Thursday, December 06, 2007
After the much hyped surge in real estate appreciation the last several years, there has become a renewed expectation for return on real estate investment. I find it similar to the hype surrounding internet stock in the late 90's. With all the excitement and media frenzy, a sense was created that the internet was a great way to get rich quick. Unfortunately, the reality that investment is related to more than media hype eventually settled in. The same holds true for our recent real estate market. We all saw unbelievable appreciation in our homes - and it was great! The reality, though, is real estate historically appreciates at an average rate of 6% a year. As a comparison, the stock market historically returns 10% a year on investment. Anyone strictly looking at a home as an investment is better off putting their money in the stock market.
That cynical view assumes that a house is just a commodity that we trade like stock - but it isn't. A house is so much more than that. A ...
| Posted by Joe Atalla at 3:28 PM |
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I am excited to be able to participate in the upcoming Builder Christmas Light Tour. It begins just after Thanksgiving Nov 24th- Jan 2nd. Homes will be light up every evening between (sunset) 5-9:30pm. You can find more info at bclt.info. Some builders are also opening up their homes to collect donations for Toys for Tots and food for the Idaho Food bank. I encourage you to come out and enjoy the spectacular lights, on the even more spectacular new homes in Crossfield (on Ustick just west of Meridian), and Cedar Edge (on Lake Hazel just west of Maple Grove). The builders are required to have extensive lighting in order to be a part of this event. The homes and landscaping will be decked along with the halls. Since it is a contest, every builder will be making their best effort to dazzle the public. It will be the highlight of your Christmas evening drives if you take the time to drive through these communities.
| Posted by Nora Kormylo at 3:09 PM |
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Wow. What a wonderful experience it was to participate in the volunteer work during the extreme makeover in Middleton this past July. The episode aired on Dec. 2nd on ABC 6pm. I was amazed at the number of volunteers that showed up. I was working at the check in both 4 evening shifts from 10pm to 6am, and a couple of days. It was really hot, July in Boise. I asked a DJ at the media check in if he could ask everyone on the air to bring more ice, sunscreen and bug spray. WOW.. Hoards of people came immediately to drop off supplies we requested and more. It is so refreshing to see people rally around and help others. The pay for volunteering is significant. A heart filled with joy. I hope you got to see the episode this past Sunday. I was there the one in the blue shirt.
| Posted by Nora Kormylo at 3:03 PM |
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Monday, November 19, 2007
Your home is an investment towards your future. It may seem like a monthly mortgage higher than your current rent check is too uncomfortable. A couple of things to remember before you wait any longer. Part of your monthly mortgage goes towards building up equity in your home, you can borrow against this in the future. You can write off your interest expense against your income. This is the biggest tax write-off available to most Americans. Your mortgage remains steady, if you have a fixed rate and you don't refinance and use all the equity. Rents rise, often yearly. You will have more spending money for your retirement years if your home is paid off. In the future (15-20 years, your housing expenses will be lower than someone who rents. Leverage is used mot powerfully in Real Estate than anywhere else in the investment world. For $20k, a homeowner can (conceivably and given the right conditions) secure a $400k investment. That...
| Posted by Nora Kormylo at 12:22 PM |
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Thursday, November 15, 2007
Real estate mogul Donald Trump discusses whether now is the time to buy real estate, particularly properties in foreclosure, with CNBC's Erin Burnett.
| Posted by Craig Groves at 5:22 PM |
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