Quote from DHOHHI:
I agree with you. I've bought real estate and it's been a goldmine. Those other guys are missing a major point ... they're not making any more land. Anyone who bought anything close to the ocean, at least on the southeast coast, has made out very nicely.
The argument someone posted about having to pay taxes etc. is not well thought out. Lots that went for $25K 10-12 years ago are now selling at $250K where I'm living ... and the costs (i.e. taxes) in that time period have been miniscule compared to the appreciation.
There isn't anyone on this board that is in this for the long term....therefore....you will eventually lose. Keep holding onto those lots, paying the taxes, etc. A lot is truely like a now defunct internet company. Lots of hype, no real revenue. The only players that will make money in real estate in the future wil be those who have a 25 year time horizon. You heard it here first. Take a good look at other markets and you will have an idea of what to expect in the future with realestate.
I do own real estate, My home has a beautiful ocean view in SD, CA, and turns out It was the right house at the right time and I have done well with it. I will live there for a long time. However, People don't need a second home, and when times get tough, it's the first to go. With the prices being paid right now, It is unlikely that many investors will be able to stay the course and absorb the negative cash flow when times get tough. If you want to make money in RE going forward, your horizon has to be 15 years+, and you better plan for negative cashflow and little appreciation. It's the most likely scenario going forward.