by John Schutte, Dakota Properties of Sioux Falls

 

It was just over 1 year ago that the stock market hit a record high. On October 9, 2007, it was over 14,000. How things can change in a relatively short amount of time. Turbulent times create an analytical atmosphere. Every news commentary has something about the economy or an economist giving us their perspective of what is happening in the market place. Have you been analyzing your investments?  Does it make you wonder where and when to invest? 

 

I can remember my Grandpa telling stories of the Great Depression. The decrease in the markets along with the dust storms were the beginning of their problems. If that wasn’t bad enough, in 1934, their house caught on fire and burned to the ground. There was a while in his life where he went to work with the WPA, building a new school in their community, while my Grandma stayed home, milked the cows and managed the farm. It is during those times that we are all reminded of the things that are most important in life; faith, family and friends. When it came to work and investments, there was nothing more important than the farm and the land that they lived on. It was the family farm and no matter what happened, he was going to do everything he could to keep it that way.  Neither the markets nor circumstances would impact the fact that it was the family farm. 

 

There are bear and bull markets in every investment.  It doesn’t matter if it is collectibles, stocks, real estate or even the family farm. According to Grandpa’s stories, the depression was not a pleasant experience. But as he said, “it doesn’t matter what happens to the market if you own real estate, you own more than just paper, you will always have the dirt”. During times of instability, it’s nice to be reminded that no matter what happens in the market, there will always be the “dirt”.  As the first word in real estate investments imply, they are real investments, not just paper. 

 

Grandpa left his family a legacy that continues on today. My uncle still lives on the family farm. My dad went on and purchased his own farm and started the legacy for me and my brothers and sisters. They have also experienced the turbulence of the markets and the increase and decrease of land values. But, we all have had the benefit of living on the land and the experiences it brings. There is nothing like watching thunderclouds roll in and the smell of a spring rain, or the beauty of a harvest moon glistening on the fall foliage, or the heart pounding sensation of the first flush of pheasants. That type of return on investment is priceless and can not be affected by swings in the market. Some of the best rates of return can not be measured in dollars and cents, but in memories created and shared. They are memories that can not be duplicated by stock investments. 

 

The family farm was not only an investment, it was a legacy. It was established by my Grandfather and passed on to the next generation. When was the last time a stock portfolio has been passed on as a family legacy? Land ownership offers benefits other than just appreciation and an annual rate of return. It offers benefits that are as unique as the owners that own it.

 

If you have a desire to start your own family legacy or expand the one you already have, now is a great time to invest in land. Let our family of real estate professionals help you in fulfilling your dreams for your family.  We have offices across the entire state of South Dakota, we are ready to work for you.