5 "C's" of Real Estate Investing

[Chris Clothier]

I think the title may be slightly wrong - it's not exactly the five "C's" of real estate investing as much as the five characteristics that I think a good investor needs to exhibit..... and they all happen to start with the letter "C". If you are going to invest in real estate, I hope you either have these characteristics or you are working with a group that does - if not, it can be a bumpy ride.

Competence - do you have a basic understanding of real estate investing or are you working with a group that does and is educating you?

Control - Are you in control of your emotions? Make sure you are level headed and react from a standpoint of knowledge and not emotion.

Comprehension - Do you understand the market you are investing in, the exit strategies you are going to use and how those interact?

Consistency - Are you being consistent with your goals? This is a common problem for some investors. They begin to get "hooked" - almost like a chemical reaction and pretty soon they are buying properties based on completely different criteria than the ones they first set out.

Character - Doesn't need much explanation does it? Do things the right way - the legal way - every time! An investor committed to excellence and with strong character, will be successful.

I was thinking this weekend about the particular characteristics that most real estate investors exhibit. Check that.... I was thinking this weekend about the particular characteristics that most SUCCESSFUL real estate investors exhibit and the above list was my best guess from having dealt with many investors.

You see, when a person decides to invest in real estate, they have to make sure that the motive is right, the goals are clear and the exit strategy is in place. Where I live is a fantastic city to invest in, but is also a fantastic city in which to lose money when you do not exhibit self control, a solid comprehension of the area and a consistent investment strategy and game plan. I am being totally honest when I say that if you do not have a level of competency that allows you to understand the basic concepts of investing or the fortitude of character to stay on the right path and not take shortcuts - then you shouldn't be investing in real estate in the first place.

You will only be jeopardizing the future of you and your family. I have seen so many investors get take down for lack of only one of these characteristics.