Your Home--Your Financial Future

ALISO VIEJO, October 07, 2010 (Press-News.org) Despite the recent real estate bust, most homeowners still view their houses as major assets in their investment portfolios.

According to a survey of consumer finances published by the Federal Reserve, a primary residence accounts for a third of total assets in a family. For the least-wealthy homeowners, it is nearly half of the total assets.

"Home value is and will always be one of the most solid financial security foundations for the majority of Americans," says Steve Dexter, co-author of the new book "Buy & Hold Forever: How to Build Wealth for the 21st Century." "It helps to create a comfortable retirement income and a secure nest egg."

In the book, Mr. Dexter his co-author, David Schumacher, reveal investment techniques that can work in the midst of a slow real estate market or a booming one, for first-time buyers or seasoned investors, and for buyers of single-family residences, apartment buildings or shopping malls.

"The recent real estate market collapse put many homeowners in a panic, especially those with plans to retire soon," says Mr. Dexter. "It was a scary time. However, people should know that the real estate market goes through different cycles and right now, it's in a downturn. The good news is that sooner or later it will recover, and eventually property values will go up."

Real estate experts suggest that some properties keep value much better than others and are usually less affected by economical changes. The main factors that can keep property value more or less stable even in very distressed markets include:

• A desirable location and neighborhood
• Unique property features and improvements
• Low property taxes
• A good school district

"There is no doubt that the real estate market is still in the recovery stage," says Mr. Dexter. "But historically, low mortgage rates and low property prices have created a perfect situation for buyers who want to invest in their futures."

About the Authors
DAVID SCHUMACHER, PhD, was an investor, magazine columnist and college instructor in the field of real estate. One of America's premier experts, he was also a multimillionaire property owner. He parlayed a modest investment into property holdings worth $20 million, including houses, condos and magnificent oceanfront apartment complexes in Southern California. He also authored "The Buy & Hold Real Estate Strategy" and "Buy & Hold: 7 Steps to a Real Estate Fortune."

STEVE DEXTER is the president of National Capital Funding, based in Laguna Beach, California, and an expert commentator for CNN/Money, CBS Radio and Fox TV. He is the author of "Real Estate Debt Can Make You Rich" and "Beat the Banks: How to Prosper from the Rising Wave of Bank Foreclosures."

For more information, contact Steve Dexter at stevedexter@hotmail.com.