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Real Estate I.

Making money with buildings

Explore how real estate builds wealth and what drives property prices.

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Introduction to Real Estate Investing 

Real estate investing isn’t just about buying homes — it’s a powerful asset class that shapes cities and builds long-term wealth.

From rental income to rising property values, investors use it to diversify beyond stocks and bonds, and to hedge against inflation.

As a tangible asset, real estate includes land and the structures on it, from homes and offices to warehouses and malls. It’s deeply local: prices shift with neighborhoods, job markets, and even zoning laws.

Characteristics of Real Estate 

Real estate combines bricks-and-mortar with a double-earning power from:

  • Rental income from tenants
  • Appreciation as property values rise over time

Unlike stocks, real estate doesn’t usually swing wildly with headlines. It’s often steadier — and you can upgrade, renovate, or rezone to boost the value of your assets.

Add in potential tax benefits, depending on the jurisdiction, and real estate becomes a compelling way to diversify beyond traditional assets.

Amy Considers New Investment  

Amy, a 32-year-old graphic designer, has built a $20,000 stock portfolio over five years. 

She’s proud of her progress but wants to diversify.

With $15,000 in savings, she’s intrigued by real estate’s reputation for steady growth. 

But she’s cautious: buying property feels expensive, and managing tenants sounds time-consuming.

Amy’s looking for something that fits her budget, offers reliable returns, and doesn’t require fixing leaky taps.

She sets out to find an investment strategy that matches her goals.

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Residential Properties: The Classic Starting Point

Residential real estate is where many investors begin. It includes homes, apartments, and condos — places people live.

These properties can earn rental income from tenants and grow in value over time. 

Housing demand tends to stay strong, offering relative stability.

But success isn’t automatic. Investors must weigh location, property condition, and the realities of managing tenants.

And while prices often rise, housing bubbles can form when demand overheats and values climb beyond fundamentals.

Commercial Properties: Business-Driven Real Estate

Commercial real estate includes properties used for business — like offices, shops, and shopping centers.

Unlike residential rentals, businesses often sign multi-year leases, offering more stable income. 

These leases can yield higher returns, but also come with bigger risks.

Success depends on location, tenant demand, and the health of the local economy. 

Managing commercial properties usually requires more capital and a deeper understanding of business needs.

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