Real Estate Information Archive

by Jo-Anne LaBuda

I was reading some information from Barbara Corcoran who owned The Corcoran Group (real estate company) in New York City and, in 2001, sold the company for $66M.  She appears regularly on NBC's "Today Show" and is an investor in ABC's "Shark Tank".  (She obviously is a savvy real estate entrepreneur.) Barbara is predicting that the real estate market will make up most of the loss of the last four years in the next 18 months.  I certainly hope she is correct, however I am not as optimistic.  I my experience, real estate prices go down quickly, but tend to go up slowly.

I do agree with her that the absolute best prices for real estate are available today, at least in Columbus, Ohio.  That, in addition to the current 5% interest rates, make it the best time to invest or purchase real estate here. 

Gary Keller, founder of Keller Williams Realty, has been saying for the past few years that the real estate market will begin to return to an upward direction when affordability returns.  I feel that we have affordability in Columbus.  I don't think this has happened yet in Phoenix, Las Vegas and some other high end markets. 

We are also observing a pent-up demand to purchase a move-up property for families hoping to purchase a larger home and also an increase in senior sellers who are looking to downsize.  Hopefully this is a perfect situation for both. 

The good news is this: Columbus, Ohio may not have skyscrapers or Broadway, but it is affordable and, as always, it is a great place to call home.

• The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller, Dave Jenks and Jay Papisan.  A great read for entrepreneurial people regardless of what they are selling.
• The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews.  Seven decisions that determine personal success.
• Leadership 101 by John C. Maxwell.  What every leader needs to know.
• The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John C. Maxwell. Embrace them and empower your team.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work by John C. Maxwell.  Together we can do the impossible.
• Today Matters by John C. Maxwell.  Make the most of each day.
• The Dip by Seth Godin.  When to quit and when to stick.
• Purple Cow  by Seth Godin.   Transform your business by being remarkable.
• The Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley.  Essentials for those who will shape the future.
• The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn.  How passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
• Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono.  Thinking is a skill and can be improved.
• The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.  How little things can make a big difference.
• Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Cashflow Quadrant by Robert T. Kiyosaki.   Guides to financial freedom.