Is this the right time to invest in Real Estate?

[sac25274]

Can anyone tell me if this is the right time to invest in the Real Estate Market? If I was to invest, should I invest during this time or should I wait? In Sacramento , CA, I've been so many bank-owned homes and houses that were worth $330,000 but now only $230,000. Please share your thoughts. Thank you in advance.

[Trotta Appraisal]

you can ask 100 people and get 100 different answers...nobody is certain.
What is your investment plan? long term hold? flip?
If it's long term and you get the right price, it may be a good deal...real estate will appreciate in the long run. Learn about proper investment techniques and tactics.
Flip, right now...I wouldn't even think about it. way to much supply, credit crunch, and timid buyers, that spells disaster, especially if you're new to RE investment.
There are other ways to invest in RE, such as REIT's, do your homework before investing in RE right now.

[Kacy.bondurant]

Real estate is on sale now. why is it that people run to the stores for sale, but when homes are for sale people tuck tail and run. I just refinanced my house with a rate of 4.875%. Houses on sale, interest rates on sale...... I say now is a great time to invest!

[Real Estate Referrals]

I have been investing in the Sacramento area for years now...know where Oak Park is? We cleaned that whole community up with our rehabs...I think i've bought over 65 homes there alone...NO, now is not the right time for the Sac market place...prices have not hit rock bottom yet and may not for some time...equity positions are still flying right out the window. Wait for that market to settle a little more and then start jumping...remember one thing...my 'em cheap and sell them below fair market value...you can make a fortune! Good luck!

[isa-rivera]

i DON'T KNOW IN YOUR COUNTRY BUT IN eGYPT 100 % SURE.

I work in real estate &investment company in Hurghada in Egypt It's time to invest in Egypt.
Egypt offers today a solid economic market in which to invest.
Egypt is an emerging market property market in key tourist locations and already offering excellent returns on investments
The World Bank choose Egypt as the sith country among top 10 countries all over the world to apply the economic reforms in 2007.

Why?
- Low property prices startingat around only 30K Sterling Pounds.
- Steady year on year capital appreciation of between 20-30%
- Beautiful, well established tourist hotspots suitable for varied tourist interests, from excellent diving and snorkelling to cultural and historical locations
- Stunning natural, unspoilt landscapes
- Steady annual growth in tourist figures
- Less property taxes than paid in Europe or USA
- No capital gains tax
- Foreign investors are regarded by the governemnt as a big investment opportunity and laws have recently streamlined procedures, making the purchase procedure easy.
- Strong economic growth and increased investment in infrastruture are boosting the porperty investment market as a whole.
- Warn desert climate with temperatures ranging from 14*C in winter to 30*C in summer creating a year -round tourist season.
- Politically stable country
- Increased inward investment, creating a rich investment climate
Well renowned developers are creating luxury resorts to cater Egypt's new influx of international tourists.

The second home resale market in the resort areas is also beginning to present profit potential on the underlying capital investment made because more overseas buyers are seeking holidays homes or seconfd homes in these areas.

We are in our portfolio, differents opportunities: lands developpemnt, hotels, apartment turnkeys.....
So yes it's time to invest, and come in Egypt...
isabelle

[rubystone]

Given enough time, I can't imagine any time would be a bad time to invest in real estate. You'd rather put your money in a savings account? A CD? Mutual Funds? If you have the money ... just do it.

[sac25274]

Thanks for the opinions and advices guys. Real Estate Referrals, it's nice to know that you're from the Sacramento area.

[keziah_sandiego]

Have you considered buying properties abroad? Though there are restrictions and risks, it may be very rewarding (financially). Sites such as Wikipedia and the like are very helpful to know general information about countries. BBC and Global Property Guide are also helpful in researching real estate conditions of countries.

[steve111111]

Hi,

I think there is no such thing as right time. Despite what Real Estate Referrals said, it's a matter of planning more than anything else. Big investors made fortune simply by buying when everything around them collapsed. If you can buy and hold, and you take into account the depreciation, you might be in a good position to sell in a couple of years. This is all a matter of analysing and planning. There is no one way! Plan carefully and check alternatives (like, what happens if it keeps on going down, and rent as well? how down will it go? and so on).

Steve

[thedeallocator]

You really have to do your research. Property values are expected to drop by up to 30% in some markets over the next 5 years. All real estate is local. You have to talk to Realtors, builders, etc and see if we have hit the bottom in your area. The property may be worth $180K next year, or $300K.

[steve111111]

You might as well just expect prices to go down. Don't be afraid of it, plan as if that what's going to happen. Obviously if the property can still be bought it's a good one, because from there on, you can only make money. This anyway might reduce the amount of properties you can buy, but for sure will reduce your risk.

[sac25274]

Thanks a lot guys. Your opinions has helped me very much. I hope the Sacramento real estate market hasn't hit rock bottom yet, and because I have so little knowledge in this industry, I will consider doing more research. Thank you.

[steve111111]

Yes, I guess you are right, when having little experience it's really better not to enter a collapsing market albeit the opportunities it holds. Things may be riskier than you would have expeceted. There is going to be another one like that.

[iamsudhi]

Investing in real estate at any time can prove to be profitable. It depends on what long term plans you are having.

[blueshines]

Any time is the right time to invest in Real Estate. It all comes down to the deal.

If I offer to sell you my house for 129k and you can put in 50k and then sell it for 450k. Would it really matter what time it is? Buyers market, Sellers market. Doesn't matter. A great deal is a great deal.

I will say this though.

There are a ton of great deals out there right now. I mean everywhere. You just need to know how to find them and make them.

Hope his helps.

[bwiley]

When everyone is jumping ship that is the best time for us to start buying, and with foreclosures at a all time high you can get a house for pennies on the dollar. It might not be the best market for flipping, but it is a great time to buy rental properties. I not saying that you cant flip a house right now, just make sure you get a great deal and you can sell your house for about 5% under market value. This way you can sell it quickly and avoid carrying cost.

[Codythebest]

... I've been so many bank-owned homes ... houses that were worth $330,000 but now only $230,000...

ANd you're still not sure if it's time to invest???

Forget the Real Estate then...Do something else...

[bwiley]

I you find a steal on a house, no matter what the market conditions it's a buy.

[FlipItBig]

What a great site filled with great minds! My two cents...

It's always a good time to invest in real estate, but the thing to know is HOW. I'm no guru, just finished my first year full time and ALWAYS learning and growing.. oh, and making mistakes too. :)

I think the key to investing is to know your market, know what's moving and know who's buying.