Imagine a scenario where a giant asteroid is on a collision course with Earth. When it hits, a huge portion of the world will be destroyed. Scientists and politicians know it’s coming. But it’s years away. Fearful of triggering panic, the information is suppressed. Even when leaks get out, they’re spun to seem insignificant. Of […]
Doomsday scenario … Read More »
One of today’s most popular buzzwords is “disruptive”. It describes an event, idea, or invention that upends the status quo in some aspect of life or society. “Disruptive technology” is used for everything from Amazon to Uber. And as we’ve previously discussed, many of these things impact real estate and investing. But disruption transcends technology. Donald Trump’s
The disrupted American Dream … Read More »
Real estate investing scientists are avid researchers of the migratory patterns of Homo americanus.After all, population affects demand … and monitoring supply, demand, and capacity to pay is an important part of strategic geographic market selection. So we’re excited because it’s that time of year when all kinds of reports start coming out about the year
Where people are moving and why … Read More »
Sometimes when the world seems to be spinning out of control and not much makes sense, it’s helpful … even necessary … to cling to something stable. Headlines are filled with wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, senseless murders, endless divisive vitriolic political rhetoric, greed, corruption, hypocrisy … And that was just last week. No
Certainty in uncertain times … Read More »
“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana This is one of our favorite quotes. It’s simple yet powerful wisdom … useful for individuals, businesses, governments … and certainly for investors! We could take this theme in a thousand different directions, but this CNBC headline caught our
Lessons from Puerto Rico for real estate investors … Read More »
Timeless real estate wisdom says three things matter most when deciding what to buy … location, location, location. It’s tongue-in-cheek, but the point is real estate derives its value from demand. The key is choosing properties most likely to surge in demand relative to supply. Of course, deciphering supply and demand means looking at demographics,
Investing, infrastructure and you … Read More »
Trump and Sanders and a Bigger Economic Picture In the recent New Hampshire primary vote, Trump and Sanders brought home big wins. Donald Trump summed it up in his New Hampshire victory speech… “If we had 5 percent unemployment, do you really think we’d have these gatherings?” He could be right. In spite of “glowing” employment reports
What do Trump and Sanders primary wins say to real estate investors? Read More »
John Denver once sang, “Life on the road is kinda laid back.” Not for us. But thank God we’re real estate guys. For you youngsters, this is a reference to a classic John Denver tune, Thank God I’m a Country Boy. You know…John Denver? Rocky Mountain High? Blond hair, little boy haircut, high voice? No?
11/24/13: Follow the Money – Clues Where the Economy is Headed Read More »
Tenants who actually have jobs are far more likely to pay rent than those who don’t…unless you’re renting to Section 8 or retirees. So you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that the durability of your rental income will be closely linked to the durability of the local economy. And while a
9/25/11: Finding the Right Market with the Right Jobs Read More »
The presidential campaign rhetoric is kicking into high gear. Texas Governor Rick Perry says he’s a job creation whiz. His detractors say it’s just dumb luck because he happens to govern a state with oil and gas under the ground. But no one is denying there are more jobs happening in Texas than any other
The Not So Secret Formula for Stable Employment Read More »