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Investment Property Guide

Stocks go up ... stocks go down. Economies ebb and flow. The value of real estate rises and falls. No single investment can promise uninterrupted profit. That's why savvy investors diversify their holdings.

Since real estate - like the stock market - tends to ride out its ups and downs well, providing good long-term results, record numbers of people have been buying second properties as investments. Purchases have risen 25% over the last five years to $50 billion. In fact, forecasters expect Americans to purchase 3.6 million second homes over the next 10 years. That's about 1,000 a day!

Is it the right time for you to follow this growing and potentially rewarding trend? This guide will help you make that decision.

Download our Investment Property Guide and read about the following topics:

• Adding a Home to your Investment Portfolio

  Understand what an investment property is and why the real estate trend is so popular.

• Things to Consider Before Investing

  Before you get started, you'll want to determine whether or not it fits your financial plan.

• Beginning Your Search

  Learn where to begin and how to shop like an investor.

• An Expert Home Team Makes a Big Difference

  From real estate agents to appraisers, developing a strong network can work to your advantage.

• Follow Up Teamwork with Homework

  We encourage you to do some research on being a landlord, to study the rental market and to determine your potential cash flow.

• Applying for Your Loan

  Find out why it's so important to secure the right financing.

• Preparing for Closing

  Learn about the closing procedures.

• Renting Your Investment Property

  Now that you have your property, how do you find the right tenants? We'll suggest some criteria to help you set your standards.

• Maintaining Your Investment Property

  As an investment, it's crucial to keep your property in the best shape. Find out if hiring a property manager is right for you.

• Additional Resources

  Use our handy real estate listings decoder and review our helpful checklist to help you get on your way.

• Glossary

  Don't know your ARM from an APR? Refer to this comprehensive glossary.

• Related Content

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