Property Investing

Graph showing the rate of a $1000 initial investment over a ten year period with a steady interest rate of 20%. Created using the graph feature of Excel 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Investing in properties was once considered a low risk investment, but like all markets, nothing is guaranteed. Although we are still lingering in the hangover of the real estate market crash from a few years ago, foreclosure rates are down and property values are slowly starting to increase. One might even be optimistic and say that now is the time to become a property investor and ride out the possible growth. My advice would be to go for it, but know what you're up against and have a plan.

Although national real estate markets overall have been good over the past year, there are plenty of outliers. Towns like Houston and Phoenix have seen spikes in real estate development with emerging businesses and markets, but towns only a few miles away have reaped no benefits. When investing in anything, it's always good to know with what you understand and know. Don't make big time decisions based on hints you hear from the media or public opinion articles.

Vacationing in Oregon

Oregon is a state of natural beauty and attracts thousands of visitors annually.  Find out what makes Oregon so unique and why you should plan your next vacation in Oregon.

The Coast
Oregon has 363 miles of coast, dotted with lighthouses, fishing towns and natural scenery.  I would recommend making a road trip out of it to get the full effect of Oregon's coast.  Spend a day or two driving up the coast line, making stops at some of the popular towns to get a bite to eat or crash for the night.

Willamette Valley
Known particularly for its agriculture, it is home to a majority of Oregon's wine production.  It is also host to a large number of biking trails and hiking paths for the outdoorsy type.  The college towns of Eugene (University of Oregon) and Corvallis (Oregon State University) also make the area unique.

Eastern Oregon
If you really want to get away from it all, this is the place to visit.  Spectacular mountain elegant lakes and rugged terrain make this area one of a kind.  Popular sites include the Painted Hills near John Day, the Steens Mountains and Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America.

Learn more about visiting Oregon at Travel Oregon website.

This article was contributed by Coldwell Banker Valley Brokers, offering houses for sale in Corvallis Oregon.