What do you think of Capstead Mortgage (CMO) as an investment?
535608
It does not look like a stellar performer.  They have a market cap of $138 Million, making them a pretty small company.  They operate a REIT, and REIT's are pretty much out of favor with Wall Street right now due to the downturn in the real estate industry (with myriad other reasons).  Due diligence, due diligence, due diligence!!!
1117670
I don't think the bubble's bursting, per se...not yet.\n\nI think property values have gone up enough that people who have been there for awhile are ready to cash out.
608933
It does appear to be a risky market.  \n\nMake sure you pick a house/area where you want to spend 5 years or more.  Also if at all possible put a 20% downpayment down and get a fixed rate loan.  If you think you might only be in the house 3 or 4 years, it might be a good idea to wait until you are a little more settled.\n\nIf you are ready to buy, you can use the risky market to your advantage by making offers significantly below asking price.  If the seller won't budge from asking price, be prepared to move on.
6883
4.3% dividend is pretty good. Company looks strong.\n\nI heard they are thinking of spinning off their Women's apparel division. Their last spin off did extremely well: \nCOACH Inc: \nhttp://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=COH&t=5y
434948
100% financing on an investment property?  Sounds fishy to me.  Is this some condemned building or one that was under seawater from the last hurricane?  That area was hit hard, are you an out of state investor?  Be careful.
944945
manager tenures are important for the more successful ones like Bill Nygren at Oakmark get favorable reviwes in places liek morningstar (and deservingly so) performance look as far back as you can 5-10 year range and go from there. Cap size DOES reduce risk for the large cap sector is well established companies and can withstand periodicall losses in teh market. Small caps are generally younger companies and they will be hurt if the market suddenly tanks. Large cap doesn't have a better track record per say buy large cap would be something like Boeing and a small cap would be NTE big differences between the two. The more risk the more potetional for reward could happen. Barons does a review on mutual fund managers and they are very worthy a look (with Bill I even invested in his funds before moving to ETF's)
600265
Sure.  It's a reputable advisor.  It tends to steer its clients into conservative mix of mutual funds that'll do well over the long-haul and it tends to be good for people who need a little hand holding when the waters get rough.  This personal service comes a price.  Most of the funds they'll sell you are loaded funds, meaning you pay some decent sized commissions on the front-end (aka loads).\n\nIf you need less hand holding and would like to the avoid the loads (often 5-6% of each dollar you invest), I recommend directly investing with mutual fund companies such as Vanguard and T Rowe Price.
926771
I enjoyed reading about ACHM but I would not invest in it.  These type companies are a dime a dozen.  For ACHM to make it, it will not only require a great technology, but also massive financing.  I checked out their web site, which you should also have a link to in your blog.  The site was very short on hard facts.
241192
You get no return in your investment, but I personally have nothing against them.  The way they are built now, versus 20 years ago, are very sturdy, almost like a house.  If you already own land, it's a good idea, to me.
711483
Hello,\n\nI completely agree with wanting to invest your money.  Afterall, what's the point of making money if you can't make more money with your money (got that?)?  Anyway, I've tried all different investments from stocks and bonds to IRA's, 401k's, and real estate.  I'm really a big fan of diversification.\n\nHowever, the only investment I've really been happy with so far is real estate.  Over the past 5 years, I've bought 3 different properties (all have tenants, and I'm making more than the mortgage payments on 2 properties).  \n\nThe 3rd property I got  was using Carleton Sheets no money down methodology (he's a GURU in real estate, and yes, his methods do work!).  You can actually buy a property for absolutely nothing down (NO MONEY FROM YOUR OWN POCKET).  I payed over $500 for his course 3 years ago, and I just saw it online for $9.95!!!!  This is a steal at $9.95 (I'm actually going to buy it for my friends for Christmas).  It was featured on TV, so I got the website from there.\n\nBefore you invest in anything, I highly suggest the Carleton sheets course.  http://www.alllsite.info/real-estate.php
1000033
Contrary to what most realtors and mortgage brokers will tell you,  fixed rate mortgages being the best choice is not a forgone conclusion. \n\nEither way, you are making a bet.  With a fixed rate mortgage, you are locking in the term structure of interest rates at that time.  With a floater, you are betting that the term structure overestimates the variables that move the index being used (inflation, investor preferences, etc.)  The fixed rate caps the downside of making a mistake.  So, how well do you understand capital markets and what are your expectations? and what are your risk preferences?  These should drive your decision.  You also need to consider the present value of the tax shield given your specific income tax situation.
576852
mr. i think u should go to a market consultant as the market is realy verrry speculative now a days and i will suggest u not to invest without a propper guidence ..........
435467
I'm going to try to focus into this answer this way, but I might need some additional clarification otherwise.\n\nAs I understand the way that you are asking the question, the house that you are looking at is to be your primary residence, not an investment NNN Tic...\n\nGenerally, they are not favorable options for RESIDENTIAL tenants.\n\nThey would be considered a good option for the tenant if:\n1. NNN rent + expected maintenance + taxes + insurance <= market rent\n2. You can lock in a longterm NNN rent at below market rents\n3. You are confident in the property that you are occupying/no significant deferred maintenance that you would be responsible for...\n\nI really haven't heard of many NNN leases for people's primary residences, but it would make sence.  They are much more common in the investment property/business property arena...\n\nIn the end, you'll have to do the math to determine whether the lease payments plus the additional expenses add up to a good value...
594827
It won't mean much for me, except maybe lower property taxes.  As long as you're not planning on selling, it's kind of like a drop in the stock market.  The price doesn't matter until you sell.\n\nTami T - I would be concerned about a 15% drop, unless you had a big down payment.  You could end up upside-down on your mortgage and if you HAD to sell (lay-off, relocation), you would end up still owing the bank for a house you don't own anymore.  And I'm sure they'll want that at closing.
658170
Woodbridge Investments is a second mortgage company...\nhttp://www.woodbridgeinvestments.com/index.html\nBob Shapiro works there...\nhttp://www.wpinyny.com/Affiliates.htm\nHe likes to do triatholons and his Email is moviebob1@eathlink.net...\nhttp://members.aol.com/chstheland/guestbook/alum_80s.html
247378
I'm a fan of Allied Capital (ALD).  One way for non-qualified investors to play the "Private Equity" game... with a Public stock?... well, you know what I'm talking about!
802098
This is a great company to invest in.....They are gaining market share. As an employee - if you are skilled - it might be a great Future. \n\nUsually rewards follow performance.   :o )