Why Investors Should Continue Buying Real Estate

Is this the end of the housing recovery?

NO!

“By keeping interest rates low, we are trying to make homes more affordable and revive the housing market.”

That came from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen earlier this year.

My friend, that's all you need to know when it comes to the housing market today.

Yes, prices are up.  But mortgage rates are down.  That means housing affordability (in general terms) is still near record highs.  And the most important person for the housing market – Janet Yellen – is on our side.

My numbers show median housing prices could increase another $53,000 from here.  And that's just to get back to “fair value.”  Our long-term gains could be even higher.

Let me explain…

Longtime readers know I've been putting my own money into real estate over the last few years.  It might surprise you, but the majority of my post-bubble investments haven't been in the stock market or any other paper asset… but in cash-flow real estate.

Since 2010, our opportunity has been incredible.  And it still is…

The simplest example is the overall U.S. housing market.  I've said for years that now is the best time in history to buy a house.  And I still believe that statement is true.

You see, even after a few years of solid price increases, housing is still cheap!

To size it, we need to look at where home prices are, relative to their “fair value.”  Our fair value calculation uses current home prices, mortgage rates, and incomes to determine where housing should be, based on what folks can afford.

Our measure showed the overvaluation during the housing bubble and it identified the value during the bust.  Today, even after a big move higher in prices, it shows housing is still cheap.  Take a look…

As I write, the median home price in the U.S. is around $203,000.  But our fair value estimate sits at $256,000.

Said another way, housing (in general) is still $53,000 BELOW fair value!

The gap has been narrowing since 2012.  Home prices are up in that period and mortgage rates have come up a bit as well (even though they're down this year).  So the opportunity isn't as good as it used to be… but it's still fantastic.

Right now, housing is cheap.  Prices are moving higher, which is good.  And Janet Yellen – the woman who controls interest rates – is on our side.  She has explicitly stated her goal of continuing to boost the housing market.

You haven't missed this move yet.  All of the original pieces are still in place.  And I expect housing and real estate to continue higher from here.

This is what I've been doing with my own money.  And I'm not slowing down now.  I suggest you do the same.

Continues success!

Editor's Note:  If you'd like more insight and actionable advice, consider a free strategy session with one of our Investment Counselors.  Click here for your free strategy session.