Debora Gerken

Opportunity #4 Live in your investment

With the ups and downs in the Market today, you may be asking yourself if that is that the safest place for your nest egg to grow. Don't get me wrong: in both the housing and stock markets, what goes up may come down and what goes down may come up. However it seams to me that because I have to live somewhere, why not put my money in the investment that I have the ability to protect by living in it? Unlike stocks, I know that my home will never be worth $0.

Investing in Real Estate: If you are going to live in the home and have no plans to move in the next 3 to 5 years, now may be a good time to consider purchasing as interest rates are low and homes have traditionally shown an increase in value over time. In the mean time you are benefiting from your investment not only by realizing a potential increase in your net worth, but also by the memories you make both with family and the friendships you make with your neighbors. When the time is right to move -- either up because of a growing family or down so that you can visit your growing family as they start families of their own -- you can use the equity you've built as you need, perhaps even to make a down payment on a bigger investment. Additionally if you have held that investment long enough, you may be able to buy your retirement home with cash.
It has been hard to watch my and my husband's 401K dwindle in the face of a declining stock market. So I ask would it not be better to take advantage of the low prices and invest in a rental property? Maybe a couple? How nice will it be to set at home enjoying our grand-kids (when we get them) and know that our monthly income is not tied to the stock market (401k) but to the rent checks we receive. You got to love passive income. :-)
So if you have money to invest make sure you are living in it and if you are then make it work for you with some long term passive income (rentals). Just remember you make your money when you buy and have you seen a better market to find the deals?

Opportunity #3 Protecting your investment.

Purchasing a home is most likely the biggest investment we will ever make and now that we are back to building our nest egg not just purchasing and flipping for a quick profit.

Owning your home for the long haul will quite possibley give you a nice return. With the abundance of homes on the market now is the time to do your research and get the best deal you can. However remember keep an eye on the long term....... will I/we still fit this home in 5 to 7 years? Are we purchasing in a growing neighborhood? Is this a transitional neighborhood? This is were an experienced Real Estate Broker will earn her/his keep.

Even though I have purchased the perfect home (In my humble opinion you don't need a garage or 2 bath rooms) will I be able to sell??? or have I purchased something only 1 in a million will like and I am that one.

I like my one bath no garage Castle.....

Happy hunting and next week we will look at opportunity #4.

www.ColoradoSpringsHomesRus.com

January 13th 2009

Okay are you ready for opportunity #2? Attracting the ONE BUYER.

This Market is a buyer's market. We have all heard the catch phrase"for every buyer there is a seller". Additionally we know it only takes one buyer -- you just need to make sure you have everything in place to attract the ONE BUYER.

Selling your house in a slow market?

1. Make those repairs. While in years past it may have been enough just to cut the grass and retouch the paint, anyone looking to sell in today's market will benefit from taking the bull by the horns and having their home inspected before putting it on the market. This way when the ONE BUYER comes along your home will stand out in front.

2. Set realistic expectations. Unpleasant as it may be for sellers, demand for real estate has softened significantly. That means, in many cases, sellers will have to bring down their asking price to just below the current Market value. Remember you are looking for the ONE BUYER While you might be getting a smaller profit on the house you sell in most cases you will get more house on the buy side.

3. Know your agent's stats: Finding an agent with experience selling homes in your market will help ensure correct pricing. If you are looking for that ONE BUYER or for a home in the Colorado Springs Area check us out.

4. Be flexible. Having your house ready to show at all times will make it easier for prospective buyers to see it. Never put a 24 hour notice on showing your home. You never know when that ONE BUYER will walk into your home.

5. Hold your tongue: If a potential buyer comes in with an offer you consider too low, resist the urge to take it personally. With every offer remember these things: how long has my house been on the market, is the market still going down? Chasing the market is never good so check your feelings and counter back you never know when the next ONE BUYER will walk in your door.

To find out what what is selling in your neighborhood see House Values.

Tune in next week for opportunity #3.

www.ColoradoSpringsHomesRus.com

January 10th 2009

If you are anything like me this Housing Market has you feeling like you are between a rock and a hard spot........

Every time you turn on the TV or pick up a paper...... So I started the New Year off by saying: "It is going to be a Wonderful New Year with opportunities everywhere."

So here goes......

Opportunity #1. Historically low interest rates

Did you know that with the lower interest rates you can buy more house? I know what you are saying "of course" but I can't sell my house so I can't take advantage of the lower rates..... so lets look at it this way.

If you have to take a lower price on the home you are selling with the lower prices out in the market right now you will also be getting more home for less.

Additionally with the lower interest rates you will be getting more home for a smaller payment.

If you want to know how the lower interest rates can help you contact us.

Tune in next week for Opportunity #2.

www.ColoradoSpringsHomesRus.com