While I'm not trying to speak for Rod, it sees to me that the point was to see what other's opinions on the issue are, and that was successful. To me one of the more interesting aspects of the poll is that it seems to have changed significantly since a similar one was run about 15 or 20 years ago.
While that may be true in the recent past, over the long term, Investopedia has a very different opinion.
In terms of averages, stocks have tended to have higher total returns over time. The S&P 500 stock index has had an average annualized return around 10% over very long periods (higher if you include dividends), while average annual real estate returns are often more in the 4-8% range.
Ahh. the youth of today doesn't have a clue what high interest rates are. When we bought our first home, (after living in a trailer for 8 years with two small kids), in 1982, our interest was 16 1/4%. We refinanced every time we could drop the rate by 2% or so, finally using a home equity loan to pay off the higher cost mortgage. It took discipline and determination, but we paid off a 30 yr loan in 17 years. All of which has nothing to do with the original question.
You don't have to be "wealthy" to buy a house, just live like your parents did when they were your age. Beater cars, no cable tv, no Starbucks, cook your own meals.......and poof, you too can be "wealthy."
Absolutely. I'm mentioning that in my article for the magazine, because in today's tight housing market, and with high interest rates on mortgages, getting into a new home is really tough for all but the wealthiest people out there.
We are pulling a 36ft fifth wheel from Reno to Trinidad in June and wonder what the best route might be. We would like to take the 395/44 to Redding then 299 to Trinidad. Anyone have thoughts? Thank you.
It is an interesting topic.
I didn't answer the poll because I am not full time. We don't plan to go full time.
The wife is retired but I have a few more years. We plan on keeping our place for sure as we plan to be there more than we will be on the road. I think I would always like a home base, however, if we did go full time I could see the advantages to selling it.
Keep in mind that unless you have a big nest egg it could be tough to buy something later on if you change your mind.