Making mistakes is how we learn. Making mistakes is what helps us grow. Every great investor has made a mistake or two along the way. It is nothing to be embarrassed about or try to cover up. It is a part of the business, and it happens to everyone. Below, we offer up some of the most common mistakes we see from new real estate investors, and what you can do to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Paying Too Much for a Property
Nothing ruins the excitement of buying an investment property faster than a case of buyer’s remorse. That moment when you realize you have paid way too much for the property and likely won’t generate much of a profit on the home when you resell or try to rent. Before making a purchase, real estate investors should carefully run all of the numbers.
- Factor in financing costs
- Repair costs
- Holding costs
- Potential resale value
- Average rents in the area
- Listing fees
- Agent fees
- Tax and insurance liabilities
While you don’t want to hesitate when a great property hits the market, you also will not want to be too impulsive, buying something that isn’t right for you. Running the numbers with a professional beforehand can save you a lot of time, stress, and money. Working with Simple Homebuyers can ensure you find the best properties at prices that will help you build your portfolio. You won’t have to worry about any surprises or red tape.
Mistake #2: Not Accurately Estimating Repairs
When buying investment properties in Maryland, you’ll often find that many are older and in need of some work. Before buying, you’ll want to estimate your repair costs, in alignment with your goals for the house. Are you flipping the property or looking for tenants to move in? Either way, you will want to make some repairs, which should be accounted for before buying. Repair costs can be high, and add up fast. In many cases, it pays to do the repairs yourself as long as you know what you’re doing. Be sure to pad your repair estimate a bit too as repair costs typically tend to be more than you may think. Don’t get stuck in over your head. Simple Homebuyers can help you accurately estimate the repairs on a property before you make the purchase.
Mistake #3: Not Doing Their Homework
While getting into real estate can be very exciting, it also requires some research. An agent, a buyer, or Simple Homebuyers, can give you the facts on a property, but there is often more to learn. Make it a point to learn about the community, commute times, HOA fees, or anything else that will potentially impact someone living in the home. Remember that some properties look good on paper, but there can be more to the story behind the scenes. At Simple Homebuyers, we make it a point to learn about all of the details of a property before selling to another investor. When making such a large and important purchase, be sure to make yourself as informed as possible.
A helpful resource on understanding neighborhood dynamics is available from the National Association of Realtors, which can guide you in evaluating location-based risks and returns.
Mistake #4: Not Being Able to Find Tenants or a Buyer
Almost as bad as overpaying, is buying a property and having it sit there empty. You’re paying the bills, taxes, mortgage, and insurance costs, while the property doesn’t provide you with any income whatsoever. Before buying an investment property in Maryland, make sure that it is in demand. Whether flipping or renting, you’ll need to find buyers or tenants to make the deal worth your time. Take a look at the properties for rent or for sale in your area and see how yours aligns. Will you be able to make a profit when all is said and done? When working with Simple Homebuyers, we’ll pull the data you need so you can be certain you are making a profitable investment.
For rental demand and pricing insights, you can reference Redfin’s housing market data to assess competition and market saturation.
Mistake #5: Trying to do it All on Their Own
Any successful investor knows that they can’t do it without an incredible team by their side. This includes agents, buyers, wholesalers, a title company, legal team, construction crews, and more. Trying to do it all on your own will end up wasting your time and costing you money. While doing some things on your own, a savvy investor knows when to call in for back up. Working with a team like Simple Homebuyers can save time, money, and stress—especially for investors juggling multiple deals.
The Value of Having a Property Manager
Managing multiple investment properties can be overwhelming—especially if you’re juggling full-time work, multiple projects, or long-distance ownership. One of the smartest decisions new investors can make is hiring a professional property manager. An experienced property manager takes care of tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and compliance with local housing laws. If you’re not sure what to look for, read 5 Signs of a Great Property Manager in Capitol Heights to guide your search.
The right manager can prevent vacancies, reduce turnover, and ensure you’re operating legally and profitably. Avoiding this mistake can be a turning point in growing a successful, passive real estate investment business.
Being Unprepared to Sell Fast
Real estate markets can shift quickly. Whether you’re flipping houses or dealing with sudden life changes, being unprepared to sell can cost you big. Investors should always have key documents ready, understand their property value, and know how to navigate an exit strategy at any time.
Our guide on 5 Things to Have in Place to Sell Your House This Week in La Plata outlines everything from prepping paperwork to coordinating inspections quickly. By staying prepared, you can seize opportunities and avoid panic-selling under pressure.
Conclusion: Invest Smarter With the Right Support
Mistakes are inevitable, but they don’t have to be financially devastating. Whether you’re buying your first rental or scaling your investment portfolio, avoiding the most common pitfalls can fast-track your path to success. From overpaying and underestimating repairs to missing tenant demand and attempting to go it alone, learning from others’ missteps is essential.
Simple Homebuyers is here to help. With a trusted network of professionals, years of local Maryland expertise, and personalized guidance, we help investors like you find, evaluate, and close on properties that deliver real returns. Ready to skip the guesswork? Call us today at (240) 776-2887 and start investing with confidence.
You can also explore HUD’s tips for avoiding foreclosure, which can be invaluable if you’re working with distressed properties or evaluating risky investments.