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Top 12 Reasons Why Today is the Best Time in Years for Investing in Real Estate

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Top 12 Reasons Why Today is the Best Time in Years for Investing in Real Estate

Once upon a time, in the seemingly unending real estate booms of the 1980s and 1990s, everybody who could scrape together a down payment and keep the payments up for about three months could flip the house for a profit. Homes in the Sunland-Tujunga area of Los Angeles County, the northwest corner where high-priced Southern California price inflation hadn’t gone hog-wild quite as fast, more than tripled in value between 1997 and 2007 (average 5,000 to an average of nearly 0,000).

Those times are gone, probably never to return. Instead of being able to fall over your own feet and make money in real estate, you will actually have to use your brains and your other talents. And now is a great time to start. Home prices are in a long-term fall, deals are popping up all over, the country is in a recession, and a lot of people just have no clue what to do. With falling prices comes opportunity for smart investors. Here are the top 12 reasons why today is the best time in years for investing in real estate:

1. You’ll get no scoffers if you make an offer. During boom years, in a seller’s market, it was almost an unwritten rule in some areas that making an offer was just plain bad form. In today’s market the average home is selling for 93-96% of list price according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. While this ratio constantly fluctuates, it has been trending down noticeably recently. Sellers know that they are not going to sell their house for full “list” price, however they define that. Attitudes have completely changed in this regard, and making offers under the listing price is back in a strong way for the smart buyer.

2. Patience is (almost) a virtue again. Naturally, a booming seller’s market is a hyper-accelerated environment, where everything from house hunting, negotiating, inspections and deal closings were rushed and even frantic at times. Buyers can take their time now, perusing the listings, surfing the Internet and visiting various homes. The deal, if it gets done, will be at their pace.

3. There seem to be quite a few spec homes. A spec home is one that is built without having an identified buyer. A huge number of spec homes were built during the housing boom. The change in the market left plenty of spec homes unsold, so you can forget about overnight campouts on the sidewalk or entering lotteries to get a shot at a home in a new development. A top housing economist and commentator, R.L. Brown, said recently that U.S. builders have “thousands” of spec homes completed and awaiting buyers.

4. You can expect action on repair requests. The psychology of a boom market (remember the Dutch with their tulip mania?) makes people act strangely at times. In a hot seller’s market, sometimes people would buy homes “as is” because they knew that the next person in line would do so. Now when you read your inspection reports, you can actually ask that repairs be made and not worry about someone swooping down and stealing the deal.

5. Investment buyers have dried up. As recently as 2005, fully one-third of all homes were sold to investors. Some analyst blame non-occupant buyers for helping to cause the home inflation of 2005-2006, not to mention the sub-prime mortgage debacle and resulting financial carnage. Now, buyers are finding more (and more affordable) homes since the investment buyers have gone off to lick their wounds.

6. Due diligence lives again. Buyers in this market, for the most part, are not competing quite so avidly for a home against other buyers, so they have stopped waiving inspections as a way of adding a deal sweetener. There is no reason at all not to have a general home inspection and a termite inspection, or to inquire about any questionable fixtures or other items.

7. It is still all about “location, location, location.” During the housing boom you often had to settle on a second, third, or fourth choice area to find an affordable place to buy. With the change in the market, homes in more desirable first choice areas have come back in range for many buyers. For instance, in the Phoenix, Arizona area in 2004 and 2005, buyers looking for affordable homes would shop around in Maricopa and Queen Creek, where there were “low-priced” neighborhoods. Today there are even affordable houses across the very desirable Valley region, mere minutes from downtown Phoenix.

8. Excellent financing is back. And fixed rates are back, too, as well as first-time buyer programs of various kinds. Once again lenders are offering special programs for public service employees, teachers, nurses and policemen.

9. Super selections are everywhere. There are tens of thousands of listings in large metropolitan areas, and plenty in the wide open spaces, too, so you have choices that buyers in a hot market couldn’t dream of. In some areas, there are ten times as many homes on the market as three years ago. In addition, the number of foreclosures, bank sales and seizures means that another source of listings is coming online, and should be ongoing.

10. A truce has been declared in the bidding wars. During the hot market years, there could be as many as 20 offers on homes in the desirable neighborhoods of L.A.’s San Fernando Valley. What this suggests is that a lot of people were buying their second picks, or even settle for their third or fourth favorite homes. Now there is much less competition for homes, so the jackboots and body armor can go back into storage.

11. The flippers are taking a breather. Despite the proliferation of TV shows about buying and selling real estate, the flipping sensation has cooled considerably. With the non-resident buyers and investors holding back for now, and the do-it-yourselfers finding something else to do with themselves, serious buyers can take back the real estate market. Play it smart, you will do well.

12. The last reason that today is a good day to buy real estate? Let’s make it up close and personal, and tell you why it’s the right time for you, specifically, to buy real estate. Simple: Because you can. That’s right. If you have the money to invest, you always want to do so at what is called a “market bottom,” whatever market it is you’re buying in. Homes are way down, but will rebound one day. If you predict, even roughly, when the bottom has been hit and the prices will start rising, you will know when to buy and when to hold. And that is how you will make money in a down market. It can’t stay down forever, but you may need to work on your patience. The market is one thing that you can gauge, of course, but you can’t hurry!

Dale Serbousek is a leading agent and in Bellingham, Washington real estate and for the surrounding area. Whether it’s for an investment or if your relocating to Bellingham, Washington, Dale can help you find the right property and the right price.

Tags: Best, Estate, Investing, Real, Reasons, Time, Today, Years
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Investing in the Arizona Real Estate Market

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

Investing in the Arizona Real Estate Market

The Arizona real estate market has been one of the hottest real estate markets to invest in for the past two to three years. Initially, investors were seeking real estate in California when they stumbled upon the state of Arizona and saw the potential for growth. In recent years, this market has provided excellent returns for investors. Why? Because it is good for both investors that deal with single family homes and investors that deal with condominiums and apartment-style housing.

While Arizona’s real estate market continues to experience a 20%growth rate, this rate is significantly smaller than it has been in recent years. This is in partially due to the fact that rising interest rates are making it more difficult for families to afford home in the same way that they have been able to in the past. Once mortgage rates begin increasing, some families could lose their homes to foreclosures.

Right now, the Arizona real estate market is still very much in favor of sellers. As long as there is a positive growth rate, sellers will hold the reins on real estate prices, whether it is for condos or single family dwellings. Investors that intend to sell houses are best to do so within the next few months, while sellers still have a grip on the market. Once the tides turn and the market shifts to a buyers market, it will be difficult for current properties holders to experience any positive gains from the sale of a property.

Don’t be too discouraged, however. There are still plenty of options available for investors interested in this hot market (no pun intended). At this particular point in time, it is not wise to purchase properties in Arizona as investments unless you are planning to rent them out.

Why?

As mortgage interest rates continue to rise, many people will not be able to afford to purchase homes. When this happens, unfortunately, many of these people will opt to rent a home rather than attempt to live outside their means in order to purchase a home (it will quite clear if people are living beyond their means by the number of foreclosures, so this is definitely something to watch out for). Investors owning property at this time can make their money by renting out their homes.

Another option for investors interested in the housing market in Arizona is to wait for the growth rate in home prices to slow; then purchase a home. At this time, since the market will be more favorable for buyers, it will be easier to negotiate lower prices.

Obviously, with real estate investing, strategy timing is everything. Once the tide turns and buyers have more influence over the prices, investors new to the Arizona real estate market will have a better chance at making a significant profit from turning property.

Tabitha Naylor is an experienced mortgage broker/consultant with Apex Financial Mortgage. For more information, or additional resources on home loans, visit
Apex Financial Mortgage

Tags: Arizona, Estate, Investing, Market, Real
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Miami Preconstruction Real Estate Florida Investing For Dummies

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Miami Preconstruction Real Estate Florida Investing For Dummies

Preconstruction real estate investments are investments in ‘yet to be completed’ construction projects. Completion may still be six months, a year or two years away; may be even more. An investor is able to put in a small deposit to book/hold a condo or apartment in the project till it is complete. He can then sell the property to capitalize on the price appreciation from the date of investment.

The preconstruction investment is found quite lucrative to most investors on account of its simplicity and low risks. Since the investment is small and has to be made in cash, there are no mortgage related hassles or expenses. There are no taxes involved and the investor just needs to sit tight and keep a watch to see that his investment keeps growing with the appreciation in real estate prices.

Preconstruction investment in Miami is of particular interest on account of the rate of appreciation in property prices over the last few years. It has been observed that the average rate at which real estate prices have been rising annually in Miami has been close to twenty-five percent. In the case of an investment in a constructed house for rental income, there is no need to manage tenants in a preconstruction investment. And the absence of mortgage related issues means that a developer will sell a preconstructed condo/apartment unit irrespective of credit history ratings.

On the basis of available figures it is safe to assume that investing 0000 in a 0,000 condo in a preconstruction stage project in Miami can net in 0000 in price appreciation in one year. The down deposit required by the developer in a preconstruction property is around 20%. Therefore a condo priced at 0000 will require a down deposit of 0000; half to be paid at the time of contract and the other half at the beginning of construction. Based on a conservative estimate of 20% annual appreciation in real estate prices as per current trends, the under construction condo would be worth 0000 after one year. This would be a straight 100% annual return for the first year on the investment. Simply stated, the capital invested would double every year.

Preconstruction investment is especially attractive for Miami real estate because of the influx of large number of people into Miami including buyers from outside the US interested in taking advantage of the flexible rules available to foreign nationals who want to purchase Miami real estate. Waterfront property is the most in demand, being preferred by such buyers including those from States like New York and California and others.

Instead of rushing headlong in a preconstruction investment, it is very important to gain detailed information before making the actual investment. This is because every developer or every property is not desirable from the investment angle. A project may not be well analyzed or priced right. Therefore it is best to seek the services of a local realtor to overcome such difficulties while making a selection for the investment. Talking directly to the developer or his staff may not yield objective information.

Real Estate Investments are easy when you follow the 4 simple steps by RealNet USA. We help you Find, Fund, Fix and now Sell your Real Estate Investment. To view actual property view our website http://www.realnetusa.com

Investing With the Equity From your Home

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Investing With the Equity From your Home

As a mortgage consultant in California I come across hundreds of clients that have anywhere from 0,000 to 0,000 of equity built into their home. People are very protective of this equity, as for many it is what they plan on using for retirement. Home owners are bombarded by the threats of the housing market crashing down on them, the bubble bursting, even though the average home owner lived in times of 0,000 houses in California, ,000 homes in Texas, and so on.

Listen, home values will go up and down as long as people are buying and selling property, but the long term results will always be MORE equity. It amazes me when a home owner complains about the job they are working, the business they want to start but just can’t find any capital, while they are sitting on two to five hundred thousand dollars of equity.”You gotta have money to make money”, it’s true, if I didn’t spend money on marketing, I would have no clients. Now, with mortgage rates still relatively low, is the best time to pull some of that ‘static’ equity out for investing. I call it static because it isn’t making any money. I beg you; do not buy the ruby red sports car you’ve been dreaming of. That’s just spending, not investing.

If you’re a beginner to the investment world, this may be the avenue you would choose. I know a company that will guarantee a 12% annual return on all investments with them, they’ve never lost a dime of their clients’ money as long as they’ve been in business. Imagine borrowing 0,000 out of your home at a 6% mortgage rate. Earning 6% every year works out to be a net return of ,000.00 with no risk whatsoever. How do they offer this kind of return? They know as well as anyone in the real estate industry knows that home values will always be on an upward trend. When you invest in this company, you’re investing in a brand new housing development.

Stocks, bonds, property, mutual funds, you name it. You can turn on profit if you know what you’re doing with any of these investment roads. Just keep in mind you’re spending 6% for the opportunity. It’s not something to sit on. Remember, it’s your equity, take it!

California Mortgage California Mortgage Online

D.A. is a Mortgage Consultant in California, specializing in creative financing allowing clients to invest and be able to retire comfortably.
Free Mortgage Consultation

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Tags: Equity, from, Home, Investing
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Real Estate Investing – Follow the Growth?

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Real Estate Investing – Follow the Growth?

Real estate investing would be easy if you could tell where the prices were going to rise the fastest. But isn’t that pretty clear sometimes? Have you ever watched as the town you live in started to grow? Wasn’t it somewhat predictable where the new stores, businesses and houses would show up next?

There are usually some easy-to-spot factors that determine these things. In a town like Lone Pine, California, for example, there are huge tracts of national forest land or other government land on either side of town. Since nobody can build on this land, they are left with a narrow strip of real estate alongside the highway. As the area grew, it was no real surprise that vacant lots at the edge of town went up in value.

Of course, highways in general determine the direction of growth in many towns. It is certainly cheaper to build along an existing road than to install new roads to access other land. Stores want to be where the traffic is, of course, which is another reason that real estate fronting highways gets developed before other land.

Sometimes geography determines where the growth will occur. Certainly a town is more likely to grow away from an ocean than into it. Valleys with steep hillsides will fill up the flat lands first. Towns will generally grow where it is easiest to grow. Therefore, real estate in those areas will tend to go up in value more quickly than in other areas.

Real Estate Investing In The Path Of Growth

Of course, you could just buy real estate where things are already happening. That might not be a bad investment. But to really ratchet up your profits, you should be buying ahead of growth. Determine where the buildings and development are heading, and get out in front of it. Real estate that is in the path of the growth will sometimes double in value in just a year or two.

Years ago I lived in a town where real estate in general was appreciating at about 6% to 7% per year. Along one highway, however, the land values went up at almost 25% annually for several years. This means they doubled in value in about three years (and some parcels doubled again as quickly).

You can start by just looking around to see what is happening. But do your home work too. Has the population been growing consistently? Is there good job-growth in the area? Are there other reasons why people and businesses will be moving into the area. What are the most likely directions the growth will take?

At this point, the basic real estate investing formula is to buy in the path of growth and wait. The most difficult part of this plan, though, is not to see where to invest, but to get the timing right. The real estate might be worth ten times as much in ten years, but what if it doesn’t appreciate much in the next three? You might be paying finance charges and have other costs for a long time.

One way to minimize this risk is to buy property that will produce some income – preferably enough to cover these costs. If there is an old house on the property that you can rent out, for example, you might have a free-ride while you wait for a new mall developer to make you an offer. If it takes a few years, you’re still okay.

Just buying in the path of growth and holding on for big gains is pure speculation. it’s true that with enough homework, this can mean big profits. But investing in income-producing real estate lets you wait for your big gains, while limiting your risk.

Copyright Steve Gillman. This was an from 69 Ways To Make Money In Real Estate. Want to know the other 68 ways? Visit http://www.99reports.com/make-money-in-real-estate.html

Tags: Estate, Follow, Growth, Investing, Real
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Investing in South Texas Real Estate

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

Investing in South Texas Real Estate

If there is any positive aspect to the foreclosure crisis that has gripped the U.S. in the past few years, it is that anyone interested in investing in real estate should be able to find appropriate properties at bargain basement prices. Homes can be purchased from banks at far less than their actual value, and business properties are also as affordable. And a very good reason to consider investing in south Texas real estate is because this area is one of the few in the country that is expecting steady population growth over the next several years.

Affordable Residential Real Estate

Unlike other areas of the country that have experienced such a population growth, south Texas real estate has not seen the median price of their residential homes skyrocket in proportion to that growth. This raise in median home prices was seen in California, Florida, and other areas of job growth but has not been seen in areas of Texas. This means that real estate is very affordable and ripe for investment dollars.

Qualified Buyers

In some areas of the country, there are affordable homes and jobs but this doesn’t mean that those jobs are paying enough for people to buy those homes. When it comes to south Texas real estate, this just isn’t the case. According to the Texas Housing Affordability Index, a Texas family earning the statewide median income has 152% of the income required to qualify for financing on the median-priced home. Nationally, families have about 16% more than what is required. Nationally a median home value is 3.62 times the median household income, but in Texas, the median value is only 2.52. This means that not only is there affordable housing in south Texas real estate but plenty of customers that can easily afford those homes as well.

Other Jobs on the Way

When an area of the country experiences a population growth, this means that there is a resultant strain on the area’s infrastructure and resources, but there are tax dollars to correct this. This means jobs are then created to build and repair infrastructure and increase those resources. This means that as the real estate becomes more valuable, more support is needed and then created, which means more jobs and more valuable real estate created.

Some people purchase a vacation home now, intending to move there after retirement but you should remember that your life and your circumstances may be very different when you reach retirement age. When you’re at retirement age, your knees may not appreciate being in a “winter wonderland” when you have arthritis and poor circulation. In order to make your vacation home a proper investment for your retirement years, you need to be practical and realistic. Weather will be a major factor for you to consider when you reach retirement age. Purchasing a vacation home for your enjoyment now can be a great investment for families who are looking forward to a permanent residence upon retirement.

Anyone considering an investment in real estate should consider south Texas. The jobs and economy are headed there, the weather is beautiful, and everything is booming. While no one wants to make light of the housing crisis that’s affecting so many millions, this does mean that there are opportunities for others who want to park their investment dollars in a sure bet. And south Texas may be just the place they’re looking for!

David Cowley has created numerous articles on real estate investing. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to real estate investing. Visit Real Estate Investing

Tags: Estate, Investing, Real, South, Texas
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California Real Estate Investing – How To Approach It

Friday, August 20th, 2010

California Real Estate Investing – How To Approach It

California, aptly termed as the Golden State, is located on the Pacific coast of USA. The most populous state in the country, California has created many a millionaires. Therefore, California real estate investing is a superlative way to cash in on the opportunities offered by the state – more so since the real estate trends in California have often acted as a harbinger for the rest of the nation. This is why veteran investors always keep an eye on the California real estate market.

California, with its sun-kissed beaches, the Hollywood studios and the Silicon Valley, entices many alike who wish to relocate there. The state also boasts of excellent educational facilities, thriving businesses, sporting and recreational arenas, and cultural avenues – an attractive amalgam that holds something for everyone. California real estate investing is the ideal way to benefit from this buzzing environment.

It’s true that California is well known for its affluent and well-healed along with their rather ostentatious villas and mansions. But this should not put off a small investor in any way at all – there are scads of opportunities for small investors. And here are a few tips on how to approach California real estate investing.

Joel Teo writes on various financial topics including <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.realestateinvestment101.info/las_vegas.html”>Investment Properties in Las Vegas</a>. Learn more about <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.realestateinvestment101.info/”>Investment Properties in Las Vegas</a>

Tags: Approach, California, Estate, Investing, Real
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Investing in San Diego Real Estate

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Investing in San Diego Real Estate

One of the best markets in the United States is San Diego real estate. With the Mediterranean climate and the allure of Southern California, San Diego real estate is a great place to invest your money or build your dream home so you can enjoy the weather in America’s Finest City.

When looking at San Diego real estate listings you need to be aware of the different neighborhoods that will be presented to you. A San Diego real estate broker will be able to explain to you the difference between La Jolla and North Park. San Diego real estate in La Jolla or Del Mar is generally higher than other places in the area.

Many people look at San Diego real estate listings because of the areas great weather, wide—open spaces, and beachfront living. San Diego real estate is a profitable market to get into if you are looking to invest money. With the number of tourists that visit San Diego, real estate can be rented out throughout the year which allows you the owner to make money even when you aren’t there. If you are interested in purchasing a home or investing money in San Diego real estate, brokers are your best friends, as they will inform you of areas you should pay attention to and those that you want to stay away from.

The internet is a great place to research San Diego real estate before you meet with a broker. You will have the chance to get a feel for San Diego real estate prices and the areas that interest you. Once you have had a chance to do some preliminary research, you will be able to contact a San Diego real estate broker to help you finalize your purchase.

For more resources about real estate in san diego ca or even about San Diego 1st time home buyer and especially about san diego homes please review these links.

Innovative Real Estate Investing

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

Innovative Real Estate Investing

In order to buy and sell Real Estate most states require that an applicant take a minimum number of classes before taking the state licensing exam.

Real estate brokers and their agents typically do not provide title service such as title search or title insurance and do not conduct surveys or formal appraisals of the property such as those required by lenders. Further, they do not act as lawyers for the parties, although they may “coordinate” these activities with the appropriate specialists.

The good news is that there is a way for you to buy and sell Real Estate without becoming a licensed real estate agent or Broker. This would include but would not be limited to Real Estate Foreclosures.

Real Estate Foreclosures is one of the HOTTEST INCOME producing streams of all time using LITTLE or NO MONEY of your own. One market in particular is tax sales. Real Estate agents won’t tell you about tax sales because they earn no commissions on these properties. Real Estate Tax Sales are a little known but potentially lucrative way to expand your portfolio.

John Beck’s proven Amazing Profits tax deed and tax lien education teaches people how to buy properties for just pennies on the dollar. The Free and Clear Program Course is a must have for anyone looking to get ahead in real estate investing. John Beck is a guaranteed name for real estate business consultancy.

His program is primarily advertised via infomercials and primarily runs on late night and cable channels in the United States and Canada. You have no doubt seen his late night infomercials!

On his infomercials he repeatedly holds up color photos of houses and states the price at which they sold via delinquent-property-tax procedures. He is well known for his expertise in the real estate business.

He has also been a real estate broker, syndicator and real estate consultant who has been listed in Who’s Who in Creative Real Estate. He is a much sought after speaker who regularly conducts real estate investment seminars in both Northern and Southern California and who has spoken extensively throughout the United States and has appeared on numerous radio and television shows as a guest expert on foreclosures.

John Beck is constantly sifting through the tax lien and foreclosure information on the Internet to find the most valuable and profitable research available which he puts on his site as a benefit to his students.

John Beck’s unique system of researching tax lien and tax foreclosure properties and his long history of studying the foreclosure market gives him insights into properties that others simply do not have and cannot provide.

His proven tax lien and tax deed system teaches you exactly how to get your share of the profits this section of the real estate market represents and again, you don’t even need to get a real estate license.

The course has a lot to offer to those who come with the pure intentions of growing their business community. John Beck’s, Buy Real Estate Free and Clear for Pennies on the Dollar is a popular website and TV campaign that basically advocates purchasing taxed out properties. He shows you how real estate investors can profit from his free and clear real estate system.

John Beck has personally attended thousands of tax auctions around the country and has personally invested in nearly every state. His current experience and his vast knowledge of the tax foreclosure and tax lien market has been developed into an easy-to-read format to make it easy for you to learn John Beck’s incredible method of finding, buying and profiting from tax auctioned properties you buy for just pennies on the dollar.

He has been working with real estate for over 20 years and has helped many people just like you accumulate wealth through real estate investment.

John Beck’s Property Vault tool has been designed to make finding deals like this easy because you can download the information in Excel format making it a snap to screen for the best deals matching your investment criteria.

John Beck’s Amazing Profits Tax Deed and Tax Lien Real Estate Investment System has been created to make it easy to understand what to do in real estate to make big money now. He continues to make unbelievable tools available to his students that makes it even easier to find profits in your investing today.

Sharyce Arciaga is the Author of this Article and has a 20 year background in the area of Sales & Marketing. If you are truly interested in a most Innovative Real Estate Foreclosure Investment Program see John Beck Free and Clear. Once you are at the website click ‘HOME’ to see the video presentation.

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Tags: Estate, Innovative, Investing, Real
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Investing in Real Estate – the Scoop!

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Investing in Real Estate – the Scoop!

Well, the scoop on real estate investment came about accidentally; no-one kindly put together a market projection simply for investors. Luckily though, a private mortgage insurance company has had to research and project the future risks in the realty market for their own insurance purposes.

This week PMI published their national ‘risk list’, which ranks cities of America by the relative riskiness of owning a property in those main realty markets. The company needs this kind of information – albeit guesswork and projected analysis – before they decide whether or not to underwrite a home loan.

However, for real estate investors, and those wondering if they should buy and where, it is another little tidbit to throw into the formula of where might be a good place to buy realty.

The table starts with a one per cent reckoning that an area will not de-value in the next two years and moves all the way up to as high as a ninety-four per cent chance that it will!

If you are an active investor, one who likes to keep a close eye on the financial situations and ‘pounce’ when the chips are at their lowest, you will probably want to earmark the cities who are on the falling list. This way, when prices are rock bottom, you can clean up. Sounds heartless – but it is also good business.

In these falling areas, sellers may be already motivated as some of them took a beating in the 2007 drop, but the forecast projects that within the next two years, they will be even more ‘motivated’.

Of course, often the places near the bottom were the ones that had inflationary prices in the mini-boom, and they now have to drop down again. The top ten riskiest markets were all high flyers during the crazy boom – some cities in California, Arizona, Nevada and Florida.

The riskiest place in the nation right now, according to PMI is in California. Riverside-Bernadino is given a 94% chance of suffering declining prices. Las Vegas is a surprising close second on the table, with an 89% chance of declining prices. Los Angeles has a 79% ranking and Fort Lauderdale is at 78%.

Moving over slightly Arizona is next up, with Phoenix and Mesa coming in at 83%; as both these areas are prime retirement spots, there could be a bargain to pick up there soon.

These are the nation’s top possibilities for decline in house prices in the opinion of PMI. It is probably not too surprising to anyone that the Lone Star state is carrying a lot of the success stories on the real estate chart.

If you are a more conservative investor, and you look for steady markets with solid employment and cash-flow backgrounds, you may be interested in PMI’s ‘safe’ investment areas.

Five of the Texan towns are in the top ten. Reasons for so many may be partly because Texas’s economy is growing and it has maintained moderate residential prices, but also it never did get caught up in the crazy boom of the last few years.

Among good steady investment towns are Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio. However, Texas does not hold the only top honors; the east coast also gets a good rating.

Other cities with a less than one percent chance of realty price decline are listed as: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Charlotte, North Carolina and Kansas City, Missouri.

Well, that’s the scoop, it’s up to you what you do with it!

This article was written on behalf of Bob Nachman. Bob is consistently ranked as one of the top agents in the Phoenix Arizona real estate area. To find the Gilbert AZ home right for you, visit Bob at www.MoveToArizonaHomes.com.

Tags: Estate, Investing, Real, Scoop
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