Ed's Blog

Most people would probably be shocked to know just how much time I spend reading, studying, and analyzing market trends and predictions, with the sole goal being to decipher just what is the “state of the market.”

While that unfortunately makes me sound a little dull (Yes, I admit to being a real estate geek!), I’ve got to tell you that my findings are anything but dull. This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times in the real estate market, I’ve ever experienced. And by exciting I mean it feels like I’m riding a rollercoaster 24/7. Wwwhhheeeeeeeee!!!!! Yeeeeooooowwww!!!!! Every day it’s Mortgage Crisis, Credit Crunch, Record Foreclosures, Lenders Going Out of Business, Real Sales Falling, and you name it! Whew.

In recent weeks, I’ve focused my research on deciphering the state of the market for residential investors. Here’s the scoop:

· There are some CRAZY (read: incredible) deals available right now in the residential market. In some areas -hint: Sacramento- home values are down a whopping 20-30%. Talk about a steal!

· There is a huge surplus of homes for sale, and sellers eager to entertain any offer.

However, even with great deals you’ll still need to do some serious homework, or what appears to be a great deal may not live up to your expectations.

Here’s how to be a smart investor in today’s market:

· Conduct extensive research on the area where you’re considering buying.

· Don’t listen to just anyone. Talk to a trusted professional real estate broker and lender. Seek out those who are currently investing themselves, and ask questions!

· Beware of areas in economic decline, as home values may drop even further.

· Don’t buy anything without seeing it with your own two eyes.

· Contact my team for the best pricing and advice on smart mortgage loans! (Oops! Did I say that out loud?)

Next week I’ll relay a new week’s worth of findings on investing commercial properties in this market!