The Financial Times They Are a'Changing...Just Like Always

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Uncertain Times For Investing Your Money

Ok, I know this isn't news. I am not here to beat a dead horse about the state of the economy, wall street, stocks, the Dow, main street, 401Ks, foreclosures, lending, fat-cat CEOs, or any of those subjects which bombard us every day online, on tv, in the paper and everywhere.

What I am here to say is, we've been here before. Sure, now might seem worse because we are seeing a combination of several unpleasant factors, which are scaring the beejeesus out of everyone and therefore making our economy a little 'unpredictable', but we have been here before. Change is the only thing we can count on in the financial and real estate markets.

What Have We Learned in Previous Rough Times?

Simple. Real estate investing makes a comeback when the stock market gets too unpredictable. Folks start to realize just how worthless those stock certificates seem in comparison to a piece of real estate that you can see, touch, feel, walk on, improve, rent, divide, sell and leverage. Times like those we are seeing now bring us all back to the reality of slow, steady, safe investing of our hard earned money in real property. Real estate makes the world go 'round!

The Poconos is an Investment Mecca

The real estate boom in the late 80's and early 90's is a perfect example of how a crappy stock market feeds a hungry real estate market. Here in the Poconos we saw a nice brisk real estate market coordinating with the stock market crash in 1987. Second homes and vacation homes became very much in demand, and development here exploded.

Again, the dot com bubble bursting in 2000 preceded another big boost in the real estate market here. That, combined with the events of 9/11/01, ensured us here in the Poconos of a solid reputation as the place for real estate investing. We have enjoyed a continuous flow of investors, primary home buyers and vacation home buyers over the years and, despite the problems occuring in other areas of the country, our values have held relatively steady (relatively :) ).

And now? The calls have begun to trickle in. People are regrouping. It's time to put that money elsewhere.

So Now What?

Bawldguy, one of my online real estate buddies from California, calls this the perfect storm for real estate investors. He's right...price, selection and favorable interest rates all combine to create a real no-brainer situation for those looking to invest wisely. I encourage you to read his article and peruse his website for all kinds of great insight in to building wealth through real estate investing. Other recent articles I found interesting include one with a really long title that I will shorten to Stocks vs. Real Estate and Where Would You Be If..., which examines investment scenarios involving 401Ks and what coulda been if money was put in to real estate instead. Check out Bawldguy, he is extremely knowledgable and a really fun read!

Then, once you are convinced, contact me at info@lisasanderson.com to find some Pocono properties to invest in.

Comments

[BawldGuy]

What a pleasant surprise, Lisa. This is what I needed, as I'm buried in con't ed for license renewal.

Also, you've made me curious as to what your area offers to the astute investor.

Thanks again for your kind words.

[Lisa]

We have all kinds of opportunities here for investors who understand the value of long term real estate investments: abundant foreclosure listings to fix and hold/rent and also many good buys on non-foreclosure sales. Single family homes mostly.

Vacation home investment properties are my favorite as an owner can use & enjoy a property while offering it for short term rental to vacationers. Our area has always been popular for this but has had some recent additions to the normal Pocono amusements like skiing, hiking, boating, etc, with the building of the Mount Airy Casino and other resort attractions.

Future growth in our area is assured too because of our proximity to NY, NJ and Philadelphia...less than 2 hours from all of these areas we are an ideal drive & stay resort destination and also a bedroom community for those working in the metropolitan areas. And, EVENTUALLY, the commuter train service that has been in the works for-like-ever will become a reality someday and REALLY open things up here.

We have several factors working for us here that make it an ideal place to buy. I hope this is the info you were looking for. If not, email me with specific questions!