Real Estate Continues as Prime Investment for '06

By: Beth Bresnahan: REALTOR® Magazine Online
Despite warnings of a more pronounced real estate slowdown next year, property continues to be a favored investment vehicle for growth in 2006, according to a recent survey of more than 1,000 investors.

The results of BetterInvesting's Voice of the American Shareholder poll reveal that while real estate has lost its 2004 claim as the top investment choice, only energy is perceived as a better opportunity today.

In light of the favorable outlook, Help-U-Sell Real Estate Chairman Bradley J. Crandall says it makes sense that new models of real estate brokerage are emerging and expanding on a national basis.

"Consumer-driven alternative models are here to stay, regardless of how hard the traditional real estate community tries to impede their entrance into the marketplace," he says. "These models are growing because they offer options to homeowners and real estate investors that allow them to keep more of the equity—and when you're investing, it's all about ROI."