Is Real Estate Still A Good Investment?

Real Estate an Investment?

A gentleman recently asked me if real estate was still a good investment, and the answer surprised him. I believe he expected the usual bad market, bad times story. I think he was surprised to hear of my optimism, while much of what I said wasn't a glowing picture of the local real estate market it created a picture of reality. This is what I said...Take for example a couple has money set aside for retirement; they might have some of their investment in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, gold, certificates of deposit (cds) or setting in the bank. Many have taken the largest portion out of the stock market for fear of wild swings with little control or notice, so they are left with safe low return investments that hardly keep up with inflation. So, what about real estate... it has a few promising characteristics unique to this point in time.

1) There are great values in the market place “right now”
2) People must live somewhere, and homes are far more popular than apartments – making single-family residential homes “prime real estate”
3) Monthly Rentals create a Predictable Income stream
4) Predictable Expenses (ie taxes, insurance, routine maintenance, etc)
5) Reasonably Liquid, if the need arises to sell.
6) Easy to locate your investment, unlike trying to find your money when the Stock market drops 500 points.
7) Peace of Mind when using Property Management Services – someone else takes care of the day-to-day hassles for a nominal fee.

COMPARE IT THIS WAY:

Example 1: Suppose you have $100,000. setting in CD at a local bank, that investment while quite safe will earn about $600.00.

$100,000.00 = $600.00 (.06%)

Example 2: Suppose that same $100,000. purchased an under valued bank owned foreclosure that needs some minor work for $85,000. Then hire one of our licensed general contractors to make needed improvements to make an ideal rental property, spending $10,000. After closing costs, insurance, taxes, landscaping etc – you have spent $100,000. Next, place the property under our management program whereas we screen the tenant prospects, complete the paperwork, show the property, routinely check the property, collect rent, handle the complaints, and then mail you a check and statement monthly. That same investment would like something like this:

$100,000.00 = $7,500.00 (7.5% -- 12x the bank rate)

Needless to say, the numbers tell the story – finding a 7.5% Rate of Return in this market is much easier than you think. Many people have diversified their portfolios with Single Family Residential Rentals.

Utilizing our real estate services, general contracting service and property management services this not only possible – this is REAL Estate! Let us work for you – to make your investments make sense.

HOW TO SELL YOUR HOME IN 30 DAYS

In this every changing Housing Market is it possible to sell your home in 30 days? The answer is yes, but are you willing to do what it takes? Home sellers must possess these 5 ingredients in order to make this happen.

MOTIVATED SELLER. The seller “must” want to sell and “be serious” about doing those things necessary in order attract a buyer. Prime wants often include: job transfers, contract on another home, two mortgage payments, etc.

PRICE AT MARKET VALUE. The temptation is to price a property above market value and offer room to come down, wrong strategy in a 30 day timetable. Be realistic about the “current” value, what a neighbor’s home sold for six months ago, or even a previously rejected offer – may not reflect what is happening now.

STAGE THE PROPERTY. Have the home looking “model home” ready at all times, this might include taking furniture out of the house that is occupied or adding some furniture to a home that is empty. Other Staging Tips include: repainting a room, cleaning or changing soiled/worn carpeting, clearing counter tops, removing personal pictures, etc.

NO MARKETING OBSTACLES. This would include owners who: do not want a sign, require 24 hour notice to show, have indoor pets, must be present when being shown, refuse to allow a lockbox, etc.

SELLER WHO IS WILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SALES PROCESS. I am referring to a seller who will straighten a sign, replenish a brochure box, and talk the property up to friends and family members.

You combine these 5 Items with proper marketing from your agent, the result should be a sale within 30 days. It is important to note that good marketing without these is as ineffective as these items without proper marketing. Call me today to give you a free on-site evaluation of your home, and design a marketing strategy that works for you.

S.L. Searcy
Broker

Robertson County Flooding

While much of the talk about flooding in Middle Tennessee involves the Cumberland River and it's mass decimation of homes and businesses, Robertson County is not getting much media attention. It is true that Robertson County was spared the flood damage that Nashville and surrounding counties have seen. I feel the main reason is the County's creeks, rivers, and drainage run-offs are more naturally oriented to the terrain and therefore were not as susceptible to the mass damage. Likewise, the county does not have a major river or large lake. Many people have flocked to areas were water is abundant, as the popularity of Hendersonville, Gallatin and Mt Juliet have exploded. While our county growth has been slower than other areas, I feel many will find the benefit of the high ground that Robertson County offers. Despite all this, I have attached pictures of localized flooding I personally witnessed.

Northern Middle Tennessee Outdoor Recreation Auction

Pictured below are items already commited to our April 24th Auction. Our web-site www.searcy-realty.com has pictures on additional items already scheduled to be sold, check the site often as new items are added daily.

On April 24, 2010 our firm will have our first Consignment Auction of the year. We have had many people contact us about having an auction were they can sell their unwanted or seldom used items. This sale will feature items like: ATVs, Boats, Campers, Motorcycles, Personal Watercraft, Dune-Buggys, Go-Carts, Gators, Construction Equipment, Tractors, Utility Trailers, Mowers and other similar items.

Early indications show this will be a fantastic opportunity to sell your items and turn them into cash. Likewise, no better time to purchase or up-grade your 'toys'. If your interested in selling (consigning) items contact me at 615-347-6175.

THE ABC's of SELLING at our AUCTION:

a) Contact us with a description and schedule for picture to be taken of your item.

b) Decide whether you wish to sell absolute or with a reserve.

c) Sign a consignors agreement.

d) Bring your item in clean/running condition on Thursday or Friday prior to the Auction.

e) Consignors of items selling with reserve must attend the sale.

f) A 10% commission will be charged, and a check mailed to you in 10 days.

g) Enjoy your cash!

Recap: Fees for selling your items are only10% of the final sales price, you can also set a reserve for $35. No advertising fees. Those who contact us early will have there items featured in our advertising. For up-to-date information check our website at http://www.searcy-realty.com/

First Time Buyer Workshop - March 25th at 6pm

Get All Your Questions Answered... FREE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP for 1ST TIME BUYERS. On Thursday March 25th at 6pm our firm will be hosting an Interactive Seminar geared toward those purchasing their first home. We have partnered with a local Mortgage Company who will explain how to secure financing with little or no cash, evaluate your credit history, and prequalify you for purchasing a home.

The Workshop will address:

• Top 5 Mistakes first-time buyers make
• How Negotiate to get the Best Price
• Steps to the Purchase Process
• Power of Being Pre-Approved
• Where to Search the Internet for Homes and Foreclosures
• How Get the $8,000. Tax Credit
• Best Financing Options including 0% Downpayment Loans

We will conclude with a Q & A Session with our panel of Industry Experts. This workshop last 1 1/2 hours and is Free/Open to the Public.

Workshop Location: 2550 Hwy 41-South, Greenbrier, TN

For more information or to schedule in advance your Free Credit Evaluation and Pre-Approval, contact me at 347-6175 or visit http://www.searcy-realty.com

Good News, Becomes Great News….

With the $8,000. First-Time Buyer Tax Credit set to Expire on Nov 30th, 2009, it was replaced by an even better program! Here is the Good News - First-Timers are still able to take full advantage of the $8,000.00 tax credit - as the program has been extended. The Great News - Current Homeowners can now qualify for tax credit of their own if they sell and purchase another home.

Here’s What You Need to Know if you’re a First-time Buyer:

• Have a home under contract by April 30, 2010 Close the sale by June 30, 2010
• Individuals must earn less than $125,000.
• Married Couples must earn less than $225,000.
• Tax Credit is equal to %10 of the purchase price up-to $8,000.00
• Must live in the house for 3 years or repay the tax credit

Here’s What You Need to Know if Currently own a house:

• Must have owned a house for 5 of the last 8 years (primary residence)
• Must sell their current home, then purchase another
• Have a home under contract by April 30, 2010
• Close the sale by June 30, 2010
• Individuals must earn less than $125,000.
• Married Couples must earn less than $225,000.
• Tax Credit is $6,500.00
• Must live in the house for 3 years or repay the tax credit

Current Market Conditions Create the "PERFECT REAL ESTATE STORM"

1. LOW HOME PRICES

2. LOW INTEREST RATES (around 5%)

3. FREE MONEY (via the tax credits)

THE MARKET HAS NEVER OFFERED A MORE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY.

The Reality of the $8,000.00 Tax Credit

How does this sound? Your House Payment FREE for the first year. This is true when a 1st time buyer purchases a home in Robertson County under $120,000. and takes advantage of the first time buyer tax credit of $8,000.00 (or 10% of the purchase price which ever is less). After running the calculations, the average house payment (including principal, interest, taxes and insurance) for homes under $120,000. will be offset by the $8,000.00 credit. Giving you the first year FREE.
Many people have inquired about the first time buyer tax credit (ftbtc) and wonder if it's really a good deal. I have looked closely at the program and compiled a few pros and cons:

Pro's

• The tax credit is real money and real money in 1st time buyer's pocket (when they file their tax refund).
• It's not just for first time buyers, if you haven't owned a home in the last three years you're eligible.
• No forms to fill out or applicaions to complete, all inclusive with your 2010 tax return.
• No qualifications for the home being purchased, no government inspection required.
• No Income limits, you don't have to be poor to qualify
• It's your money.
  

Con's

• The money is not available when most 1st time buyers need it, for closing costs.
• The tax credit may be recended if the house is sold within three years of purchase.
• It's your money, if you qualify and don't use it - you automatically lose.
• For home purchases that close by the end of November 2009 (tick-tock)
  

THE BOTTOM-LINE: If a first time buyer doesn't take advantage of this program, chances are it will cost them money. I haven't seen landlords or parents offering free rent for a year .)

Call or email me for a list homes in Robertson County under $120,000.(615) 347-6175 or searcys@realtracs.com