Buyer Market Shift: 4 Tips to Wholesale Real Estate in 2023

There are several reasons why a buyer market is great for wholesale real estate, even if interest rates are high. Some of the most common reasons include:

1. Relocation: Sometimes, homeowners decide to sell their home because they are moving to a new location for work, family, or other personal reasons. In this case, the interest rate may not be the primary concern for the homeowner.
2. Financial strain: High interest rates can make it more difficult for homeowners to afford their mortgage payments. If a homeowner is struggling to make their payments, they may decide to sell their home in order to avoid defaulting on their mortgage.
3. Personal circumstances: There may be other personal circumstances that prompt a homeowner to sell their home, such as the need to downsize, the desire for a change in location, or the need to access equity in the home.
4. Market conditions: Finally, a homeowner may decide to sell their home due to market conditions. If the demand for homes in their area is high and they are able to sell their home for a good price, they may decide to take advantage of the opportunity, even if interest rates are high.

While some investors may be tempted to buy real estate in a seller’s market, when prices are high and homes are selling quickly, others may find it more attractive to buy in a buyer’s market, when prices are lower and there is more negotiation room. Here are some reasons why investors should consider buying real estate in a buyer’s market:

1. Lower prices: The most obvious advantage of buying real estate in a buyer’s market is that prices are generally lower than in a seller’s market. This means you can potentially get more property for your money, which can translate into a higher ROI in the long run. For example, if you buy a property for $200,000 in a buyer’s market and it appreciates in value to $300,000 over the next 10 years, your ROI would be 50%. However, if you had bought the same property for $300,000 in a seller’s market, your ROI would only be 33%.
2. More negotiating power: In a buyer’s market, there are typically more homes for sale than there are buyers, which means that sellers may be more willing to negotiate on price in order to make a sale. This gives investors more leverage when it comes to negotiating the purchase price of a property, which can help to further reduce the overall cost of the investment.
3. Ability to fix and flip: In a buyer’s market, there may be more distressed properties available for purchase, such as foreclosures or short sales. These types of properties can often be bought at a discounted price and then renovated or improved in order to increase their value. This can be a good opportunity for investors who are interested in the “fix and flip” approach to real estate investing.
4. Long-term appreciation potential: While it may be tempting to buy real estate in a seller’s market in order to take advantage of rising prices, it’s important to remember that markets are cyclical and prices will eventually come down. Buying in a buyer’s market can give you a chance to take advantage of lower prices, with the potential for long-term appreciation as the market recovers.
5. Potential for rental income: If you’re planning to hold onto your investment property as a rental, buying in a buyer’s market can also give you the opportunity to charge higher rent, as there may be fewer rental properties available and more demand for them. This can help to offset any costs associated with owning the property, such as mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance expenses.

Another great strategy to look at is “Subject to”

Taking property “subject to” means that you are purchasing a property from the seller, but you are assuming the existing mortgage rather than obtaining a new loan. This can be an attractive option for investors, particularly in a seller’s market when prices are high and it may be more difficult to obtain financing. Here are some of the advantages of taking property subject to during a seller’s market:

1. Lower upfront costs: One of the main advantages of taking property subject to is that it can help you to avoid some of the upfront costs associated with purchasing a property, such as closing costs and down payments. By assuming the existing mortgage, you can potentially reduce the amount of cash you need to put down in order to purchase the property.
2. Flexibility in financing: Taking property subject to can also give you more flexibility in terms of financing. Instead of being tied to the terms and conditions of a traditional mortgage, you can negotiate the terms of the loan with the seller, such as the interest rate, payment schedule, and any penalties for default.
3. Quicker closing process: Because you are not obtaining a new loan, the closing process can often be quicker when you take property subject to. This can be particularly beneficial in a seller’s market, when there may be a lot of competition for properties and you want to act quickly to secure a deal.
4. Ability to purchase properties with existing tenants: Taking property subject to can also be a good option if you are looking to purchase a property that already has tenants in place. By assuming the existing mortgage, you can avoid the hassle and expense of evicting the tenants and finding new ones.
5. Potential to negotiate a lower purchase price: In a seller’s market, prices may be inflated due to high demand. Taking property subject to can give you an opportunity to negotiate a lower purchase price, as the seller may be more motivated to sell quickly and may be willing to accept a lower price in order to do so.

Taking property subject to can be a good strategy for investors who are looking to purchase real estate in a seller’s market, when prices may be inflated due to high demand. One of the key advantages of this approach is the potential to negotiate a lower purchase price, as the seller may be more motivated to sell quickly and may be willing to accept a lower price in order to do so. Here are a few ways you can use this strategy to your advantage:

1. Identify motivated sellers: In a seller’s market, there may be a wide range of properties available for purchase, so it’s important to focus on identifying sellers who are particularly motivated to sell. This may include sellers who are facing financial hardship, such as those who are facing foreclosure or bankruptcy, or those who are relocating and need to sell quickly. Motivated sellers are often more willing to negotiate on price and may be more open to the idea of taking property subject to.
2. Negotiate based on the seller’s motivation: When negotiating the purchase price of a property, it’s important to consider the seller’s motivation for selling. If the seller is motivated to sell quickly, for example, they may be more willing to accept a lower price in order to close the deal. On the other hand, if the seller is less motivated and is willing to wait for a higher price, you may need to offer a higher price or find a different property to purchase.
3. Make a lowball offer: In a seller’s market, it may be tempting to offer a high price in order to secure a deal, but this can also be a risky strategy. Instead, consider making a lowball offer, particularly if the seller is motivated to sell. While the seller may not accept your initial offer, they may be willing to negotiate and come down on price in order to close the deal.
4. Be prepared to walk away: If the seller is not willing to negotiate or if the price is still too high for your budget, it’s important to be prepared to walk away from the deal. While it can be frustrating to miss out on a property, it’s better to pass on a deal that doesn’t meet your financial criteria than to overpay and potentially risk your investment.

Taking property subject to can be a good option for investors who are looking to purchase a property in a seller’s market, particularly if they are unable to obtain traditional financing or if they want to avoid the upfront costs and hassle of obtaining a new mortgage. However, it’s important to carefully consider the terms of the existing mortgage and to do your due diligence on the property before making a purchase, as you will be assuming the risk of the loan.

Overall, buying real estate in a buyer’s market can be a smart strategy for investors who are looking for a long-term investment with potential for appreciation and income. While it may not be as fast of a return as you might see in a seller’s market, the long-term potential for a higher ROI can make it well worth the wait.