Athletes and Real Estate: Building a Legacy Beyond the Game

The Controversy of Athlete Investments

For decades, the story has repeated itself: athletes earning millions during their careers, only to face financial ruin after retirement. The pressure to maintain an expensive lifestyle, poor advice from so-called “experts,” and bad investments are often to blame. Enter real estate: the golden child of wealth-building that promises steady income, long-term appreciation, and financial stability.

But here’s the catch—real estate isn’t foolproof. Some athletes have made millions through smart property investments, while others have lost everything chasing flashy deals that sounded too good to be true. So, how do you separate the wins from the losses? Let’s break down the do’s and don’ts of real estate investing for athletes.

The Do’s of Real Estate Investing

1. Educate Yourself Before Diving In
   Just because you’re great on the field doesn’t mean you’re automatically a pro in real estate. Take time to understand the basics: property value trends, rental income, and how location impacts ROI.

   • SMART Tip: Work with a certified financial planner or real estate consultant who has experience with high-net-worth clients.

2. Start Small
   You don’t need to jump into a $10 million commercial property right away. Begin with a single-family rental home or a duplex to get a feel for how real estate works.

   • SMART Tip: Look for properties near colleges, hospitals, or downtown areas, which tend to have stable rental demand.

3. Diversify Your Portfolio
   Don’t put all your money into one big investment. Spread it across different types of properties—residential, commercial, or even REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) to minimize risk.

   • SMART Tip: Allocate no more than 30% of your wealth to real estate to keep your portfolio balanced.

4. Invest in Locations with Growth Potential
   Hot spots like Los Angeles or Miami may seem like sure bets, but they’re also expensive and saturated. Instead, look at up-and-coming cities where property values are rising, like The Woodlands, Nashville, or Charlotte.

   • SMART Tip: Research areas with new infrastructure projects or major corporate expansions—they’re usually signs of future growth.

5. Plan for the Long Game
   Real estate isn’t a quick flip for everyone. The best investments take time to mature. Be patient and think about the long-term returns rather than expecting instant profit.

   • SMART Tip: Set a timeline for each investment. Are you holding for 5 years? 10? Have a clear exit strategy.

The Don’ts of Real Estate Investing

1. Don’t Fall for the “Luxury Trap”
   Sure, that waterfront mansion in Malibu is tempting, but will it actually make money? Luxury properties often come with high maintenance costs and volatile markets.

   • Actionable Tip: Focus on properties that generate consistent cash flow rather than just looking impressive.

2. Don’t Skip the Due Diligence
   A bad property deal can drain your bank account. Never buy without thoroughly researching the property, the seller, and the local market.

   • Actionable Tip: Hire a qualified inspector and an attorney to review contracts before signing anything.

3. Don’t Trust Everyone with Your Money
   Unfortunately, some advisors or “friends” may prioritize their own commission over your financial well-being. Be selective about who you trust.

   • Actionable Tip: Work with professionals who have a proven track record and no conflicts of interest.

4. Don’t Over-Leverage Yourself
   Taking on too much debt to buy a property can backfire if the market turns or the property doesn’t perform as expected.

   • Actionable Tip: Stick to a conservative loan-to-value ratio, ideally no more than 50% debt.

5. Don’t Chase Trends
   Just because everyone is talking about Airbnb or vacation rentals doesn’t mean it’s the right investment for you. What works for others may not align with your goals.

   • Actionable Tip: Know your own investment strategy and stick to it.

What You Need To Implement Right Now

• Educate Yourself: Dedicate one hour a week to learning about real estate. Read books, listen to podcasts, or take online courses.
• Network: Attend real estate events or join investment groups to learn from others.
• Track Your Investments: Create a spreadsheet to monitor your properties, expenses, and profits.
• Set Clear Goals: Decide if you’re investing for cash flow, appreciation, or a mix of both.
• Use Tools: Leverage apps like Zillow, Redfin, and BiggerPockets to research properties and get expert advice.

Invest Smarter, Live Better

Real estate can be a powerful tool to secure your financial future, but only if you play it smart. By focusing on education, diversification, and long-term planning, you can turn your athletic success into a legacy that lasts beyond your playing days.

Ready to take control of your future? Our Self-Care Journals for Athletes can help you stay focused, plan your goals, and track your progress—whether you’re managing your finances or your fitness.

Get yours today and start building a life that thrives on and off the field. Don’t just play the game—own it.