<p class="ql-block"><b>Tips for Real Estate Investment</b></p><p class="ql-block">In the United States, real estate has always been one of the most stable and promising investment methods. However, to truly accumulate wealth through home buying, it's essential to master some key tips. The following three points are experiences I've accumulated over many years of buying and selling real estate, which I hope will be helpful to those who want to get started or are already investing.</p><p class="ql-block">1. Where is the money? Prepare your funds first</p><p class="ql-block">The most important step before buying a house is "preparing your money." If you're buying in full, of course, you need to ensure you have sufficient cash; but if you're buying with a mortgage, you must prepare a loan approval letter in advance, along with proof of funds for the down payment.</p><p class="ql-block">These two documents not only demonstrate your sincerity in buying the house but also make the seller and agent see you as a buyer with financial strength. Often, whether you can buy a house depends not only on the price you offer but also on whether you can provide strong evidence in a timely manner.</p><p class="ql-block">2. Don't blindly look at houses; do your homework first</p><p class="ql-block">Many people like to start buying a house by "looking at houses," thinking that seeing more will naturally give them a feel for it. In fact, this is often a waste of time.</p><p class="ql-block">The correct approach is to first do all your research online—understand the housing market, research the safety, school districts, transportation, and future development trends of each area, and then filter for target properties based on your needs.</p><p class="ql-block">When a property you like appears, make an offer and negotiate the price first. Only go to see the property in person after the price is agreed upon. While viewing the property, you can also observe the community environment and get a feel for the surrounding atmosphere.</p><p class="ql-block">The biggest advantage of this approach is that it saves time and energy.</p><p class="ql-block">Even after the price is agreed upon, there is usually a 17-day "contingency period," allowing you to back out at any time if you find it unsuitable.</p><p class="ql-block">Many buyers, however, frantically schedule viewings with real estate agents because they haven't made up their minds or because of disagreements with their spouses. This wastes not only their own time but also the agent's.</p><p class="ql-block">Third, try to buy a house with a loan to leverage wealth creation.</p><p class="ql-block">If possible, always buy a house with a loan, rather than paying in full.</p><p class="ql-block">Why? For example, suppose you have $1 million.</p><p class="ql-block">If you buy a house outright with $1 million, and the price rises to $2 million, you'll make $1 million.</p><p class="ql-block">However, if you take out a loan, using only a 20% down payment (US$200,000 per house), you can buy five houses simultaneously.</p><p class="ql-block">When the market rises and each house increases from $1 million to $2 million,</p><p class="ql-block">each house earns you $1 million, so five houses would earn you $5 million!</p><p class="ql-block">This is the power of leverage—using other people's money to make money for you.</p><p class="ql-block">Of course, this assumes you have a stable income to cover the monthly mortgage payments. With a reasonable cash flow and good risk control, buying a house with a loan is the most effective way to rapidly grow wealth.</p><p class="ql-block">Conclusion: Real estate investment is not mysterious, nor is it the exclusive domain of the wealthy. The key lies in advance preparation, rational decision-making, and skillful use of leverage.</p><p class="ql-block">When you understand how to prepare funds, save time, and utilize loans, you can steadily progress in the real estate market, making time and the market your most loyal partners.</p>