Craig Yoskowitz | Brooklyn Real Estate Expert

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Is Now the time to Invest in NYC Real Estate?

IDEAS FOR INVESTING IN NYC REAL ESTATE IN 2023

The New York City real estate market has undergone significant changes in a few months due to escalating interest rates, leading to a few surprising outcomes.

The onset of Covid precipitated an intense surge in real estate acquisitions. The Fed reduced interest rates to zero, leading to extraordinarily low mortgage rates. For the past several months, despite higher interest rates, sellers persisted in maintaining ambitious pricing. Nevertheless, we are experiencing a notable shift.

High-end homes are stagnating in the market. Buyers are displaying a heightened inclination towards negotiation, and sellers are beginning to respond in kind to finalize transactions. The interest rate surge has made homes unaffordable for many first-time buyers, but cash-rich purchasers are seizing attractive deals.

These complexities can make the market seem daunting to potential buyers and investors. However, these shifts in the market also bring about unique opportunities. Those who experienced the repercussions of the financial crisis on the real estate sector will recall savvy investors who bought properties at their lowest value and then sold once prices rebounded.

Are there similar opportunities in today’s climate, creating an ideal moment to begin or expand your portfolio? Or should investors focus on other types of property assets or possibly abstain from the market entirely? Let’s consider where and if one should invest in this volatile market.

Purchase Yourself A Home

Investing your money in a residential property is an excellent way to cultivate intergenerational wealth. For most Americans, a home constitutes the most significant acquisition they will undertake, and with proper planning, it can transform into an exceptional asset. Contrary to a stock portfolio, a home delivers tangible utility. It can serve as your residence or a rental property, providing a steady income as you wait for its value to appreciate.

A superior location tends to yield greater value appreciation over time. Furthermore, for those fortunate to possess the necessary financial resources, there is a benefit to expanding your budget slightly for a more desirable property. Many people are concerned about inflation, the performance of their stock portfolios, and minimizing expenses. If you are prepared to take a risk at this moment, the potential upside could be considerable. Pay heed to your personal circumstances, maintain the general guideline of a 20% to 25% down payment if utilizing a mortgage, and do not hesitate to negotiate.

Invest In A Multi-Family Rental Property

We are navigating through a period of substantial inflationary risk. A rental property is kind of like an inflation-indexed bond with an equity component. Similar to a bond offering a fixed interest payment, a multi-family rental home provides you with a consistent revenue stream. It offers the advantage of adjusting the rental rate annually to account for inflation, and the equity stems from the property's appreciation over time.

The concept of renting is also evolving. People these days intentionally wait longer to buy homes, and escalating interest rates prevent others from home ownership. This dynamic established the need for superior rental options within the housing market. It’s simple supply and demand.

One strategy for acquiring an investment property is to purchase a building with all cash, own it outright, and wait for interest rates to decline. When they do, you could finance them, pull some money out, and buy more properties. This is a tried-and-true way to build wealth through real estate.

Purchase a Single Investment Unit

An alternative to a multi-family building would be to invest in a modest one or two-bedroom apartment in one of your favorite neighborhoods. A condo would be easier to maintain and it allows you to get your feet wet as a property owner.

Additionally, I prefer investment properties within my own city. I’d prefer not to travel just to view the apartment or deal with any issues. Real estate in New York City is sure to appreciate, and it’s smart to enhance your stake in this market every chance you get.

New constructions present certain benefits when determining the specific type of property to invest in. The costs associated with repairs and maintenance will likely be reduced for the initial years. However, older homes in well-established neighborhoods usually offer better locations, with closer proximity to transportation and amenities, given their precedence in development. Doing an inexpensive cosmetic renovation at the onset would maximize your income potential and could offset future costs related to repairs and maintenance.


INVESTING IN NYC REAL ESTATE?

This is a market full of opportunity for homebuyers and investors, provided you conduct thorough research, do the analysis, and work with an expert who can guide you through the process to secure the right property and close the deal.