This may be the most amazing buyer’s market in decades!

Think about it.  Interest rates are at historic lows.  Housing inventories are at 20-year highs.  Nationally, housing prices have dropped 16.3% since last year.  Sellers of every kinds (home owners, investors, builders, and developers) are motivated to sell their property to liquidate or stay liquid in these tough economic times.

I’m sure most of you have heard these stats before:  Only 2% of retirees will be financially independent by age 65, while the other 98% rely on family, the government or a job to get by financially.

If you want to make a fortune in real estate, and I’m talking about millions of dollars, then now is the time to buy!  Forget about the uncertainties of the stock market and worrying about a recession.  Now is the time to position yourself for real wealth simply by buying real estate in growth markets around the country.

If you’re not sure how to get started then call me.  I will help point you in the right direction.

With interest rates still at historic lows, and investment opportunities in single family homes abundant, 2008 may one of the best years to invest in 30 years.

Even if prices drop a little more within the next twelve months, you may still be getting a great deal over the long term given the low interest rates which may not be around in the years to come.

It is best to stick to well-located detached single family homes in well researched markets that offer good prospects for growth and resale down the road. Middle of the road, bread-and-butter homes might be best in most cases for attracting your largest resale market.

Duplexes also make for smart investments but remember they are a little more difficult to sell because your typical buyer will probably be another investor.

And finally, avoid condos since you lack the control you have in single family units. Condos also require extra due diligence to make sure that you are not buying from speculators or developers at prices above market value or where there is excess inventory for sale.

Imagine if you had the foresight 7 years ago to invest heavily in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Miami and Honolulu, and to get out 2 years ago. Each of those markets appreciated over 100% in a 5 year period. Many savvy investors made enough money in those markets in just 5 years that they never have to work again. Now, instead of waking up with that 7 am alarm clock, many of them softly awaken by the warm breeze off the ocean blowing through their open window.

Mobile, Alabama (pronounced ‘moe beel’) is a city located in southwest Alabama at the mouth of the Mobile River. Spanning about 38 miles on the north shore of Mobile Bay, it was the city held by the French, British, and Spanish until it was seized by U.S. forces in 1813.

Today, Mobile, Alabama is one of the country’s hottest growth markets. Any real estate investor looking for a market with a solid economic foundation and strong appreciation potential will find it here.

According to a new research forecast by Moody's Economy.com, Mobile County will have the fastest growing economy over the next five years among all 363 American metropolitan areas, growing over 34% from 2007 through 2012. [Read more…]

One of our blog readers submitted the following question:

“I have a home that was appraised at $130,000 this month. However, I think it's worth at least $200,000.  Would you agree to keep it until the market comes back up and try to sell then?  My ex-husband will rent it from me until then.  Thanks, Bev”

Well Bev, there are several things to consider: [Read more…]