You've worked hard and built up a savings—and now you're ready to invest—but which opportunities will make your capital grow? JoAnn Meier at RE/MAX First Choice suggests turning your attention to the properties for sale in your community. According to the Waterloo, IL, Realtor^®, the real estate market makes a great investment opportunity because, unlike other types of ventures, such as the stock market, it's accompanied by a long list of benefits.

People have and always will require a place to live, so the need for housing isn't going anywhere. This constant demand is one of the biggest benefits of investing in a property for sale because it results in fewer fluctuations than other options. The lack of dramatic jumps and drops in most local real estate markets means you can bypass the fear of losing money overnight and, instead, watch your investment grow.

Rental properties usually provide the benefit of assurances because contracts are involved. Renters are required to sign a commitment to live and pay the agreed-upon amount of money for a specific period. Most rental agreements are arranged for one or two years, which translates to consistent earnings over that period. Even if a tenant moves out before the time frame is up, they're contractually obligated to cover the costs of the remaining months, so there's a constant production of funds.

Real estate investment also offers more control than other ventures. While the stock market relies on hundreds or thousands of people in a company to ensure business and stock growth, an investment property relies heavily on your own efforts to be successful. You get to choose which property for sale you think has the most potential and then decide what updates to complete to entice renters. Nearly every step of the process is under your control, so you don't have to worry about other people making mistakes.

When you're looking to invest, consider real estate. JoAnn Meier at RE/MAX First Choice is ready to guide you through the process of buying your first investment property. With over 30 years of experience in the Illinois real estate market, the knowledgeable agent has a thorough understanding of the needs of investors and takes pride in her ability to provide helpful and reliable assistance every step of the way. Browse the properties for sale in Waterloo online, and schedule an appointment with JoAnn to learn more about investment properties by calling (618) 939-6003.