Did you know

owning real estate is not for the young at heart. It is an investment that needs attention by the purchaser/owner. If no attention is given, then it is a sure thing that your real estate (investment) will go down in value unless the property is sitting on top of a gold mine or you strike oil. Both being highly unlikely. However, if there is any chance gold could be discovered in Young Harris, please let me know. You know, Dahlonega is not far from here, so you never know. Any thing is possible.

You can buy stock and just let it sit there. You do not have to give it any attention. It will go up or down no matter what you do. Hopefully while it is sitting, the stock will increase. Sometimes it does and sometimes it does not. Stockbrokers will tell you that when buying stock, it is for the long haul. Don’t try to make money overnight. Those day traders always amaze me. They are really working the system. Some are successful. Many are not.

The same applies to real estate. You need to own the property for the long haul. Yes, there are people out there that are “Flipping” property. Some are successful. Many are not. Several years ago there even was a show on TV about Flipping property. This show gave way to anyone and everyone investing in real estate. They had the “Bug” They needed to buy real estate and “FLIP” just like all those people on TV and make a fortune. Many were not success and many were not.

The reason that Some are successful in real estate and the stock market is they have done and continue to do their homework. They spend the time and the energy watching the market and the trends. They talk to stock brokers and real estate agents. They don’t just talk to one. They talk to many. Get their thoughts and ideas on what is happening. Is it time to buy or sell? Then they make an educated decision on how to proceed. If you do not do your homework, You will not succeed unless you are lucky. If you are lucky then go buy a lottery ticket. Much easier.

Buying real estate right now is the absolute best time that I have ever seen in 30 years. If you are thinking of buying, Spend time talking to several real estate agents, bankers, property managers and appraisers. Look at multiple houses or commercial property. Do not under any circumstance, look at one house or commercial building and decide to buy it. You have not done your homework. You are probably making an “Emotional” decision. The property has a fabulous view or it is on the lake or is on an unbelievable creek with rushing water. As always, if you don’t buy this property, there will be another property. In the past, I have always told my daughters, buying property is just like dating, “If you wait long enough there will always be another one just as good”. Don’t become emotional about buying. Write down the positive and the negative of the property and then make a rational decision about buying. Spend a lot of time analyzing the property or properties.

People who invest in real estate are a totally different breed then ones who invest in the stock market. Both are risk takers and both have a flair for adventure. They are after the American Dream. Own real estate and become rich. Isn’t that what we are all wanting.Many think that if they do what they see on TV or the Internet that they will become rich. No hard work needed. This is a BIG WRONG. Lots and Lots of hard work. The work is using your brain and some of your brawn. Buy a house at a good price. Then go in and make cosmetic changes only.

Find a real estate agent willing to spend the time, energy and the expertise to help you achieve the “American Dream”