The volatility of the U.S. stock market, combined with the downgrading of our nation’s debt rating on long-term Treasury bonds by Standard & Poor’s, has prompted just about everyone to take inventory of their finances. This financial gut-check is especially timely for people who are selling or buying homes, because there is no doubt these historic events will have an effect on the residential real estate market. However, speculation from industry analysts about the fallout is as unpredictable as the Dow Jones Industrial Average. I certainly don’t have any definitive answers (and I wouldn’t trust anyone who says he does), but I have done enough research to offer my two-cents worth, so here goes. Worried investors are looking to put their money somewhere safer than the stock market. The obvious choice for many of them is real estate. For those who have time and cash at their disposal, the situation … Continue reading