I’ve been thinking about what keeps folks from getting into the real estate market and the analogy about the brides maid came to mind.  Many people rent and say “someday I’ll buy”, “I can’t afford it right now”, “all the houses I can afford are in neighborhoods I don’t like” and on and on.  They may talk to their landlords about buying the cottage, apartment, home they currently rent and may even look at homes for sale on the internet, but they never quite take the plunge. 

 I cannot think of one single investment that I’ve made that has served me better than buying my first home at age 32, and oh how I wish I had started in my 20’s when I was studying investment finance and fell upon several books explaining the benefits of real estate investing.  Some recommended reading: Multiple Streams of Income, Rich Dad Poor Dad, and a delightful book I read in 1989 Housewise, Suzanne Brangham.  Do some research and really look at the cost of renting vs. owning in the long-term.  Making the commitment to owning is hands down the winner!  I guess you could say the same about being a bride vs. the brides maid too

 So here we are with a plethora of affordable housing all around; foreclosures, bank owned, and sellers that need to move.  This is called opportunity!  And yes, there are challenges too.  Getting a loan takes more effort and a down payment is now a necessity.  So what - set up a plan to save or be gifted the down payment and start working with reputable lender so that you know you will be ready when you find the “one”. 

 There is currently a window of opportunity.  For how long?  Nobody knows,  but I can guarantee you that it is a window and it will close eventually.  Right now there are deals to be made, opportunities to be had and a perfect match for so many potential homeowners that have been priced out of the market for the past 5-7 years. 

 Step up and say I DO!