Earlier this month, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released a special study titled Single-Family Home Price Gains by Years of Tenure. The study estimates median home price appreciation over the last 30 years based on the length of homeownership. Below are three graphs depicting the most important data revealed in the study. How much have home prices increased? One of the first … Read More
How to Avoid a Gender Gap When Investing in the Housing Market
When buying a home, we all want to feel like we’re making the right decision, paying a fair price, and making the best investment of our lives. According to a recent gender-based study, men and women can unknowingly walk away with very different financial outcomes when the deal closes. Thankfully, if you follow some simple ways to arm yourself with the information you … Read More
3 Benefits to Buying Your Dream Home This Year
Outside of a strong economy, low unemployment, and higher wages, there are three more great reasons why you may want to consider buying your dream home this year instead of waiting. 1. Buying a Home is a Great Investment Several reports indicate that real estate is a good investment, topping other options such as gold, stocks, bonds, and savings. Why? Real … Read More
What is the Best Investment for Americans?
Some are reporting that there is trepidation regarding the real estate market in the United States. Apparently, the American people are quite comfortable. Porch.com, a major network helping homeowners with their renovation projects, recently conducted a survey which asked Americans: “What do you believe is the safest investment over the next 10 years?” U.S. housing came in at number one, beating out … Read More
How Long Can This Economic Recovery Last?
The economy is currently experiencing the longest recovery in our nation’s history. The stock market has hit record highs, while unemployment rates are at record lows. Home price appreciation is beginning to reaccelerate. This begs the question: How long can this economic recovery last? The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Survey of Economists recently called for an economic slowdown (recession) in the near future. The most … Read More
Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA
Most of us have funds set aside for retirement, whether it’s a 401(k), 403(b) or IRA. Often, our employer will incentivize us to contribute to their sponsored plan with a company match. The basic idea is that contributions are made pre-tax and any interest, dividends or capital gains are not taxed. In fact, the money is not taxed until you … Read More
Equities vs Real Estate – Let’s Look at the Numbers
If you’re still not convinced that real estate is the best choice for your long-term investing strategy, consider this example. If you diversified your $50,000 retirement fund in stocks, bonds and mutual funds and were able to maintain a 5% annual growth, you would have a balance of $216,097 after 30 years. If you paid your taxes (ordinary income,) put … Read More