What a 62-Year-Old Navi Mumbai Businessman Taught Me About Smart Real Estate Investing!

Introduction: An Unexpected Meeting That Changed My Real Estate Investing Perspective

While recently attending a real estate seminar in Navi Mumbai, I had an enlightening conversation with Mr. Sharma — a sharp 62-year-old businessman with over three decades of real estate experience.

What began as a casual conversation quickly became one of the most insightful discussions I’ve ever had about real estate investing. His practical wisdom and grounded perspective completely reshaped how I evaluate property investment opportunities. I had a discussion full of wisdom with someone who had seen real estate rise, fall, and rise again — multiple times.

He had been investing in Navi Mumbai’s property market for over 30 years. And what he shared with me was far more insightful than any online webinar or investment course I’ve taken.

Let me walk you through the valuable lessons that changed the way I look at real estate investing — forever!

Mr. Sharma and his 30 Years of Real Estate Investing Experience

Mr. Sharma started his real estate investing journey in the early ’90s when Navi Mumbai was still considered a faraway satellite city of Mumbai. Back then, people laughed at his decision to invest in undeveloped plots in areas like Kharghar and Nerul. Today, those plots are worth crores!

But it was his clarity, not just his success, that really got my attention. He wasn’t throwing buzzwords or real estate trends at me. He was calm, grounded, and brutally honest about the highs and lows of real estate. He had seen multiple market cycles, survived the 2008 crash, and still believed in real estate investing — not as a get-rich-quick scheme, but as a long-term wealth-building tool.

Lesson 1: “Don’t Chase Appreciation. Buy for Cash Flow.”

Mr. Sharma’s first and strongest piece of advice:

“Don’t buy a flat hoping its price will double in three years. Invest in a property that will pay you every month.”

He explained how most newbie investors focus only on capital appreciation. While it’s great when property value increases, relying solely on it can be risky. Rather, he concentrates on both capital appreciation and rental yield. He only buys properties that generate positive monthly cash flow — after EMIs, maintenance, and taxes.

I realized I had been guilty of chasing flashy growth — pre-launch projects and under-construction deals that promised “skyrocketing value” but offered no real passive income through property.

Lesson 2: “Location is About Demand, Not Just Maps.”

I mentioned to him that I was considering investing in Ulwe because “the map shows it’s close to the upcoming airport.” He smiled and said:

“Beta, location isn’t about geography. It’s about demand.”

He explained how Ulwe, despite being strategically placed, had lower rental demand compared to nearby nodes like Belapur or Seawoods. Why? Because infrastructure, connectivity, and commercial hubs matter more than proximity to a planned airport that’s still under construction.

His tip:

Before buying, check the demand. Look at rental listings in that area. Visit at different times. Talk to brokers. Ask, “Who wants to live here right now?”

He highlighted the importance of investing where people want to live or run businesses today, not where they might want to live five years from now.

Lesson 3: “Never Depend on One Agent or One Source.”

This one was an eye-opener. Mr. Sharma laughed when I told him I was working with a “trusted agent” and relying only on his advice.

“Real estate is full of perspectives. To arrive at the right decision, you need more than one!”

He advised me to always consult at least three brokers before making a decision. Not only does this give you better negotiation power, but it also reveals how the market is really moving. Every agent has their own agenda — some push slower-moving inventory; others exaggerate demand.

He even recommended visiting property lawyers to check legal clarity and talking to local residents to know what’s actually happening on the ground.

Lesson learned: Don’t make real estate investing decisions based on one opinion.

Lesson 4: “Think 10 Years Ahead, Not 10 Days.”

This one was gold.

Mr. Sharma said that most young investors today think like traders. They want to flip properties fast and make quick profits. But real estate, he explained, isn’t designed for speed. You need to have a long-term property investment strategy.

“If you want speed, trade stocks. If you want stability, invest in property.”

He shared how one of his oldest investments in Belapur took nearly eight years to become profitable. But once it did, it funded his daughter’s education abroad and gave him consistent passive income through property for over a decade.

He looks at every property with a broad vision: Who will live there? What will the area look like? What infrastructure projects are coming? Will this location survive a downturn?

This kind of thinking builds discipline and protects you from external market noise.

The Biggest Mistake He Ever Made (And What He Learned)

No masterclass is complete without hearing about failure, and Mr. Sharma didn’t shy away from sharing his.

In 2007, just before the global financial crisis, he invested heavily in multiple luxury flats in a premium project in Panvel, assuming prices would double after the Navi Mumbai International Airport announcement.

But the market crashed!

Construction got delayed. Demand dried up. He had to hold those properties for 7 years without rental income and eventually sold one at a loss.

“I bought based on hype rather than cash flow, which is against my own rule. That mistake cost me more than money. It cost me peace.”

What he learned was this: emotion and ego have no place in investing. Stay grounded. Stick to your principles — even when everyone else is going crazy.

How These Lessons Apply to Today’s Market

In today’s fast-changing real estate investing environment, especially in places like Navi Mumbai, these lessons are more important than ever.

With infrastructure projects like the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and metro expansion, there’s a lot of buzz. But hype doesn’t equal income. Mr. Sharma’s approach reminds us to separate long-term property investment strategy from short-term noise.

Instead of just looking at appreciation potential, I now evaluate:

What are the rental returns today?
Who are the potential tenants?
How’s the local job market or commercial activity?
Can the property withstand a 5-year downturn?

Even if you’re new to the market, Mr. Sharma’s principles can protect you from common traps. They help you look beyond shiny brochures and flashy RERA approvals. They make you a smart investor — not just a hopeful buyer.

Conclusion: Wisdom Beats Trends

That hour with Mr. Sharma in the property seminar turned out to be more valuable than everything else I had known before about real estate investing.

His calm, time-tested approach reminded me that real estate investing is about discipline, patience, and clarity — not speed or speculation.

If you’re looking to invest in Navi Mumbai or anywhere else, just ask yourself:

Am I chasing hype or earning steady passive income through property?
Am I planning for 10 months or 10 years?
Am I relying on one opinion or considering multiple views?

Because at the end of the day, trends come and go! However, the wisdom that comes from three decades of experience living through ups and downs is timeless.

Thank you, Mr. Sharma, for reminding me that real estate isn’t just about property. It’s about perspective!

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