintain historic elements of the building while creating new additions for more housing. Renovations and additions to the building will meet criteria to maintain the property’s historic significance and architectural aesthetic.