How will technology affect Real Estate Investing?

[Eric L.]

We live in a fast moving world. What technology improvements do you see in the next ten years that will change how you invest?

One thing that I always think about is driverless cars. Google has driven a half million miles now without a driver, they have a license to operate in Nevada, and I really think driveless cars be available in five years to enthusiasts.

This will change the world. We will no longer need taxi drivers or semi drivers. Goods will become cheaper and it will cost less to ship things. There will be very few deaths from automobiles. The commute to work will now be done reading the news on your computer or tablet. Cars will be able to drive just a foot from each other and they will all communicate, eliminating traffic jams.

On one hand this will mean that people might be willing to live farther from work if they don't have to drive. This might be good for housing in the suburbs.

On the other hand, we might not own cars at all. There may be no reason if you can just hit a button on your smartphone and the nearest car drives to your GPS location and takes you where you want to go without needing the expense of a driver. This might benefit real estate in urban areas as we won't need to worry about parking.

Thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdgQpa1pUUE