Are You an Investor or a Gambler?

We have worked with hundreds of investors over the past few years.Many of them have not received the results they wanted – either on their own or with other Real Estate Programs.When we sit down and review their Investment History,we frequently see that their overall approach to Real Estate Investing needs to be adjusted.
All too often,we determine these individuals view Real Estate Investing as a and mega888
mega888 gamble or a game of chance.In reality,Real Estate Investing can be as stable and predictable as opening up a world class franchise.The key is to focus on the right things.
Outlined below are a few questions you should ask yourself to help determine if you’re looking at Real Estate as a gambling venture or an investment business.
Do you focus on appreciation over cash flow?
Real estate has four distinct benefits illustrated by the CATP acronym:
Cash Flow
Appreciation
Tax Benefits and
Principal Paydown.
(If you like,go back to another Wealth Tactic for a more in depth explanation of CATP.)
The most secure returns come from Cash Flow and Tax Benefits.Principal Paydown is less secure,but offers some stability to an Investor.
Appreciation is least secure and the most risky (i.e. volatile) component. You can make some great money with Appreciation, but if you time the market incorrectly it can ruin you.Looking to make money in Real Estate Investing through Appreciation alone can be risky.Too much risk equals gambling!
Do you talk and think like a gambler?
Gamblers use phrases and terms like “bet”, “house money,” and “chance.”  Have you ever thought, “I’ll bet a little on the really cheap house and see what happens?”  Or used leverage in a way where you’re thinking about “house money” when you refinance and cash out?  If so, then you may be taking the wrong mindset – the gamblers mindset – into real estate investing.
Do you focus on probability vs. research?
The best place to find a gambler is in a Casino. And you have probably noticed that Casino owners live a lot better than gamblers!
Why?
Most casino games are in fixed rule environments – there are set inputs and outputs.And the rules themselves are skewed to the Casino.Because there are only so many results that occur from blackjack or craps for example, you can only win by devising a strategy based on probability and betting theory.Without the strategy,it’s just expensive entertainment.Even with the strategy,you will be lucky to break even.
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