People often ask me if there is a `best time' to buy property. My answer is simple - the `best time' is when you have the financial capacity to do so. A decision that is based on what is going on in your world is so much easier for you to make and stand by and is a lot more appropriate.

Talk to any investor and they will tell you about the many great deals they passed up. They will blame it on inaccurate figures, a partner not showing sufficient enthusiasm, or a host of other reasons, but it boils down to one thing - their ultimate inability to make a decision.

If you are one of those fortunate people who have a secure income right now, give yourself a big tick because it certainly serves as strong credentials for any lender and should also give you the confidence to make more 'good decisions.”

The real estate market is one of those markets where no matter what town, city or country you are in someone will be sitting in a coffee shop telling someone else what the state of the market is in, even if they know nothing about property at all. Don't get caught in the trap of listening to 'experts” who don't really have any experience and are just regurgitating the popular media of the day.

I often hear one party telling another party about the state of the 'Property Market” because they just happen to be interested right now and have started looking themselves, this little bit of research in a very localized market now makes them an expert and they are busily telling their friends all about how to make riches in the Real Estate Market.

Of course there is nothing wrong with this, this is also something that makes the Real Estate Market such a wonderful thing. It is also however the same thing that makes it a very risky as many companies such as Blue Chip feed on this enthusiasm and lack of knowledge.

Remember that when you read about the 'Real Estate Market” the commentators are often describing the Market from a Top Down approach of the 'entire NZ market” which can be completely different to the market you are living in or may even be considering investing in.

To give you an example I focus on 4 main Markets, the Auckland CBD, Tauranga, Hamilton and the Gold Coast. Each of these markets is very different to each other as you might imagine.

At the moment the Auckland CBD for example is well past the bottom (I was quoted on this in the Herald on Sunday) which I think was back in November last year. The Gold Coast is on it's way down while Hamilton and Tauranga on a plateau at the moment with Sellers not willing to let their properties go but buyers not willing to pay the asking prices.

A lot of the pressure on sellers has been relieved by falling interest rates and with Rents stabilizing it is now a fact that many home owners are becoming reluctant landlords for the first time.

Investing in Real Estate today is just as exciting as it has ever been and it is just as lucrative for some people however in this environment I would recommend a number of tips before you embark upon an investment into the property market.

1. Find a mentor
You can have coffee with them and discuss property investment and at least one of you will know a little about the subject
2. Visit a great mortgage broker.
3. Develop an investment strategy
4. Get educated by reading books and visiting property forums
5. Be patient

So as this is my first post it's an introduction to my thoughts on investing in property. I have plenty.

See you next time Terry Rota