However by scheduling time every morning, I have developed the habit of writing. Some mornings I only have 15 minutes while others I may have 2 hours. The importance of this tip is developing the habit that strengthens your commitment to achieving Tip 2. One of the incredible benefits of all of this writing is that I have become a better thinker as well as communicator and in turn this improved my writing skills.
#4 - Use a tape recorder
Also, I keep a mini-recorder with me. When I am driving and have an idea for an article, I can record my thoughts and then later transcribe them. This saves me time because I do not have to remember that great idea.
#5 - Keep a notebook with pen
Having a notebook with a pen helps me to joint down ideas when I am stopped in traffic or having a quick lunch. I have been even known to write when eating lunch or when I am waiting for an appointment.
#6 - Write similar articles
Another tip, one that I have yet to master, is to write similar articles. The basic article is written and then tweaked to represent a different viewpoint or perspective. Lance Winslow who has written over 9,000 articles is the expert on this tip.
#7 - Use the 5 1, 7 1 or 10 1 Rule
Probably, one of the best tips to use the limited resource of time is the 5 1, 7 1 or 10 1 Rule. Write an article on the Top 5, 7 or 10 Tips for any topic. Then write an article for each of these tips. When you have completed all articles, begin to submit them one at a time. After the article is published, create a P.S. at the bottom of the next article referring to the previous article. This strategy not only maximizes your time, but drives traffic to your other articles provided the articles content is of interest to the reader. From these inter-related articles, you can quickly create an E-Book that you can provide on your website.
Finding the time to write is not as difficult as you may think. The real issue is are you committed to using article marketing to drive traffic to your website. As always, the choice is yours.

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I'm back after a long break and haven't things changed quickly over the last few weeks!

During the course of my business I had a long chat with one of my clients and he gave me a long article he had put together. I have summarised it below. This is really aimed at someone new to the Buy-To-Let market, but it's always useful to remind yourself why you are in a particular business.


1. Research the market

If you are new to buy-to-let, what do you know about the market? Do you know the risks, as well as the benefits. Make sure buy-to-let is the investment you want. Your money might be able to perform better elsewhere. If you know someone who has entered the buy-to-let market, ask them about their experiences, or chat with other investors.

2. Choose a promising area

Promising does not mean most expensive or cheapest. Promising means a place where people would like to live and this can be for a variety of reasons. Where in your town has a special appeal? If you are in a commuter belt, where has good transport? Where are the good schools for young families? Where do the students want to live?
Have a look at the rental market and homes to buy in your town on www.findaproperty.com

3. Do the maths

Before you think about looking around properties sit down with a pen and paper and write down the cost of houses you are looking at and the rent you are likely to get. Traditionally buy-to-let lenders want rent to cover 125% of the mortgage repayments, although some are relaxing this, and interest rates are higher. Most also look for a 15% deposit, which protects against falling prices. Will your investment work out? What will happen if the property sits empty for a month or two? Ask youself some questions.

4. Shop around

Do not just walk into your bank and building society and ask for a mortgage. It sounds obvious, but people who do this when they need a financial product are one of the reasons why banks make millions in profit. If you are looking for advice consider using a specialist buy-to-let mortgage broker. Remember asking them for information means you are under no obligation to use them.

5. Think about your target tenant

Instead of imagining whether you would like to live in your investment property, put yourself in the shoes of your target tenant. Who are they and what do they want? If they are students, it needs to be easy to clean and comfortable but not luxurious. If they are young professionals it should be modern and stylish but not overbearing. If it is a family they will have plenty of their own belongings and need a blank canvas.

6. Don't be over ambitious

We have all read the stories about buy-to-let millionaires and their huge portfolios. In most places the days of double digit house price rises are gone, so experts say invest for income not short-term capital growth.
Once mortgage, costs and tax are taken into account, you will want the rent to build up over time and then be able to use it as a deposit for further investments.

7. Consider looking further afield

Most buy-to-let investors look for properties near where they live. But your town may not be the best investment. The advantage of a property close by is being able to keep an eye on it, but if you will be employing an agent anyway they should do that for you. Cast your net wider and look at towns with good commuting links, that are popular with familes or have a sizeable university. Use www.findaproperty.com to look at different areas.

8. Haggle over price

As a buy-to-let investor you have the same advantage as a first-time buyer when it comes to negotiating a discount. If you are not reliant on selling a property to buy another, then you are not part of a chain and represent less of a risk of a sale falling through. This can be a sizeable asset when negotiating a discount.

9. Know the pitfalls

Before you make any investment you should always investigate the negative aspects as well as the positive. Even in popular areas properties can sit empty. One rule of thumb many buy-to-let investors apply is to factor in the property sitting empty for two months of the year this gives a substantial buffer. Homes often need repairing and things can go wrong. If you do not have enough in the bank to cover a major repair to your property, do not invest yet.

10. Consider how hands-on you want to be

Buying a property is only the first step. Will you rent it out yourself or get an agent to do so. Agents will charge you a management fee, but will deal with any problems and have a good network of plumbers, electricians and other workers if things go wrong. You can make more money by renting the property out yourself but be prepared to give up weekends and evenings on viewings, advertising and repairs. If you choose an agent you do not have to go for a High Street presence, many independent agents offer an excellent and personal service. Select a shortlist of agents big and small and ask them what they can offer you.

I hope this proves useful.

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