Why Real Estate Might Outshine Gold And Bitcoin As A Long-Term Investment

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Soaring mortgage rates have made homeownership more costly, but many financial experts still advocate real estate as a top investment choice.

However, the allure of speculative markets like cryptocurrency, art and classic cars has captivated many investors.

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If you feel overwhelmed by these diverse options, you’re not alone.

Crafting an effective investment strategy hinges on several factors:

Budget: How much can you afford to invest?
Time horizon: When do you need access to your funds?
Risk tolerance: how comfortable are you with market volatility?
Effort: How much time and energy will you dedicate to investment research and management?

Certain asset classes, such as art, demand specialized knowledge, while others, like stocks and bonds, are more accessible to a wider range of investors.

Thanks to skyrocketing home values, many homeowners hold significant equity, which could be a potential springboard for buying an investment property through a home-equity loan or HELOC, said Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Research.com.

“However, investing in real estate is not a slam-dunk in all markets as high home prices and elevated mortgage rates squeeze potential earnings,” Jones said. “Investors or homeowners looking to branch out into buying an investment property should fully understand the expected cost and income from a property as well as the time horizon to see a profit.”

Take a look at how real estate compares to other investments.

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While year-over-year growth in real estate may lag the S&P 500, a longer-term view reveals its strength.

A Realtor.com analysis shows a solid average five-year return of 26% since 1975. The National Association of Realtors reports that homeowners have seen a significant increase in housing wealth, with the average homeowner gaining at least $147,000 in the past five years.

“Traditional investments like 401(k)s, IRAs and ETFs are great for passive growth, but real estate brings a whole different level of wealth,” said real estate investor and broker Dan Reedy.

However, if you need quick access to your funds, real estate might not be the best investment. Buying and selling homes is time-consuming and can take months or years.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) offer an accessible way to invest in real estate without large up-front costs.

By purchasing REIT shares, you become a part owner of a real estate company that owns and operates a diverse portfolio of properties, from residential homes to commercial buildings.

“You don’t own the property directly, so you’re hands-off, which is easier for most people,” said Sara Levy-Lambert, vice president of growth at real estate management company RedAwning. “They’re also traded like stocks, making them more liquid. Just buy or sell whenever you want, without the management headaches.”

REITs are structured to provide investors with a steady stream of income. By law, they must distribute at least 90% of their taxable income as dividends to shareholders. It’s important to note that the dividends are taxed as ordinary income.

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The cryptocurrency market has seen meteoric rises and dramatic falls. Bitcoin, once valued at a mere $0.00099 in 2009, now trades at over $88,000. Early investors who rode the wave have reaped immense rewards.

However, the cryptocurrency market is notorious for its volatility and risk. Recent scandals, such as the collapse of FTX, highlight the potential pitfalls. To navigate this turbulent landscape, investors must have a strong risk tolerance and a deep understanding of the underlying technology.

Investing in gold offers a diverse range of options. You can purchase gold stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), invest in physical gold like coins and bullion or buy it at a retailer like Costco. For many, owning physical gold provides a sense of security and stability.

Gold is often considered a safe-haven asset. It’s less susceptible to economic fluctuations and can serve as a hedge against market volatility. The 2008 financial crisis highlighted gold’s value, with prices surging dramatically in the following years, including a 32.8% increase in 2011 alone.

While you can purchase gold at Costco, selling it back to the store isn’t an option. Selling physical gold can be a complex process. You’ll need extensive research to find a reputable buyer and ensure you receive a fair price.

Physical gold also presents logistical challenges. It’s heavy, difficult to transport and requires insurance. It’s also subject to higher taxes compared to other investments. If you sell physical gold, you may owe a capital-gains tax of up to 28% on any profits, significantly higher than the typical 20% rate for stocks and bonds.

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Niche markets offer investors the chance to invest in their passions, whether they’re art, cars or wine.

However, these markets often have high barriers to entry, both financially and knowledge-wise. For example, the classic car market is exclusive and impractical as an investment because using a collectible can diminish its value.

Alternative assets can be both exciting and risky. The wine market, for instance, is influenced by factors like the collector market, agricultural conditions and changing consumer preferences. These markets can also be slow-moving, with opportunities emerging and waning over time.

“Look at crypto – Bitcoin, for instance, went from $60,000 to $20,000 in under a year,” Reedy said. “The occasional blue-chip wine or NFT might pay off big, but real estate lets you sleep at night while building long-term wealth.”

Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.

The changing interest rate environment has created an incredible opportunity for income-seeking investors to earn massive yields, but not through dividend stocks… Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities and Benzinga has identified some of the most attractive options for you to consider.

For instance, the Ascent Income Fund from EquityMultiple targets stable income from senior commercial real estate debt positions and has a historical distribution yield of 12.1% backed by real assets. With payment priority and flexible liquidity options, the Ascent Income Fund is a cornerstone investment vehicle for income-focused investors. First-time investors with EquityMultiple can now invest in the Ascent Income Fund with a reduced minimum of just $5,000. Benzinga Readers: Earn a 1% return boost on your first EquityMultiple investment when you sign up here (accredited investors only).

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of high-yield investments while rates are high. Check out Benzinga’s favorite high-yield offerings.

This article Why Real Estate Might Outshine Gold And Bitcoin As A Long-Term Investment originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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