Be Systematic
A major way to leverage data effectively is applying and using these in an orderly and systematic way. Many rental real estate investors use the Automated Valuation Method to appraise current home values. Zillow creates algorithms that calculate the estimated or “suggested price” of properties around the country. But in truth, you don’t necessarily have to be a real estate giant to leverage the data they collect and offer to the public. Platforms like Trulia and Realtor regularly create and share data from individual property histories to neighborhood trends and more. You can even use tools like mortgage payment calculators to support and streamline your number-crunching.
Study Foreclosure Reports
Another way to find and use existing data in your real estate investing is to study foreclosure reports. Not only can you get reliable property value information, but you can also find market patterns. If the most current report reveals an unforeseen spike in foreclosures, that may signal economic trouble in that area.
You can furthermore make use of foreclosure reports to help you check out escalating markets at the very start of their growth phase, resulting in accelerated appreciation as the market strengthens. Still, though, it’s relevant to consider that foreclosure reports are pictures of the past and not necessarily current market conditions. Even supposing the details and information may be of high value, it isn’t usually ideal for identifying up-to-date market data.
Utilize Government Resources
Having the limitations of foreclosure reports, it’s vital to reference a wide range of sources in your data collection process. Together with government sources, in particular the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Labor, you should equally monitor closely local newspapers, county registers, and similar data sources. Individually by themselves, these sources bestow a part of the complete picture, which is then up to you to put together.
With all that data in hand, the next best thing to do is to use it to narrow your property search to a specific area or property type. Otherwise, you totally risk wasting time searching for properties or markets that will not be profitable.
Utilizing the information taken from websites, reports, the MLS, and local sources, you can more competently distinguish highly prospective properties for further analysis. This strategy utilizes data as a tactical tool to facilitate your investing ventures like the big investors do it. Ultimately, you may find that leveraging data correctly will help you accomplish more than you thought probable.
Real Property Management Northern Utah offers a free market rent analysis to get you started on your investment journey. Contact us online or call us at 801-546-1770.