We’re always told that investing in real estate is one of the best ways to make a profit and build wealth for the future, and you know what? It absolutely can be the case that investing in property can be an excellent way to secure your financial future, but it is not a strategy without its pitfalls.

That being the case, here are some important things you can do to avoid making mistakes and not making the profits that you can, and should be able to when you take the plunge and invest in the property market.

1. Know What You’re Investing In (Before It’s Too Late)

Shiny hardwood floors and pretty landscaping might make your heart flutter, but remember: you’re not buying a dream home; you’re making a business decision. Get real about property values, market trends, neighborhood comps, and the cost of those “little renovations” that always seem to spiral into “Oh my gosh, we need to replace the entire roof.” Don’t be the sucker who falls in love with a property just because it has a cute breakfast nook.

2. Don’t Assume You’re Smarter than the Market

The market is like Mother Nature with a sly grin. You might think you’re clever enough to predict that a random suburb is “about to explode in value,” but unless you’ve got a crystal ball hidden in your basement, don’t fool yourself. Real estate markets can be fickle beasts. Read reports, follow trends, and listen to the experts. Then, cross your fingers and hope fate is feeling friendly.

3. Enlist the Help of a Pro: A Buyers Agent

You might think you’re Indiana Jones, hacking through the jungle of real estate listings armed with just a machete (er, search engine) and pure grit. But even Indy had help, right? Hiring a Buyers Agent can save you from a world of hurt. They’ve seen the scams, heard the tall tales, and know which neighborhoods are basically a sinkhole in disguise. Let them guide you toward properties worth your time, money, and sanity.

4. Inspect, Inspect, Inspect

If you skip a proper inspection, you might as well set your wallet on fire. Serious issues lurk behind freshly painted walls—mold, termite infestations, and an electrical system wired like a mad scientist’s lab. A good home inspector can sniff out trouble before you sign on the dotted line. Trust me, discovering a secret colony of chipmunks in the attic after you own the place is way less fun than it sounds.

5. Don’t Get Over-Leveraged

Buying real estate with other people’s money (a.k.a. the bank’s) might feel like you’re gaming the system, but if interest rates rise, or you can’t find tenants, you’ll be sweating bullets. Keep your finances in check, have a cushion for those “oops” moments, and don’t treat credit like an all-you-can-eat buffet.

If you can avoid these all-too-common pitfalls of property investment then you stand a very good chance of making the right moves at the right time to build wealth!