How to Build a Recession-Proof Portfolio with Investment Property

Do pay attention to the news? There are hints of a recession looming in the air! Some experts suggest it’s certainly coming, and inflation seems to support their conclusions. The national gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate must be negative for two (or more) consecutive quarters to be in a recession. You will see signs that people stop making purchases, businesses stop hiring, or even start laying people off. Lenders become stricter in their lending practices, leaving homebuyers struggling to obtain mortgages. Many investors will start to panic, especially if they are over-leveraged with a large amount of debt hanging over their heads.

When you position yourself right, you can ride out all the hills and valleys of an economic downturn. An excellent way to build a recession-proof portfolio is to work with an experienced investment property broker from Jackson, MS. Because they see the big picture, they can help guide you through the uncertainty of investing during a recession.

4 Steps to Protect Your Portfolio from the Effects of a Recession

While it may occur in varying degrees, recessions happen frequently. How severe they are depends on many factors. You don’t have to lose sleep over the state of the economy when you take these steps to recession-proof your portfolio:

1. Maximize cash flow: Cash is still king and having it available for your use will help you weather a bear market. You might need to increase rental rates to match the market rate and look for other ways to boost revenue without incurring additional costs.
2. Reduce your debt load: Look at your mortgages and other loans. Investigate the options of refinancing to lower interest rates if possible, to pay down large balances and gain equity. Having less debt will aid in increasing your cash flow.
3. Consider the risk and yield when investing: You may be tempted to invest in properties with a 90 percent loan-to-value ratio because the banks make it tempting. However, investing in a higher-risk, speculative deal is not worth increasing your debt load during a recession.
4. Investigate taking out a line of credit: If you have a piece of property that has a large amount of equity, consider taking out a line of credit. You don’t have to use it but it may be helpful as credit becomes harder to obtain.

Work with a Savvy Investment Property Broker

You don’t have to navigate the commercial real estate investment scene alone. Choose to work with a team of brokers with the experience you can depend on to receive solid advice. Estes Bush Real Estate serves investors throughout Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana. Take advantage of our market knowledge as we provide the tools you need to succeed. As a boutique investment real estate brokerage company, we are known for clear, consistent communication, integrity, and superior performance when serving our clients.

Call us at 601-362-9633 or contact us online for help from our investment property brokers when you want to buy property in Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Alabama.