On hectic days...

I've deserted my journal writing for months now, I almost start to feel bad since I've come across so many topics that are of interests to me and I have wanted to jog down my thoughts. For crying out loud, I haven't even written my year-end summary of 2013 (!). That's bad...

I have my reasons, for all the hectic schedules.

I've bought a new home (yes, another one in the last three years). It has most everything that I have wanted. It's a multi-family (which means I can rent out the other units for extra income). It's upper stairs (which means we can open windows if we want to). It has a lot of trees around it (and I love shades in the summer, in particular). It's steps from shops and restaurants and amenities and public transport, and yet it's on a relatively quiet residential street. It's close to schools and the kids don't have to change schools. It has more space both inside and outside, but it's not too big to become unmanageable (I like to use every inch of my home, rather than empty unused rooms just sitting pretty). It's also in an area in which there's essentially no supply of properties for sale, and the area is always on demand. Best of all, I got it on the cheap; even with the extra renovations, I could make at least 15% profit (net) if I were to sell it now (just a few months after the purchase), although I don't plan on selling since I love it and we're going to live here for a while.

By providence, I was grateful that I've been able to acquire a few good properties in premium neighborhood in the past three years during the economic downturn and while mortgage interest rate was still low. I still recall my mom voicing her doubts, about how the economy was still in doldrums and it might not be a good time to buy. But when one looks at it, the opportunity in which great properties are cheap and interest rates are low does not come often. Naturally, it all depends on whether banks might be willing to lend to me or not. Luckily they did.

There was also the argument, about whether I should buy a multi-million dollar property and enjoy the spoils, or whether I should buy smaller ones (and live in a smaller one) so that I can get extra rental income. Ultimately, to me, the argument is clear. While it's nice to live in a big house, I don't really need (or want) it, not only because of the tiresome upkeep for a big house, but I also want the extra income. I want the rental properties to be self-sustaining, and to provide me with the income stream, should I get to retirement.

And so, with a gross aggregate yield of some 10%, and the net of about 7%, it's too good a deal to pass up. As everyone knows, it's all about location, location, location, when it comes to properties. As the areas (of my properties) are always in demand even in economic downturn, it's easy to find good tenants.

It takes time to fix up properties. This time round, since we'll be living in this property, my husband is helping with overseeing the renovation which is a great help. Still, it can get mentally exhausting for a project that spans more than a few months (almost five months, to be exact). That's why I've deserted everything, including writing of my journal. The efforts are worth it.

You know how it's like, when one gets to middle age, and it feels like time is speeding up, and there's so much to do, so much more that you want to do, that you just want to do them all at once. That's how I feel after the renovation was winding down and we're moving in our new home. I'm already eyeing other investments; not necessarily properties, but something else, something other than my six-figure day job that I've since grown tired of. Although my rental income has now surpassed the salary of my day job, there's certain comfort and security that I want to keep it going. Afterall, I can do it with one eye closed; there's no reason to let it go.

That said, I have always disliked the idea of retirement. I get energized by hectic and busy schedules. I need to feel like I'm doing something, achieving something, rather than sitting back and idling around. I don't think I'm the retirement type; hence, I can never understand why people want early retirement so badly.

It's about time I go pick up some new skills in my field now; it's long overdue. Being hectic and busy is good when there's something achieved in the end.