The systematic use of data is very effective. Many successful rental real estate investors use the Automated Valuation Method to estimate current home values. Zillow can create algorithms that give you a calculation of the “suggested price” of different properties. The good news is that you don’t have to be a real estate giant to leverage the data they offer to the public. Some platforms, like Trulia and Realtor, create and share data on individual property histories, neighborhood trends, and the like on a regular basis. There are also tools like mortgage payment calculators that can help you be more efficient in number-crunching.
Another good way to gather and use existing data is to study foreclosure reports. Aside from getting good information about property values in an area or individual houses, foreclosure reports also let you look at market patterns. Sudden increases in the number of foreclosures often indicate economic trouble in an area.
You can also use foreclosure reports for identifying growing markets you can invest in which could lead to accelerated appreciation as the market strengthens. It is important to keep in mind, though, that foreclosure reports typically give you a picture of past market conditions. Although the information can be valuable, it isn’t always where you can find current market data.
Knowing that foreclosure reports have limitations, it is best to have varied sources in your data collection process. Along with government sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Labor, you should also keep a close eye on local newspapers, county registers, and similar data sources. When viewed alongside each other, these sources can give you a much bigger picture.
Now that you have all this data, you can use it to narrow your search to specific areas or property type. If you don’t, you run the risk of wasting valuable time searching for properties that won’t guarantee profits or are in markets that are in decline.
Data gathered from websites, reports, the MLS, and local sources are helpful for shortlisting potential properties for further analysis. This strategic use of data as a tactical tool could advance your investing ventures the way bigger investors do it. With all this, you may realize that you can indeed achieve more by leveraging data the right way.
To save you time, Real Property Management California Coast offers a free market rent analysis to get you started on your investment journey. Contact us online or call us at 310-535-2150.