Houses have always been a lousy investment for me. Once you factor in all the costs (property tax, insurance, repairs, 6% real estate commissions, the time the house sits empty waiting for a buyer, etc.) the returns are not that good at all.
Most people think: "I bought my house for $200,000 and sold it for $300,000, I made $100,000!!!!!" and neglect to do a proper accounting.
Most people think: "I bought my house for $200,000 and sold it for $300,000, I made $100,000!!!!!" and neglect to do a proper accounting.