Guidant Financial Group Blog

Sorry. It was a mean joke.

We’re talking about only housing prices, of course.

Home prices have fallen 14.1% in the first quarter compared to prices in the same quarter a year ago (see Home Prices Tumble 14.1% in First Quarter). This is the lowest level Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller’s national home price index has been since the index was started in 1988.

Of the 20 metropolitan cities surveyed, only one showed an actual increase: Charlotte, N.C., with a 1% increase over last year.

Although many industry experts predict that home prices have yet to hit bottom, now may be the time to buy for self-directed IRA holders that are looking for long-term investments for their IRAs. Even though prices may continue to decline for a year or more, if you have the ability to hold onto the investment long enough for prices to begin climbing again, this may be a viable option for you.