This age old expression has been widely used for years.  Its application extends into the real estate arena as well.  It is noteworthy, though, that when it comes to investment and financial freedom, pride should have nothing to do with the decision to own a home.

In previous articles I have commented on the many avenues to wealth that real estate investment affords.  Even when it comes to one’s personal residence, it’s good to think like an investor.  Since a healthy percentage of U.S. voters also own their homes, it stands to reason that many laws would be in place that protect and assist these homeowners.  And that is exactly what has occurred!

Federal tax laws do favor those with a mortgage.  Why over 90% of each typical mortgage payment is fully deductible, while personal rent is not.  In most cases, this will far exceed the standard deduction and provide the homeowner with significant tax savings.  That is simply money in your pocket!

Added to that, take the depreciation factor.  Congress allows you to deduct the “improved value”(often 75% of the purchase price)from your taxes over a period of several years.  Again, that is significantly more money in your pocket each year.

Another exciting shelter the government provides is the exemption homeowners are allowed upon sale of their primary residence.  This is my favorite.  Every couple of years or so, you may sell your home and move.  Any gains(profit)realized from the sale can be yours tax free.

Here is the stipulation:  You must have lived in the property at least two out of the last five years to qualify.  This can be done to the tune of $250,000.00 each time.  Married couples can go up to $500,000.00 without paying any gains taxes.

How about that?!  There really isn’t much more one has to do to qualify for these advantages.  This is a sure way to financial independence if one follows the “buy low, sell high” principle.  Today’s real estate market is positively the best in decades for doing just that.

So, the wisdom of homeownership is clearly measured in dollars and cents.  Pride should not be a consideration in making decisions that will affect your financial future.  However, if you like, be proud that you had made your single best economic move when you decided to buy your home.

In the U. S. today, there is a growing segment of the homebuying population that has outpaced any other.  Know what that is?  It is single women.  That’s right.  For several years, now, this trend has been on the rise.

For about 15 years the number of unmarried women owning homes has risen dramatically.  In fact, the latest NAR profile of homebuyers and sellers now has the figure at twenty-two percent.

There are, of course, several factors that have lead to this increase.  Certain demographic trends are responsible.  For example, improved education has enabled more women to pursue careers and seek financial independence.  As a result many young women have delayed marriage.  The increase in purchasing power has not gone unnoticed either.

Women own and operate 38% of all businesses in America and comprise 40% of the business school graduates.  Now add to that, interest rates at history-making lows along with home prices that are making their own history.  What do you have?  It’s a perfect storm.

As if that’s not enough reason, there are others factors, too.  The supply of housing is incredibly high and continued government attempts at stimulating the economy further fuel the increase of single women homebuyers.

Women by nature tend to do more research, spending a longer period of time in their home searches.  Interestingly, they will more likely make needed home repairs.  You might be surprised to know that nearly half of all the  purchases made in the “big box” home-improvement stores are made by women.   In the last 5 years, ninety-four percent of women who own homes claim to have completed a home improvement project during this period.

So, if you want to tap into this growing market you may wish to consider the following:

·         Try condos as women find a sense of security in this type of community

·         Deal with homes that lend to a home office

·         Aim for low maintenance yards

·         Allow for ample storage

·         Natural light is important, especially in the master suite

Finally, if you are a female real estate investor you may do better with these buyers/sellers.  Women traditionally trust other women a little more.  Don’t feel bad, men.  They just feel better understood by another woman.  Go get ‘em, ladies!

It is amusing to me to hear the variety of opinions on the economy.  It’s funny how “experts” seem to emerge onto the scene while people grope for answers that would, hopefully, reveal a ray of hope.  Nonetheless, our economy will do what it will do regardless of what the pundits predict.

Earlier this year many housing markets across the country saw a 60% decline in retail values before the summer.  Then the typical occurred.  The 2nd and 3rd quarters enjoyed a slight gain in some markets while in others at least a slowdown in falling prices.  Now some realtors are so bold as to predict a slow steady rise in home values.  Yes, they will have us believe that it will be smooth sailing in the housing market from here on in.

Let’s examine this line of thought.  Better yet, we will look at the facts and see whether or not these guys are really in touch with reality.  Most of us have heard of the principle of “supply and demand.”  It’s really very simple.  Price is predicated upon the demand for a product balanced by its availability.

Back in spring 2007 potential buyers began to hold back after observing a winter where over-inflated home prices were no longer inflating.  When the seasonal market opened in the 2nd quarter buyers were now reluctant to pay prices without regard for the usual cautionary considerations like before.  It was a bit of a sobering time for many.  Since then deflation has been the trend.

Now, traditionally families prefer to move during the school summer break.  How many are content to transfer their family’s residence once school is back in?  Not most.  Hence, there is greater demand during this time and prices are logically driven upwards…….even if only a little.

Recall the federal mandate to banks temporarily holding up the flow of foreclosures hitting the market.  This occurred nationwide during this time of greater demand.  Where was the supply now?  With a sizeable percentage of all listings on the market held back (foreclosures), the falling values across the board would naturally slow if not reverse slightly.  And that is exactly what the market experienced.  The supply was lower while the demand was higher.

What, then, does this spell for the near future?  Well, peak season came to an end and September brought a new flood of foreclosures hitting the streets.  The tables had turned once again and now supply grew while demand diminished.  The massive number of foreclosure files yet to be processed is an indication of a steady supply from desperate sellers.  Thus the trend will likely continue in a downward direction at least till next spring.

Furthermore, the profiles of families in default have evolved from the subprime arena to “A paper” loans to families who could, in fact, stay in their homes but will opt out for financially sound reasons.  These are folks who are a bit more sophisticated and may have larger household incomes than the prior group.  Many could still make their payments but choose to get out from under the huge debt that the market has dealt them.  Many families see a quarter million dollar sink hole (or more) and will choose to short sell the home, wait 2 years and buy the same home for much, much less.  Notwithstanding the moral dilemma, many find that it just makes good economic sense.

The foregoing scenario presents some interesting real estate investment opportunities for the cash home buyer.  That’s why we buy homes all over the United States during these market conditions.  While the market trend may not be as favorable for the retail buyer, cash homes buyers in most U.S. markets are making insane profits by skillfully applying the simple principle of “supply and demand.”

Strapped for cash!  Economic uncertainty!  Fear of the unknown!  These are some of the emotions that govern the thinking of most people today.  Nonetheless, the fact that real estate investment is still the smartest way to achieving financial independence remains irrefutable.

Wasn’t it Carnegie who originally said to “get aggressive when everyone is fearful, and be fearful when everyone is aggressive?”   Recently Warren Buffet was quoted as repeating the same adage.  If these famously wealthy businessmen agree to that strategy, then one has got to get busy now!

Earlier this year I was in San Francisco and saw a billboard.  It read:  “Bill Gates stared Microsoft during a recession.”  Are we seeing a trend here?  It would seem that the most successful see opportunity where others see peril.  Are you programmed like these entrepreneurs or are you like the majority of the world’s population…motivated by emotion?  If you feel you are in your element with these great history-making men, then you likely see that we are at the right place to create wealth in this housing value decline.

More pointedly, I believe we are facing the perfect storm for cash home buyers across the United States.  The secret is out and many Europeans, Asians, Middle-Easterners and others have recognized that America is on sale and they are already scooping deals on our home turf every day!  So, to answer the question at the top of the page:  Yes.  Only IF you see the “glass half full.”

Before embarking on any business venture it is always wise to do your research, set a mission statement and plan of action.  Before that, though, one must do some soul-searching in order to determine whether he or she is proceeding with the mindset of the great entrepreneurs or plagued with the typical negativity of the general populace.  Make sure you have a clear vision of the opportunity and determine to KEEP that vision clearly in mind.  Maybe even write it down and hang it on your refrigerator door, but do it.

It is imperative that a new real estate investor seek the right groups and networks in order to conclude deals with ease, moving quickly onto the next one.  A website you can check out is www.invesdoor.com for an example of a reputable group.  They have an extensive buyers list from all over the world and independent territory managers nationwide.

Another factor that has played into the success of most if not all wealthy capitalists is having a mentor.  There has usually been someone behind the scene coaching and leading by example.  Ask anyone who has done something of high significance and they will likely tell you of those who inspired them.  The REI market is no exception.  We all need a mentor at some point.

Unfortunately, there is no end to the “gurus” wishing to sell us some “program” for a lot of money.  In reality, their responsibility ended when your payment was processed.  In my opinion, it is best to find a mentor willing to teach you and then partner up with you for a time, splitting the profits off each deal.  That’s what your business will need entering the uncertain market conditions of the future.  So cheer up!  Do some self-analysis and adjust your thinking to “positive.”  Opportunity is knocking.