I've been reminding agents this week that most, if not all, of the money people make investing in real estate comes during the run-up in prices after a downturn ends. While it can be somewhat equivalent to trying to be a market timer in the stock market, it's a little easier to judge in real estate.
We know that prices and units have both been flat or declining since the beginning of 2006. We also know that there is a lot of pent-up demand, as people have been sitting on the fence for some time now. As soon as demand picks up, there's a good likelihood that prices will follow. Those who act now, and get in on the ground floor (no pun intended) will reap the biggest rewards.
Of course, that applies as well to investment property. There is a fairly good selection now of rental and other property. This might be the time to take money out of that 1% (or less) money market account, and buy some real estate.
