Stocks or real estate?

[genchan]

Which do your think is a better investment, stocks or real estate? If you a bunch of money to invest (I don't, but as an example), and you had to chose one or the other, would you put it into stocks or real estate and why? Which do you think is safer over the long and short term and which will end up giving you a better return on your investment?

[MrsChambers]

my vote is real estate

[akaivyleaf]

I"d do both. For the most part Real Estate is going to appreciate. You'll always have something real and tangible in the land which you can sell. Stocks (funds) are more violitle but still a necessary part to a balanced portfolio.

[PennyPincher]

Real estate can be tough since 20% is typically required on investment properties. That can be hard to get around...

What if you have about $5,000 to invest? (Not enough for real estate, but a good amount nonetheless...)

[amomof4]

More millionaires have been made in real estate than by any other means. We do have investment properties and stocks. I guess it would depend on how much money you had for a down payment. I would definately recommend you own the house you live in. Rental properties can be a big pain though.

[akaivyleaf]

I am more into land than rental property. I have land that was given to me YEARS ago, in a different state than where I live. There is no structure on it, and every so often a developer comes through and inquires of it. It has appreciated, but I'm still holding out. Waiting for my neighboring land owners to sell and then I'll jump on that big band wagon. I tried to be a landlord and I'd rather cut off my toes than worry with that. Maybe because I don't have the patience for foolishness, but others might get good tenants. My other real estate foray might be to be a partner in a condo development or some other property that will SELL not rent.

Mutual funds are the way for me. I'm knowledgeable about what I've invested in, but I don't have to constantly rebalance.

[terry1156]

If I had to do it all over again, I would have put more money into real estate. The draw back is that real estate takes more of your time if you are renting. With stocks, you make the purchase and let them site and no other time is required. But I think the effort put in comes back many times over in the long run with real estate.