Post: #51

(05-19-2013 12:01 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  Slumlording can make money but it will steal your soul

Yeah, not worth the hassles, for me, but some guys just make it work and make good bank on it.

Luckily, the houses are normally pretty cheap so mortgages aren't a huge problem unless they over extend themselves in other areas.

Cashflow is always something to worry about no matter what business you are in.

Not only worrying about eviction, but also bankruptcy. Those types of renters know how to play the game and can stay in a house for a very long time.

Post: #52

(05-18-2013 11:59 PM)Dexter Morgan Wrote:  

(05-18-2013 11:50 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  If you want to get our respect talk about pulling tail. Nobody cares about this shit you're spouting here.

Zzzzz....again with the global, blanket statements. Look, YOU don't get to decide what thousands of forum members find interesting. I find finance interesting. Judging from the number of comments on these threads, so do a few others. You're not making yourself sound very bright. And no, I don't want to "get your respect" because haven't given me a reason to respect you. Leave me alone and post at someone who is interested in what you have to say. If you want to ask a mod to ban me, please do so, but don't bother ME with it.

No problem, good luck I'll see you on the other side. Say hi to the guys for me

Post: #53

Post: #54

Performance of the cited ETF vs. the Dow and S&P over the last 3 years (the ETF is in blue). Not a fair comparison since it doesn't take into account dividends but the point is you still have underperformance.　

I'd need a reason to think REITs are going to inflate faster than other assets in the face of government printing. Since REM is a mortgage REIT rather than pooled ownership of residential property, it doesn't seem like the best bet on increasing home prices. Maybe a good source of income but it seems like a poor inflation hedge.

And the retail investor generally loses when he tries to pick individual equities. I'm doubtful he is going to have much success assessing the quality of mortgage pools or property pools (I seem to recall the pros struggling with that a few years ago).

Post: #55

Relevant recent WSJ article http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424...40412.html

Post: #56

(05-18-2013 11:59 PM)Dexter Morgan Wrote:  Look, YOU don't get to decide what thousands of forum members find interesting. I find finance interesting. Judging from the number of comments on these threads, so do a few others. You're not making yourself sound very bright. And no, I don't want to "get your respect" because haven't given me a reason to respect you. Leave me alone and post at someone who is interested in what you have to say. If you want to ask a mod to ban me, please do so, but don't bother ME with it.

Hehe, I like this guy, he has some spunk.

Have not got a fucking clue what this conversation is about though.

Post: #57

(05-19-2013 02:08 AM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(05-18-2013 11:59 PM)Dexter Morgan Wrote:  Look, YOU don't get to decide what thousands of forum members find interesting. I find finance interesting. Judging from the number of comments on these threads, so do a few others. You're not making yourself sound very bright. And no, I don't want to "get your respect" because haven't given me a reason to respect you. Leave me alone and post at someone who is interested in what you have to say. If you want to ask a mod to ban me, please do so, but don't bother ME with it.

Hehe, I like this guy, he has some spunk.

Have not got a fucking clue what this conversation is about though.

Really? He annoys the fuck out of me.

Post: #58

(05-18-2013 11:55 PM)Dexter Morgan Wrote:  

(05-18-2013 11:53 PM)worldwidetraveler Wrote:  

(05-18-2013 11:46 PM)Dexter Morgan Wrote:  In 2004-2006, you'd have lost a bundle with that philosophy. I sold a beach house at the peak (everyone said I was nuts) while my friends bought condos they couldn't afford. Two years later, about half of them were in default, while I could've bought the same house back at a 20% discount.

Buying is fine - at the right price. I'd rather own a watch than ask people what time it is. But if there was a watch bubble and a plastic rolex cost $5,000, i'd ask people what time it is!

Investment wise, I'm more interested in the financing aspect of real estate.

People make great money with rentals. I think the really successful ones gear it up enough to warrant hiring a team to maintain them.

I have known some guys that kill it in places you wouldn't want to walk around in. They just have their systems in place to handle all the bullshit. Those places cashflow like crazy.

If you know the area well enough, you have an advantage that might pay off. I know guys who've made a killing speculating on neighborhoods that were about to "turn". Of course, the best example of that may be South Beach. Or Chelsea.

Still, i'd rather do it when cap rates are low. Now isn't a bad time. I think real estate will inflate into another bubble, but if you can get in and out quickly (couple of years), you may be OK.

here's a tip. when cap rates are low, that means that prices are high. so you'd rather invest in real estate when prices are high?

Post: #59

7 day ban for Dexter for being a dick.

Post: #60

The problem with the general consensus of the members on this post is that houses are assets... like stocks, bonds, etc,. But they are not. They are like automobiles. You buy a home as a place to live, not an investment.

Ps. Reits look f*cked. Look at the champ.. AGNC is getting wacked but may be a double bottom on the weekly. Still it went below its 200sma weekly. Better plays out there to invest i.e. solar, 3d printing space, select semi's

Post: #61

I would not advise this in the UK.

Post: #62

I don't know why dexter is attacking westcoast.. I emailed the blog he helps run, got the job and am now working on Wall Street. Maybe everyone has different views on real estate, but his information is all spot on accurate.

Post: #63

(05-20-2013 11:17 AM)thfresh Wrote:  I don't know why dexter is attacking westcoast.. I emailed the blog he helps run, got the job and am now working on Wall Street. Maybe everyone has different views on real estate, but his information is all spot on accurate.

Cool be sure to add something here when you get enough experience.

Post: #64

(05-20-2013 11:20 AM)WestCoast Wrote:  

(05-20-2013 11:17 AM)thfresh Wrote:  I don't know why dexter is attacking westcoast.. I emailed the blog he helps run, got the job and am now working on Wall Street. Maybe everyone has different views on real estate, but his information is all spot on accurate.

Cool be sure to add something here when you get enough experience.

I wonder what Dexter is doing with his free time during his 7 day ban.

Hopefully some important business things he's been neglecting

Post: #65

In two months I start working in ECM. My family owns some homes so I hope to learn more about efficiently running real estate. Looks like reaper is the only one with experience but it's commercial.

Post: #66

I'd rather rent an apartment than rent a bunch of money from the bank.

Post: #67

(05-21-2013 12:02 PM)renotime Wrote:  I'd rather rent an apartment than rent a bunch of money from the bank.

I remember an article talking about whether to rent or own. I think their analysis was owning ended up being better after the 5 year mark. If you were to stay in the area for less than 5 years, it was better to rent.

Most people qualify for interest deductions, on their taxes, anyway.

Post: #68

(05-21-2013 12:18 PM)worldwidetraveler Wrote:  

(05-21-2013 12:02 PM)renotime Wrote:  I'd rather rent an apartment than rent a bunch of money from the bank.

I remember an article talking about whether to rent or own. I think their analysis was owning ended up being better after the 5 year mark. If you were to stay in the area for less than 5 years, it was better to rent.

Most people qualify for interest deductions, on their taxes, anyway.

This is a decent way to look at it. IMHO you buy when you're ready to settle down. Otherwise it's a big hassle, I wouldn't think of ever buying in my 20's or early 30's for my own spot because that limits job mobility. If there is a job in NYC or LA or Texas; two fingers up I am out thanks for the higher paycheck.

Post: #69

A different view:

http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2011/03/why...ome-again/
http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2011/05/why...wn-a-home/
http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2010/02/nev...ome-again/

Post: #70

(05-21-2013 12:28 PM)WestCoast Wrote:  This is a decent way to look at it. IMHO you buy when you're ready to settle down. Otherwise it's a big hassle, I wouldn't think of ever buying in my 20's or early 30's for my own spot because that limits job mobility. If there is a job in NYC or LA or Texas; two fingers up I am out thanks for the higher paycheck.

IMO too many people look at renting as "throwing money away" instead of what it really is, "buying your freedom"

Post: #71

(05-20-2013 11:17 AM)thfresh Wrote:  I don't know why dexter is attacking westcoast.. I emailed the blog he helps run, got the job and am now working on Wall Street. Maybe everyone has different views on real estate, but his information is all spot on accurate.

Elaborate on this? I always think stories of forum members helping other members out IRL are great reads.

Post: #72

I have a question for you real estate gurus. I recently came to Berlin, and found a couple of things.

1. There is a shortage of housing, at least in the popular areas. Short-term especially, because there is a constant influx of foreigners drawn to Berlin. Unfortunately these foreigners are generally not too rich. A room can go from anywhere near €250 on the low end to €500 on the high end. I believe this has potential to go to €350-400 on the low end in the next few years in the right areas.

2. Apartments can be had very cheap, I'm talking buy in cash prices. I've seen listings for €30k - €35k on the very low end for a 1BR and €75k for something nice in a nice area, like a 2BR in a family-oriented area.

What would you guys suggest doing for someone who wants to buy an apartment and keep it for some time? What kind of research should I do into the area I should invest in, and should I still finance, maybe with a 50% down payment to keep my SHTF fund intact? I don't know if I'll be able to get a job here in the short term, but I believe that with some more German experience I'll be able to move back and into the apartment that I buy, and until then I can rent it out. The country being small, even if I get a job somewhere else it'll be a half day's journey away if I need to come back on the weekend sometimes.

Post: #73

(05-25-2013 07:52 AM)ElJefe Wrote:  

(05-20-2013 11:17 AM)thfresh Wrote:  I don't know why dexter is attacking westcoast.. I emailed the blog he helps run, got the job and am now working on Wall Street. Maybe everyone has different views on real estate, but his information is all spot on accurate.

Elaborate on this? I always think stories of forum members helping other members out IRL are great reads.

I emailed the blog he helps run after I got a final round interview for a job in ECM (equity capital markets). They emailed back with detailed answers for what to ask in the interview and what kind of answers I would need to give. I used most of them and they were impressed. After getting the offer I asked to hang out with WestCoast and we went to pianos in NYC.

I don't have much to add to this forum yet but at least I can say he's not trying to screw people over. Well one thing I can say is go to pianos on Saturdays in NYC if you are young?

Post: #74

minimum salary req's for 25 real estate markets

http://realestate.msn.com/what-you-must-...es-in-2013