May 4th, 2007

Whether you are saving to buy your first home, or working on your portfolio of investment properties, real estate can be a great way to accumulate wealth and provide for your family’s security.

Why is real estate such a great investment?

* You can see it

* You get income tax deductions for interest paid, depreciation, property taxes that are not available with other investments

* Tremendous appreciation potential

* Financing is readily available and you can use other people’s money to build wealth

Of course there are disadvantages.  Real estate investments require active management.  Being a landlord can be a hassle.  And of course there is risk, particularly if you have a large mortgage.  These risks include market changes, lack of liquidity, tenants, and exposure to lawsuits due to tenants or others who may enter the property and get hurt.

Many of these risks can be reduced dramatically through proper planning.  On June 5th and 7th, I will be presenting educational workshops on real estate planning and investing.  The workshops will cover the best ways to minimize taxes and protect yourself from liabilty when owning real estate in Louisiana.