Real Estate - Rural vs Urban Investing

September 2, 2008, 9:58 am, by Richard Shaw

As population shifts occur throughout the world many are finding it possible and desirable to move from urban areas to rural, mountain, and even island locales. In that fact lies a new opportunity for investment. Farms, horse ranches, Bed and Breakfasts, mountain and lake estates, even vineyards are increasing in value in the U.S., UK, France, Spain, Hungary and other countries. These old but new again properties represent a chance to profit from demographic changes that include an aging, but...

Real Estate Investing - Property or Paper?

September 2, 2008, 9:52 am, by Richard Shaw

Real Estate —— Property or Paper?Appraisals and inspections, marketing, renters, rehabs... it can all add up to a huge headache. But real estate investing is still exciting and lucrative. What to do? Consider investing in real estate-based financial instruments instead. REITs One of the oldest modern forms is a REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust. REITs are mutual funds that invest in real estate, actual property as well as mortgage portfolios. Like other securities...