Since 2013, Americans have consistently ranked real estate at the best investment to make.

Americans Rank Real Estate Best Investment for 5 Years Running! [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

• Real estate has outranked stocks/mutual funds, gold, savings accounts/CDs, and bonds as the best long-term investment among Americans for the last 5 years!
• The generations agree! Real estate is the best investment!
• Generation X leads the way with 37% believing in real estate as the top investment.

According to Gallup - real estate remains the best long-term investment...

Gallup: Real Estate is Best Long-Term Investment 4 Years Running

Every year, Gallup surveys Americans to determine their choice for the best long-term investment. Respondents are given a choice between real estate, stocks/mutual funds, gold, savings accounts/CDs, or bonds.
For the fourth year in a row, Real Estate has come out on top as the best long-term investment! This year’s results showed that 34% of Americans chose real estate, followed by stocks at 26%. The full results are shown in the chart below.

The study makes it a point to draw attention to the contrast of the sentiment over the last four years compared to that of 2011-2012, when gold took the top slot with 34% of the votes. Real estate and stocks took second and third place, respectively, while still in recovery from the Great Recession.

Bottom Line

As the real estate market has recovered, so has the belief of the American people in the stability of housing as a long-term investment.

What are you going to do with your tax refund?

Your Tax Return: Bring it Home

This time of year, many people eagerly check their mailboxes looking for their tax return check from the IRS. But, what do most people plan to do with the money? GO Banking Rates recently surveyed Americans and asked the question - “What do you plan on doing with your tax refund?”
The results of the survey were interesting. Here is what they plan to do with their money:

• 41% - Put it into savings
• 38% - Pay off debt
• 11% - Go on a vacation
• 5% - Make a major purchase (car, home, etc.)
• 5% - Splurge on a purchase

Upon seeing the research, The National Association of Realtors (NAR) wondered if this could help with a constant challenge cited by many people who wish to purchase a home – saving for the down payment.
In a recent post in NAR’s Economists’ Outlook Blog, they explained:

“With a sizable tax refund, the average American would have a decent down payment depending on which region or market you live in.”

They went on to add:

“[A]pproximately 5 percent of all respondents indicated they would make a major purchase which does not seem like a lot. However, there is a bigger group 41 percent who see saving the tax return is best and that group could be potential homebuyers if they are not already.”

In other words, putting that money toward purchasing a home is a form of savings.

Bottom Line

When one considers that first-time home buyers in 2016 had an average down payment of 6%, a decent tax return could go a long way toward the necessary funds needed for a down payment on a house. Or perhaps, the down payment needed by a son or daughter to make their homeownership dream a reality. How are you going to spend your return?

Owning a home is a good financial investment. Not convinced? Here are 5 reasons to change your mind...

5 Reasons Why Homeownership Is a Good Financial Investment

According to a recent report by Trulia, “buying is cheaper than renting in 100 of the largest metro areas by an average of 37.7%.” That may have some thinking about buying a home instead of signing another lease extension. But, does that make sense from a financial perspective?
In the report, Ralph McLaughlin, Trulia’s Chief Economist explains:

“Owning a home is one of the most common ways households build long-term wealth, as it acts like a forced savings account. Instead of paying your landlord, you can pay yourself in the long run through paying down a mortgage on a house.”

The report listed five reasons why owning a home makes financial sense:

1. Mortgage payments can be fixed while rents go up.
2. Equity in your home can be a financial resource later.
3. You can build wealth without paying capital gains.
4. A mortgage can act as a forced savings account.
5. Overall, homeowners can enjoy greater wealth growth than renters.

June is National Homeownership Month! Not yet enjoying these benefits of owning your own place? Call Kieron to get started! 224-206-8813

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June is National Homeownership Month!

Some Highlights:

• Paying rent is not a good investment, but owning is a great way to start building family wealth.
• Not only does homeownership allow you to provide your children with great education, but you can also decide whether or not your child grows up with a pet.
• Owning a home provides you with tax benefits while also providing you with more living space to move around in.

Real Estate ranked #1 long term investment. Do you agree?

Americans Rank Real Estate #1 Long Term Investment

The Gallup organization recently released a survey in which Americans were asked to rank what they considered to be the “best long term investment.” Real estate ranked number one, with 35% of those surveyed saying it was a better long term investment than stocks & mutual funds, gold, savings accounts or bonds.
Here is the breakdown:

The survey revealed that real estate was the number one choice among each of the following groups:

• Men
• Women
• People between the ages of 18-29
• People between the ages of 30-49
• People between the ages of 50-64
• People 65 and older
• People with annual earnings of less than $30,000
• People with annual earnings between $30,000 and $74,999
• People with annual earnings of over $75,000
• People with a college degree
• People without a college degree

Even stock investors ranked real estate number one. According to the report:

“With housing prices showing a steadier path upward in recent months, even stock investors are about as likely…to choose real estate (37%) as stocks (32%) as the best long-term investment.”

Yes. Real estate had some rocky years recently. But...

Did you know that real estate was one of the top investments in 2015?  Maybe it is time to stop renting...

 
A survey by The Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University reveals that when a family is buying a home they consider the financial benefits of homeownership along with the social benefits. The survey mentions things like:

• Paying rent does not make sense
• Homeownership provides a good financial opportunity
• Owning a home helps you building family wealth
• Buying a home is investing in your retirement
• Home equity gives you something to borrow against

So how did homeownership match up against other investments in 2015? Here is a chart that compares its return on investment against precious metals and the stock market last year:

Bottom Line

Not only did homeownership offer all its social benefits. It also was a great investment financially.

Need a financial reason to own a home? Here are 5...

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