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Preconstruction
101
Generally speaking, investing in Pre-Construction real estate
lets you get in on the “ground floor” of a development - then provides
a number of potentially lucrative exit strategies. Best of all, the
process requires a minimum amount of cash exposure. Pre-construction
investing also allows the buyer two opportunities at which to “sell
out” of the property, as well as the ability to hold the asset for
personal use or rental income.
The Process:
Reservation period. Simply put down a small, fully refundable deposit
(usually about $10,000), and reserve a home/lot/unit in a planned
project. This entitles you to the first right of refusal on a specific
property of your choice. While price, square footage and amenities
are subject to change, they rarely - if ever - do. Either way, you
always retain the right to recover the deposit at any time and walk
away with 100% of your cash.
Right of Rescission. Once the developer has worked out the details
of the project, then you will receive a package of documents (“docs”)
that define your uni/home/lott price, square footage, homeowners’
association dues, and other details. At this point, you have 15
days to review the documents and - once you’re satisfied - prepare
to sign and fund a contract on the property.
Hard Contract.At the time you decide to move forward and sign a
contract, you’ll be responsible for 20% of the purchase price. If
you choose, you can furnish 10% of that amount in cash - and submit
a Letter of Credit (LOC) for the remainder. A Letter of Credit is
a document obtained from your bank that certifies your ability to
cover the defined amount. It is neither a line of credit nor a secured
note - so you won’t have to service it as you would a debt. What’s
more, during hard contract there are no other fees or payments due
(such as HOA dues, maintenance or interest). You can simply sit
back and wait for construction to be completed.
Completion. At the project’s completion (also known as “CO” for
“certificate of occupancy”), the process becomes very much like
closing on any other property. Finally, you get to walk through
your property for the first time. Once it meets with your approval,
you then arrange for your own financing as you see fit. Once you
own the propertyt, it’s yours to use as you like. Some people build
and/or move right in and start enjoying beach living. Others furnish
the property and make them available for rental through a management
company. While some manage their rental assets themselves, you may
also be able to choose from one of several qualified management
companies.
Pre-construction is just that simple. And it’s easier than ever
to get started today. There are opportunities out there to help
you meet a variety of investment goals. So take the next step -
contact me, and discover a property ’s
right for you.
Contact Us
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