[M01/S02]The Beauty and Challenge of Real Estate

The beauty and challenge of real estate is that home ownership is a two-sided coin: it provides an amazing vehicle for wealth creation, but at the same time, has significant drawbacks as an investment. But your home is more than just an investment – it’s the place you live, which is something everyone needs, regardless of any investments they own.

Buying or selling real estate can be an exciting time in your life. It is usually accompanied by some big life event – getting married, having children, getting a new job, or moving to a new city or across town. When you’re selling a house, you will have perhaps lived there for a long time, and have a lot of memories there in it, and in the neighborhood.

Your home means a lot to you: it’s something you’ve cared for and loved, but now it’s time to move on. Your home, however, is more than a part of your life that you’ve loved. It’s more than a collection of boards and nails, shingles, plumbing, and wires: it’s also probably your biggest financial asset. What you do with your house – and how you ultimately sell it – is really important to you.

Ready? Get It Sold.

You’ve chosen to invest quite a lot of money into your home. When you invest in the stock market, there’s not a lot you can do to enhance the price of your shares. The price goes up or down, no matter what you do.

Real estate, however, is quite a different animal. Your home is an investment where what you do with it can dramatically affect its market price. This is a double edged sword: improperly developed and cared for, your property can become devalued. However with proper attention, good upkeep, and an eye toward the future, a smart homeowner can increase the home’s value. You can do this over the time you own the property, or just prior to putting it on the market. Either way, it’s one of the things that can make real estate such an amazing investment for a family.

As an investment, real estate does have a significant drawback: it is not a liquid asset. You cannot turn it into cash with the click of a button on a computer screen. Selling real estate can take considerable time, and typically has a much higher transaction cost than say selling off some stocks. When it does become time to sell the investment you’ve made in your home, it’s really important to do it right. Here’s some great news for you: you’re off to an amazing start by doing your homework on this website.

Point. Click. Offer. Sell.