In my last blog, I wrote about extending the American Dream to average folks who didn’t have a lot of money to invest.

That dream – for most of this country’s great history – has centered on owning a home. But with the sub prime issues, some are questioning whether or not that dream is real.

Of course owning a home is only part of building wealth. Despite all the doom and gloom being reported about real estate (I can’t help but be reminded of the great Mark Twain quote, “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated” after hearing his death had been published in a newspaper.), commercial real estate is seeing cash returns of 5% to 8%.

Of course that’s not guaranteed and those returns aren’t without some risk. But I believe the risk-reward ratio is very good for commercial real estate.

What’s more, analysts have not reported any material reduction in commercial real estate rents.

So in my estimation, the dream is very much alive, attainable and most certainly real. And I believe commercial real estate is doing its part to keep it alive.

Labels: cbre, commercial, dividends, investing, ray wirta

The more twists and turns I read about in the stock market these days, the more I am reminded about my entrance into investing. I was just 22-years-old, a tanned surfer just out of California State University looking to hook into the American dream. My first investment was in a little four-plex in California. Even though I had a degree, I didn’t have much money or experience, nor did I have a true understanding of investing. Still, I took the plunge and I’ve never regretted it for one second.

The decision to invest gave me enough footing to start my journey through a wonderful and productive life. From that moment on I have been captivated by this industry and what it has offered me: wealth, happiness and plenty of stimulation. I am living the American Dream.

Leading up to creating NEXREGEN, I often think back to the days when I invested in that four-plex. It was the foundation for opening the door of opportunity to all who think investing is only for the rich and privileged. It is not. NEXREGEN is proof.

Labels: cb richard ellis, cbre, commercial, commercial real estate, firewheel, investing, investment, nexregen, properties, ray wirta