To Buy or Too Shy !

“You see, most people never have to face the fact that at the right time, in the right place, they’re capable of anything.” - Roman Polanski

Over the last one year home sales have taken a plunge thanks to broad macro economic measure taken by RBI and a speculation driven unorganized market. Prices are more or less the same across some categories like apartments while dead investments like barren unproductive plots have taken a beating. Builders and sellers are offering concessions, and the most recent forecasts say the market is due for another correction.

But given the fact that it’s virtually impossible to pinpoint the ebb of the market, waiting for that the best price is as risky for buyers as it for sellers who are certain that market is about to peak. Logically speaking, it's only a right time for you to buy a home, normally, when owning is a cheaper and better option, than renting. More so when home ownership fits your financial portfolio, fulfills aspirations and offers personal/professional value. But is you only want a short term trade off than better wait, and understand the art of real estate investing.

There are other who say that in case you want to buy to live and if you don't take the plunge and home price appreciation carries on, you could be left out in the cold, with an opportunity lost. Especially if you are waiting for the perfect best deal, you could end up waiting for years on end, missing the bus while prices keep rising. Under such circumstances it’s always better to understand the nuances of Value Investing and the The Right Price Equation. Statistically, in the long run, real estate prices rise, by an almost of about 6 to 8 percent annually, getting your property to doubles every 10 years or so.

In short people buy real estate because it's an investment that provides shelter or security, tax benefits, loans, the appreciation and fosters the pleasure of and self actualization, with freedom to create, shape and develop, an option which you can not avail as a tenant. But whatever you do, know what you’re doing, because knowledge transcends these barriers of indecision and opens your eyes to seeing, creating and trading Value.

And when you can’t figure out what to do, it’s time for a nap.