Raleigh-Durham leading the pack with investment oppoprtunities!

Tiffany Elder, MBA
Happy New Year Fellow Investors!

I thought it appropriate to share some joy in the midst of all of the "reported" economic gloom in the US. Good news... Raleigh-Durham is weathering the storm quite well, and the hiccup in the national real estate market seems to have largely passed over this vibrant metro area.

The good news seems endless, and includes continues employment growth, and a strentghening rental market. These items are a plus for investors building portfolios in the Raleigh-Durham market.

While housing starts are down in the Northeast, West and other regions, they are up in the South. This is likely due to the positive outlook for appreciation in this region, along with affordability, an influx foreign direct investment, and local economic and employment growth. Read more on these items at:

http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/hotproperty/archives/2007/09/rocky_market_ma.html?chan=search

Although Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas make up what is known as the Triangle, each city is very distinct and has different norms, especially when it comes to real estate characteristics and pricing. All 3 offer VERY solid investment opportunities. Durham, however - which is home to Duke University the new Southpointe Mall Commercial District, a revitalizing downtown, and Research Triangle Park - is pulling ahead of the pack and becoming known as a great location for bargain real estate buys. Read more at:

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/09/0918_bargains/index_01.htm

Now if you're anything like me, there is no such thing as "too much information". I have to admit, I hoard data to a certain extent but then again, I am a techie at heart, so online research is a must in my day-to-day routine. I've gathered much of this information together for the benefit of my clients and others interested in this market. Feel free to visit www.tiffanyelder.com/TriangleMarketFAQ for a range of information and market data to round out your understanding of the area.

Once again, Happy New Year and Happy Investing!

--Tiffany
www.tiffanyelder.com