Donald Trump

I would use as many sources possible to get the best results possible - meaning, I would use 10 realtors or services to find a buyer/tenant or rent-to-own person for my one condo. The bigger the army the better. Try http://www.chicagohomeliving.com, they may be able to help or your local realtor(s). - Wed Jun 18 2008, 07:09

If there was ever a time to buy, now would be the time. In todays market with all the foreclosures, the time is to buy. But only buy right. At the right price, right location, especially if you are buying a rental property. You probably see that the only people that are complaining about the market is the ones that are having a tough time paying their mortgage. They are trying to get out of the market and the investors are getting in.

Buy low and sell high. You've heard it. And you'll hear it again and again. - Thu Sep 27 2007, 15:12

Your mortgage payment will depend on the interest rate your're given based on your credit rating. You can usually play with this interest rate and try to figure out your payments on http://www.bankrate.com. Your tax paynent is alittle harder to just figure out. You may have to go to a tax accessors website or building in your city to find that. And insurance as far as I know really varies and it has too many categories to list here that can determine your payment. Search for a insurance agent and put this person on your team of advisors so when you decide to buy something they can tell you what the estimate payments may be, and maybe save you money in the process. - Sat Sep 22 2007, 19:46

Just as stocks/mutual funds, real estate has many risks and rewards, although the risks can be managed and the rewards are almost unlimited. Many people have became millionaires based on real estate alone. Adding this to your portfolio is a good move. Get the cashflow, tax and appreciation benefits!

Is this a good time - Certainly!! This is the "Buyers Market." Just as if it was the blue light special at K-mart. Save save and save some more. Now you have many options and people are begging for you to buy their home. They will even leave equity in their home for you.. Who can say NO to 50 or even 100,000 in equity for a new home. Remember I said risk - its all about your location and cashflow (for rental properties), but you can manage that because you have a good team (realtor, attorney, accountant, property managers, etc.)

I encourage you to buy what you can and well manage. By this time next year the real estate market will return to normal (not a buyers market) and appreciation will still rise, interest rates will still rise and fall - up and down, around and around. People are always going to buy real estate.

My philosophy is to own things that people need - Food, Water and SHELTER and I will be the richest in the world. - Wed Sep 5 2007, 15:05