Who is paying off loans?

[Jon Q.]

With literally all attractive national markets peaking or already peaked and attractive deals in very short supply, how have you changed your investment strategy?

After speaking to a few investor friends and hearing that they are actively paying down debt in their portfolio or paying off loans, it’s something I’m considering.

Agree/disagree? Why? Why not?


Shoring up cash for what you think will be an upcoming buying spree?

Will there actually be a large drop in pricing (in attractive markets like AUSTIN, even when prices hit bottom of cycle, I’m not sure they’ll be decent deals where money can be made).

Thoughts?

[Aaron K.]

Paying down only returns 3-5% in interest you save on the loan but that is better than 1.5% in the bank, it is a good idea if you are close to your limits on leverage but otherwise it may not be the best move.  In a true downturn many of the people who've been "waiting for the downturn" won't actually buy because it is scary and the argument will become people trying to catch a falling knife.