Real Estate: A Home - An Investment
It wasn't that long ago when people looked at their personal home only as a place to live. With the recent housing boom, we now have a completely different outlook on our real estate - that of an investment opportunity.
Housing prices have increase by double digits percentages for the past few years. People in some parts of this nation have actually seen a doubling of their properties. Many have said that the real estate processes we've seen recently are "unreal," but they continue to grow to levels not seen before. My Uncle, JW Dicks, and I recently released our new book called How to Buy and Sell Real Estate for Financial Freedom published by McGraw- Hill. In it we share real estate strategies that can help you better incorporate the real estate sector to diversify your portfolio.
In our book, we reveal some very effective methods of building long-lasting financial well-being through real estate investments. How to Buy and Sell Real Estate for Financial Freedom walks you through every aspect of building ongoing, bulletproof wealth through the buying and selling real estate. We are very proud of this book because it highlights an investment opportunity that almost everyone can become involved with; we are proud to be able to share this priceless information with you.
By the way, this hasn't just been a real estate explosion in the U.S. People around the world have experienced a massive amount of growth in property. According to data gathered from these markets from sources, including the Bank for International Settlements, Economy.com and The Wall Street Journal, since 2002, housing values in France are up 48 percent, 63 percent in Spain and they've nearly doubled in South Africa. In just the past year, prices have risen 19 percent in Hong Kong. They've also boomed in China, Australia and the United Kingdom, although prices are now showing signs of slowing in some markets like Australia and the U.K. So this is an international phenomenon.
This month's cover article features Dr. David Lereah, vice president and senior economist of the National Association of Realtors. I urge you to read this informative article and then gauge the real estate market in your area. If you are not already involved in the real estate market, read all you can about the topic and get your "piece of the pie." It is the American dream to own your own home, and more first time buyers than ever are taking advantage of the current low interest rates. They aren't as low as they were this time last year, but an interest rate less than 7 percent is still a pretty good deal.
My family and I have always been involved in the real estate market, and I urge you to educate yourself and jump in today. Real estate, they aren't making any more of it, so get involved today. It's more than just a place to live; it's an incredible investment opportunity.
Originally published in James Dicks: Buy*Sell*Hold magazine.