As a real estate investor for more than a decade now, I’ve observed all kinds of buyers and sellers of properties. It’s always a relief to work with experienced and confident people when doing deals – it makes the process of buying or selling so much easier. But inevitably I do come across those real estate investors who are unsure of themselves and approach the deal with fear and doubt. When possible, I walk away from those deals. Here’s how you can learn to invest in real estate without this fear and doubt, and greatly improve your chances of winning deals.

• The first thing to remember is to do your homework. Knowing as much as you can about a property is the best way to eliminate fear and doubt from the equation. After all, the causes that lead to fear and doubt are usually a feeling of being unprepared. Make sure you do the market research, understand the correct valuation for the property, know the rental situation in the area and know the seller or buyer’s motivation. Doing this will help you to feel prepared to close the deal.

• Trust your instincts. There have been deals that looked great on paper, but when it came down to it, just didn’t feel right to me. Let me tell you that I’ve rarely regretted trusting my instincts and walking away from those deals. On the other hand, when I’ve shrugged it off and moved ahead with the deal, I’ve often been burned by it. Knowing that you don’t have to enter into a deal, and that you can walk away from it at any time can be a terrific confidence builder.

• Prepare yourself emotionally ahead of time. Think about all that can go wrong, and then build a plan for making sure it doesn’t happen. Most of the reasons for fear and doubt can be eliminated by good preparation. Sit down and list all of the things you can think of that are potential reasons for fear and doubt – then systematically address each one. Knowing that you have a plan ahead of time can be a very powerful tool for instilling the confidence you need to close deals.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Many real estate investors who are just starting out feel unsure and out of their element. Knowing that you can ask questions and get advice from a real estate professional, can mean just that little extra reassurance you need.

• Give yourself time. As with most things, as you gain experience investing in real estate, your fear and doubt will recede. The more practice you get with submitting bids, negotiating terms and learning the pitfalls, the more your confidence will grow. Give yourself time to learn from your mistakes without letting them control you.

For a one-on-one consultation on whether or not being a real estate investor is right for you, request an Investing Aptitude Assessment from StreetWise Property Investing.  Get it here: http://StreetWisePropertyInvesting.com/Assessment.