The content in this blog post comes from Karen Conrad on episode 66 of The WealthBuilders Podcast, How to Remain Steady in Uncertain Times as a Christian Real Estate Investor.
When you have big investments on the line, it can be hard to remain steady in uncertain times. Fear can easily creep in and dissuade investors to question the confidence they once had in their choices. Here’s the thing—no market is completely certain. As a Christian real estate investor, you can have peace and discernment no matter the economic climate.
Mortgage rates are creeping up, and financing is becoming tighter. Don’t worry—the changes don’t have to hinder your success as a real estate investor. Here are 3 encouragements to help you remain steady in uncertain times.
1. Fear Not
It can be tempting to give into fear. When you start to feel anxious or worried, a temptation to give into fear might be brewing. Fear is from the enemy—it’s not from God.
As a Christian real estate investor, you have the peace of God. In fact, the Bible says “fear not” over 365 times! Proverbs 29:25 AMP says, “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the Lord will be exalted and safe.”
Don’t make decisions out of panic or haste. Once, when the economy was foreboding, Billy Epperhart panicked and sold a bunch of stock. That very day he lost $1 million dollars! So, take your fear to God in prayer. Read the Bible. Refuse to make any big decisions until you can get to a place of peace.
Most of the time, fear isn’t based in reality. It’s worrying over things that haven’t and may never happen. Seneca said it like this: “We suffer more often in imagination that in reality.”
2. Stick to Your Numbers
When you analyze deals based on the numbers, it helps you curb emotion and fear. If you keep your real estate investments within these five parameters, you can succeed regardless of uncertainty in the economy.
- Keep your purchase price within 3-5 times the median income (be sure to use the current year.) This ensures that potential tenants and buyers can afford to live in your property.
- Abide by the 1-1.5% rule. Ensure that you can get 1-1.5% of the property’s purchase price in rent.
- Have a minimum cash flow of $300 per door for buy and hold real estate. Meaning, ensure that your tenant’s rent nets $300 a door after principle, interest, taxes, insurance, and management.
- Go into a property with a clear understanding of your exit strategies. See if you can secure a property that could function as a buy and hold, vacation, or fix and flip property.
- Ensure you can secure a 10-20% cash-on-cash return.
3. Recognize the History of Real Estate Success
When you look at the success of real estate in the long-run, it can help you withstand uncertain times in the short term. Here are some statistics to encourage you:
- Over the last two centuries, over 90% of the world’s millionaires have been created by investing in real estate. The average investor offers the best way to develop significant wealth.
- According to the IRS, 71% of all Americans declaring 1 million on their taxes were in real estate or related activities.
- During times where real estate supply tightens, rental rates increase.
- National averages for home appreciation are around 3.5-3.8% per year.
- Understanding the history of mortgage rates can provide perspective that can keep you from bypassing good opportunities. In 1975, interest rates were about 9%. In 1983, they spiked almost 19%. In 2001, they sat around 8.75%. In 2011, they were just over 5% (about where we are now.)
I hope this post has encouraged you to find the opportunities in today’s real estate market. With wisdom and the Word of God, we have no reason to fear during uncertain times! If you are a Christian real estate investor who would like to learn more strategic ways to capitalize on the current market, I encourage you to register for The WealthBuilders Real Estate Workshop livestream this weekend, April 22-24. (You’ll get access to 24+ sessions for 3 weeks.) Click here to learn more.
