Why Real Estate is still America’s Best Investment

If you believe the latest headlines, the economy fluctuates from recovery to ruin on a weekly basis. In reality, real estate is cyclical, and the market is on its way to recovery in most areas. Although you may feel nervous about home ownership, property is still your best long-term investment.  In more than two-thirds of the country, housing affordability has dipped to pre-housing bubble levels, creating opportunities for those looking for a bargain. Home prices are expected to rise in 2013 due to fewer distressed sales and the impending housing shortage.
Mortgage rates have decreased over the last fifty years to record lows.
Due to the economic downturn, borrowers with stellar credit and a solid employment history are best able to secure financing right now. However, as conditions improve, the market will expand for borrowers who may not fit the mold of traditional lending standards, such as the self-employed.
Values Still Historically High
Economist Robert J. Shiller has researched and outlined American housing prices for standard existing homes from 1890 to present, adjusting values to today’s dollars. Although home values have hovered close to the $100,000 mark for the better part of the century, they began to escalate in the late 1990s and into the new millennium, fueling the real estate bubble.  The median home price is 3.4 times the median household income. While this is 20.9% lower than the average from 1995-2010, it’s more in line with the average from 1980-2000.
Home Equity
A major advantage of home ownership is building equity. The average seller who purchased a home in 2002 gained 24% in equity, while those who purchased their homes 11 to 15 years ago had a median gain of 40%.
The Real State of American Real Estate

• Despite a decline, home values are still at historically high levels.
• More people own homes now than ever before.
• Mortgage interest rates are at the lowest level in 30 years.
• Property is more affordable now than it has been in 40 years.⁷
• One in three Americans own their homes free and clear.⁴
• 91.2% of mortgages are current—and only 3.75% are in foreclosure.^8,9
• 87% of Americans who bought a home in the past year expect to easily meet their mortgage repayment obligations in the next year.^9,10
• Two-thirds of Americans say that now is the best time to buy