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27| O akville B eaver | T hursday,S eptem ber 6,2018 insidehalton.com Real estate can be a good investment that helps build wealth and secure a financial future. According to In- vestopedia, average 20-year returns in commercial real estate hover around 9.5 per cent, while residential and diversified real estate average returns of 10.6 per cent. Such figures may seem too good to ignore for many prospective real estate investors. But investing in real estate can be risky, and it's important that first-time in- vestors consider a host of factors before deciding to delve into the real estate market. Current finances Real estate can potentially yield big returns, but these may only materialize after investors spend am- ple amounts of money refurbishing or even maintain- ing their investment properties. Prospective investors without the capital on hand to finance repairs or routine maintenance may find it difficult to make their proper-maintenance may find it difficult to make their proper-maintenance may find it difficult to make their proper ties appealing to potential tenants, which can make it harder to meet mortgage payments. Prospective inves- tors who already have sizable debts, be it consumer debt or existing mortgage payments, may want to pay down those debts before investing in real estate. Down payments According to Wells Fargo, mortgage insurance does not cover investment property, and loans typically re- quire a minimum down payment of 20 per cent of the value of the property. So prospective investors cannot count on mortgage insurance to finance their invest- ments in real estate. Investors should not just make sure they can meet that 20 per cent requirement, but also ensure they have enough capital left after making their down payments to address any repairs that need to be made. If not, they might have trouble attracting renters willing to pay enough in rent. Interest rates Prospective real estate investors may be surprised to learn that investment property loans are often subject to higher interest rates than those for home buyers bor-to higher interest rates than those for home buyers bor-to higher interest rates than those for home buyers bor rowing to purchase a primary residence, says Quicken Loans. Investors should not count on getting the same or better interest rates for their investment properties that they did when buying the homes they currently live in. Financial reserves Some lenders may require that prospective investors have sizable financial reserves before they will lend them money to invest in real estate. Some may require that borrowers have several months' worth of reserves to finance both their personal lives and their invest- ments. If a 20 per cent down payment would make that impossible, then prospective investors may want to wait a little longer to invest and save more money until their financial reserves would prove more acceptable to lend- ers. Investing in real estate can yield big returns. But first- time investors should know that such investments are vastly different than investing in a home for oneself. Advertorial Tips for first-time real estate investors Updating your countertop is one way to refresh your kitchen and make it look brand new. It is as important to consider the style you are hoping to achieve as keeping to your budget. Check out some helpful tips from The Home Depot Canada to get start-from The Home Depot Canada to get start-from The Home Depot Canada to get start ed. For style and durability If you are looking for a countertop that will stand the test of time and look good do- ing it, consider quartz. The material is dura- ble and naturally non-porous, making it re- sistant to stains. Additionally, you can rest easy knowing that your countertop is not harbouring bacteria on a non-porous sur-harbouring bacteria on a non-porous sur-harbouring bacteria on a non-porous sur face. There are several colours to choose from, so you can be sure that you will find one that matches your style. For counters that last We all want a countertop that won't crack under pressure. Consider Dekton counter-under pressure. Consider Dekton counter-under pressure. Consider Dekton counter tops and feel confident that they will last. Taking a cue from the natural earth process that creates stone, Dekton is produced us- ing extremely high temperatures and pres- sure. Its durability also makes it a great for an outdoor kitchen -- perfect for withstand- ing direct heat from hot-off-the-barbecue grill pans and roasting pots. For a unique twist If you are looking to add a rustic-chic fo- cal point in your home, consider opting for counters that are made from wood. Crafted with oils that make them water resistant, they can withstand everyday kitchen activi- ties such as cooking and cleaning. Popular choices among the many colours to choose from include espresso, light oak and gold- en teak. Find more information at your local store or online at homedepot.ca/kitchens. Finding the best countertop for your home Julie Sergi, M.A. Sales Representative Jo-Ann Dubé Sales Representative 905-634-7755 www.jandjhomes.ca info@jandjhomes.ca Your Home Team 16-247 Festival Way, Binbrook $439,000 Great opportunity to own this Losani built freehold townhouse, 2 years new. Open concept main floor with hardwood floors and island. Master with ensuite and walk-in closet, neutral décor, unspoiled basement for your personal finishing touches. Great location. Country Living close to the City $619,900 75ft x 225ft lot backing onto greenspace. Open concept bungalow with updated kitchen and main washroom. Add-on family sunroom addition with wood burning stove, wall-to-wall windows looking to your very private yard. Fully finished basement with huge rec-room, bedroom and second washroom. Quick drive to hwy access and Hamilton mountain/Ancaster for amenities. Excellent Walk Score 519 Karen Drive, Burlington $689,000 Lovingly cared for, meticulously clean 4 level sidesplit, approx. 1450 sqft with 3+1 bedrooms, 2 full washrooms, large main floor family room, beautiful pool and lots of extra side yard for playing. Quiet location, a stone's throw from Central Park and a quick walk to the lake. This is a great buy to live in the core! Open HOuse sunDay 2-4 #708-1237 North Shore Blvd. $679,900 Carefree living in the popular Harbour Lights building. This unit boasts views of the harbour, lake & sunsets over the escarpment. Meticulously maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom 1601 sqft unit. Updated kitchen & main bathroom. Stay fit & social with the many amenities offered & walking distance to many downtown locations. new listing new price