Data is more effective when used systematically. Many successful rental real estate investors use the Automated Valuation Method to estimate current home values. Zillow’s algorithms can give you an estimate or “suggested price” of the properties around the country. However, you do not need to be a real estate giant to leverage the data they offer to the public. There are platforms like Trulia and Realtor that regularly create and share data like individual property histories, neighborhood trends, and a lot more. Tools like mortgage payment calculators are also helpful in speeding up number-crunching.
Foreclosure reports are also a good source of data. In addition to information about property values of an area or an individual house, foreclosure reports also reveal market patterns over a period of time. If there is a sudden spike of foreclosures in a recent report, that could be a sign of economic trouble.
Foreclosure reports are also helpful in identifying growing markets just as they are beginning to emerge, which could lead to accelerated appreciation as the market strengthens. However, you must consider that foreclosure reports usually reflect past market conditions. While that information may be useful, it does not always give you up-to-date market data.
With these limitations of foreclosure reports, it will be to your advantage to look at a variety of sources during your data collection process. Along with government sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Labor, you should also keep a close eye on local newspapers, county registers, and similar data sources. These various sources give you part of the complete picture that you can then piece together.
With all that data, you can narrow your search for specific areas or property types. Otherwise, you would just waste time looking for properties you might not profit from or are in markets that are in decline.
By using information from websites, reports, the MLS, and local sources, you can identify properties for further analysis. You can use this data as a tactical tool to advance your investing ventures similar to how big investors do it. Given all of that, you may find that leveraging data appropriately can help you achieve even more than what you initially planned.
With our free market rent analysis, Real Property Management Investment Solutions can help you get started on your investment journey. Contact us online or call us at 616-419-4578.