Any time “investing” is brought up, peoples’ minds flash between images of Warren Buffet, memories of the Great Recession, and those #goals filed in their “someday” folder. Unfortunately, according to a new independent market survey, 60 percent of Americans find investing scary or intimidating. Alternatively, 60 percent also recognize that “someday” they will need greater financial security than they currently have. Too many people are putting off to tomorrow what they should be doing (or investing) today. For the next several minutes, set aside any preconceived notions you may have, and take an honest look at the risks associated with investing. Let’s take a close look at investing in stocks versus real estate, the four primary risks of investing, how commercial multifamily real estate investments mitigate risk, and why the stock market can be much riskier than real estate.

A Primer on Risk

As with any investment, there’s an element of risk. Just as you could have been hit by a bus this morning, unexpected things come up in life, the stock market, and in real estate. No investment is risk-free, but understand the risks thoroughly, determine your threshold for risk, and ensure that you’re doing everything you can to mitigate risk. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Risk #1 – Consumer Behavior Could Change 

Stock Market

Stock market investors bet on the success of companies that create products for people to use. Facebook, iPhones, Happy Meals, and soap are all consumable products. However, it’s impossible to predict the term length of those products and companies’ popularity. Blockbuster had a long reign, but when technology and consumer behavior changed, the company stagnated, dragging investors down with it.

Multifamily Real Estate Investments

When you invest in real estate, you’re investing in a basic human need that will never go away: the need for shelter. Humans have always required a roof over our heads, and that need has only strengthened over time, especially with rising population trends.

Risk #2 – The Market Could Turn 

Stock Market

One of the most common fears and possibly the most significant reason would-be investors remain on the sidelines is fear of a sudden market correction. During a downturn, investors may exit quickly (which only solidifies their losses). Others aim to accept short-term losses in exchange for long-term gains. Historically, the market bounces back, but clinging to that “trust” is challenging during the downward trend.

Multifamily Real Estate Investments

Recessions benefit commercial multifamily real estate investments, especially for workforce housing. In good times, incomes and savings rates are higher, which means more people tend to move up to class A (luxury) apartments. When faced with layoffs or pay cuts, homeowners may sell, and renters of class A apartments may downgrade to more affordable apartments (class B or C). Hence, demand for apartments tends to go up during a recession, thereby decreasing the risk.

Risk #3 – Competitors Could Come on the Market

Stock Market

When Netflix stormed the scene, they beat out Blockbuster because not only did they target the same audience, but they also got ahead of the technology and consumer trends. Consumers don’t have insight into technology development or companies’ operations. Thus, new competitors can have a significant impact on investment returns.

Multifamily Real Estate Investments

Multifamily competitors don’t just spring up out of nowhere because space, zoning, and permits are limited. They’re always class A (i.e., newer luxury tier) apartment buildings when new apartments are built. Since the demand for workforce and affordable housing is rising, the risk of having a high vacancy in well-maintained class B and C apartment buildings is low.

Risk #4 – Not Having Control and Transparency

Stock Market

Investing in stocks is like buying a train ticket. The train is leaving, with or without you. Whether you’re on board or not is up to you. When the market is sailing upward, the ride is smooth and exciting. During a correction, a terrible, helpless feeling takes over. The CEO is unreachable, and you better buckle up.

Multifamily Real Estate Investments

When you invest in a real estate syndication, you know precisely who the deal sponsor is, and you can reach out directly to ask questions and provide feedback. Further, when you invest in a solid syndication team, you can be assured that there are multiple buffers in place to protect investor capital, such as reserves, insurance, and experienced professionals to handle the unexpected. Plus, you have ongoing transparency into each deal with monthly and quarterly updates.

Conclusion

There’s certainly not one “right” way to invest. The key is to invest. Period. Understand the risks going in, and just do it. Because that money you see sitting in your savings account? It’s losing value (because of inflation) with every passing second. Get out there and start achieving your “someday” today.

How To Get Started

The first step to invest with us is to fill out our Interest Form. We’ll connect and discuss your goals, then we’ll find the best investments to help you meet these goals. After you invest you can just sit back, relax, and receive quarterly cash flow payments from your passive investments.