Friday, October 26, 2012

What Happens In A Real Estate Recession

The residential real estate market is in a recession.  Arguably, it can also be called a depression.  The market has hit rock bottom.  There are many more homes on the market than there are buyers.  People are panicking and not making any investments because of the economy.  This will trickle down into every aspect of the economy until the entire nation is in a full blow recession. 

Real estate investors who were really raking in the money during the high times are now seeing the market at rock bottom.  Many real estate investors have given up real estate investing and have turned to other investments.  However, there has actually never been a better time to invest in real estate than right now, for two reasons.

The first reason is that a real estate recession causes homes to plummet in value.  They will rise again, but it will take a few years.  In the meantime, a smart investor who is looking for a long term investment, can purchase real estate and either rent it out to other individuals who need a place to live or live in the property.  If the property is vacant land, it can just be left alone.  There is much more real estate for sale than there are buyers.  This means the prices are lower than if there were more buyers than homes.  Take advantage of this fact and buy something. 

The second reason why this is such a great time to purchase real estate is because of the low interest rates.  The interest rates for mortgages have never been lower than they are right now.  And because people are not buying homes and have pretty much saturated the refinance market, lenders are desperate to make loans.  If lenders cannot make home loans, they go out of business, plain and simple.  They are willing to make a lot of deals that they were not willing to make 20 years ago.  Even people with less than stellar credit can get home loans, so if you think your poor credit is going to stop you from getting a home, think again. 

Smart investors are thinking of this market as a reason to buy.  Real estate is a tangible asset and something that everyone needs.  We all need shelter.  If you do not want to live in the home yourself, you can rent the property to other individuals.  If you choose to rent to tenants, you might want to institute a rent to own policy in which part of the rent the tenant pays you goes towards the down payment of the property when the tenant is able to purchase the home.  There is a time limit on this and this gives a tenant more of an incentive to pay their rent on time as well as take care of the property.

If you are looking for a home in which to live, this is a great time to buy.  You can get a lot more bang for your buck, especially in upscale neighborhoods that were hit hard by the recession.  And because the interest rates are so low, you will be surprised at how much you are able to afford.  A real estate recession is tough, but this is a good time for smart investors to buy low and wait out their investment for the long term.

Lisa Jones is a seasoned realtor affiliated with RE/MAX Bryan-College Station. She offers a one-stop source for real estate services and information about Bryan-College Station Real Estate. Visit her homepage for a complete list of real properties college station, and you just might find the home you have been dreaming to have.

 

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