Real estate is something that garners a great deal of attention by many people. Currently, we’re in a rather unique situation where real estate is still a big focus but primarily in a negative light. In this post, I want to discuss with people in their 20s, the best way to approach and view real estate, how to participate in this kind of investment and certain things to be aware of as you pursue real estate. Welcome to the first edition of the 20-something guide to real estate!

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I closed on a house on Friday, and I painted the interior all day Saturday and Sunday.  I’m exhausted, but it was well worth it.  With the help of family and friends, we were able to put a great deal of paint on the walls and transformed a cold white wall interior to a warm, comfortable environment throughout the house.

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In my previous article entitled, “My Four-Pronged Strategy Towards Financial Prosperity”, I discussed real estate as one of the four components of my overall financial picture. Real estate is a great way to combine your residence with a potential return on your money. While the days of automatic-appreciation are over, there are still opportunities to make money on real estate. You just have to be more selective.

Home ownership, even in today’s environment, is still a good thing. For a young 20-something fresh out of school, buying a home is a great opportunity to build wealth and build your credit. With your initial salary, it will probably be tough to afford a mortgage and with minimal savings, it could be tough to get approved for a loan. Here are some ways to tips to help make it happen.

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Hello. I am 25 years old. I have now been out of college for three years. I have worked for two different companies, one with 100,000+ employees and one with fewer than 15, in two very different industries. I began investing my own money four years ago but didn’t really understand investing until two years ago. I bought a house in 2006 and sold it in 2007 because I got married.

When compared with the average 25 year old, I’d say I am in a good place financially. I do not have any debt, have some money saved, and have already started saving for retirement. Additionally, I have experienced many different kind of investments personally in my short life, both good and bad. I have learned some painful lessons and enjoyed some nice luck.

I have compiled everything I have learned into what I call my strategy towards financial prosperity. Since I’m sure some people will be quick to criticize, I’ll make it clear that in no way do I consider myself an expert. I have much to learn, and I am more eager than anyone to continue to learn. This strategy is my version at 25 years of age. It will undoubtedly change. I encourage you to continue reading and see if such a strategy might apply to your life and your journey towards financial prosperity.

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For all you sports fans, specifically basketball fans, a couple of high profile coaches have been searching for new jobs in the NBA recently. Mike D’Antoni, after getting canned by the Suns, was being pursued by both the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks. The Bulls are well positioned for success in the near future; the Knicks? Well, not so much. However, D’Antoni is headed towards the Knicks. In addition to more money, D’Antoni is essentially “buying” the Knicks low.

What does “buying” an NBA team low look like? It means more wiggle room, more forgiveness, more time to right the ship. In New York, the most impatient city in the world, such patience for a new coach is rare.

When looking at investing, both in real estate and stocks, the same principles are crucial. The entry point can make all the difference between losing money and hitting a home run. Let’s look at some examples and then at some strategies to increase the number of home runs we hit.

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