What does it mean to have success in real estate investing? Is it to own dozens of properties and stack as much money as possible and always be busy? Within these last few years in the industry, I have come to realize that real estate investing should be used as a tool for a fulfilled life, and this tool should not come at the expense of personal fulfillment and enjoyment of life. It should enhance life, not define it.
Once you have made it into the real estate industry and you have the perfect streams of income that you have always dreamed of, where you have created your empire, what is the end game?
I have worked with landlords who own ten or more properties and still drive a beat-up car, do not travel, do not go anywhere, and their lives are only centered on buying more houses, fixing them, and running their business. Many others focus on external validation and looking the part. However, the ones that I consider the happiest and most fulfilled are those who use real estate as a tool to enhance their lives. Those who use it to travel, make improvements in their personal homes, give their families a better life, but most importantly, those who use it for experiences and quality time with themselves and with others.
Remember, after you die, you cannot take any of these riches with you, and those that are left will fight for what you have worked so hard for. No matter how much they love each other, they will argue about what they believe is rightfully theirs, even if they never worked for it a day in their lives. In other words, when you are building your real estate business with your sweat and tears, do not forget to enjoy life. Do your investing with purpose. Live a comfortable life, go do the things you always wanted to do.
I do not see the point in just hoarding homes and money and not enjoying the fruits of your labor while you are alive. Buy the houses that you want, rent them out, do STRs, grow your business, but remember your family, remember yourself, and those that really matter. At the end of the day, I will pay double my salary or commission for peace of mind, comfort, happiness, family, experiences, and most importantly: health. Do not let real estate take over your life. Use real estate as a tool to enjoy life and not a life consuming pursuit. Take it from someone that describes herself as a real estate student at all times.
By Rosa Javier
Email: rosajaviersales@gmail.com
Commentaires