Real Estate as an Investment

Before the stock market and mutual funds became popular places for people to put their investment dollars, investing in real estate was extremely popular. We still maintain that investing in real estate is not just for land barons or the rich and famous. As a matter of fact, the home we buy and live in is often our biggest investment.

Once you've made the decision to become a homeowner, it usually means you will have to borrow the largest amount you've ever borrowed to purchase something. This realization may make you want to bury your head in the sand and sign on the dotted line, but you shouldn't. For most people, this is the biggest purchase they will ever make during their lifetime, and this makes it all the more important to gather as much knowledge as possible about what they're getting into.

We give you the information you need, including making the decision on whether, when and what you should purchase; finding the types of mortgages and financing available; handling the closing; and knowing what you'll need when it's time to sell your home. We also explain the income tax consequences and asset protection advantages of home ownership.

You can also use real estate, whether land or buildings, strictly as investment vehicles, and depending on your individual situation, you can do it on a grand or smaller scale. Let's look at the world of real estate and the investing options available:

• Your Home as an Investment: Owning a home is the most common form of real estate investing. Let us show you how your home is not just the place you live, but it's also perhaps your largest and safest investment as well.
• Investment Real Estate: The in and outs of investing in real estate and whether it's the right investment vehicle for you. Whether you're thinking in terms of renting out your first home when you move on to a bigger one or investing in a building full of apartments, we will explain what you need to know.