Five reasons to start investing in real estate again

by Troy Schuricht on April 10, 2008

  

Just like any other financial market, real estate continually cycles through its highs and lows.  There can be great debate on whether the market as a whole has bottomed out, but there is a growing consensus that many markets already have. Either way, now is a great time to start investing in real estate.

Here are five fundamental reasons to start investing today:

  1. Price:  The sales price in almost every market has dropped substantially.  When you combine the effects of short sales, foreclosures and bank owned properties with an already saturated market, this makes for a real steal for those that have a good game plan.
  2. Inventory:  Inventory is at an all time high in most markets, which only contributes to the falling prices, but also helps with selection.  Investors should not only look at the sales price and appraised value, but they should look very carefully at the rental market in which they are selecting a home.  Sometimes passing on a little equity to capitalize on a strong rental market can have both short term and long term benefits, also known as cash flow.
  3. Interest Rates:  Current economy conditions have pushed interest rates down to historical lows.  Investors that are considering long term holds will benefit the most as interest rates and inflation increase over the next few years; so will the rents.
  4. Seller Expectations:  Most sellers including banks are now working harder than ever to move their properties.  This not only translates into lower sales prices, but more concessions.  Sellers are now willing to pay closing costs, help buy down the rate, or assist in paying for repairs.
  5. Renters:  As more and more individuals foreclose on their homes, the rental market will continue to increase.  There are a number of individuals that bought the wrong home at the wrong time for the wrong amount and now they are upside down on their homes. Many of these homeowners have and will continue to simply foreclose.  These new renters that have great income can and will be able to afford larger rental amounts.  li>

Keep in mind that every market has a bottom; it is up to you to do the due diligence that leads to a successful real estate transaction.

Related posts:

  1. Is Investing in Real Estate in Other States a Good Idea?
  2. New Contributor to Real Estate Investing for Real
  3. Carnival of Real Estate Investing: Volume 8
  4. Meet the Investor: Real Estate Investing Interview with Rehabber Richard Warren
  5. 5 Reasons Why You Need a Real Estate Attorney
Got questions about this or other real estate topics? Ask on the BiggerPockets Forums.

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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Rachel @ Master Your Card April 11, 2008 at 6:17 am

I think it is always a good time for investing. If you can buy your investments cheap then you gain when the market improves.

Reply

2 Michael April 11, 2008 at 9:24 am

Good points. I’ve noticed over the last year that rents are finally starting to rise.

Reply

3 uma April 11, 2008 at 10:21 am

yes rents are rising..but we cant stop our investment for that..so better to invest

Reply

4 Claire ThinkGlink.com staff April 11, 2008 at 1:28 pm

Award-winning, nationally-syndicated columnist, television reporter, radio talk show host and best-selling book author Ilyce Glink talks about buying a home as an investment in a short YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eS4cK83Dl4

To get more great real estate and personal finance tips visit Ilyce’s YouTube site and subscribe!

Reply

5 Terra Andersen April 11, 2008 at 2:35 pm

I have been talking about these exact reasons with my friends and colleagues. I’ve also heard talks about November being a big month to buy.. for some reason that is unknown to me. Great post!

Reply

6 Wordpress Theme Gallery April 12, 2008 at 4:41 am

bottomline, what really matters is a wise investment

Reply

7 sfvrealestate April 13, 2008 at 11:30 am

Let’s not forget the best reason of all — people need roofs over their heads and investors can help provide those!

Reply

8 Ned Carey April 13, 2008 at 10:42 pm

Great reasons, but you left one out. The stupid money has left the market so there is less competition.

Ned

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9 Auslandsimmobilien April 15, 2008 at 2:43 am

but that is not much safe business.. it is really profitable but not safe.

Reply

10 Nadine April 16, 2008 at 12:18 am

These are really motivating reasons…Those reasons view the recent condition from very different perspective.

Reply

11 filme April 16, 2008 at 5:37 am

It is always a good time to invest as long as you know what you are doing.

Reply

12 Filme downloaden May 5, 2008 at 4:18 pm

hey why not… less competition, so you invest more effective

Reply

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