All Forum Posts by: Aaron Peeler

Has anyone explored using short real estate ETF's to hedge risk or even to fund down payments when the market slows down (even if it's not a crash)? I'm looking at ProShares Ultrashort Real Estate (SRS) or Drexion Daily Real Estate Bear 3x (DRV).

If you look at the price now vs the prices during the last recession it seems like you could hold a relatively small position and potentially really cash in if the market turns south again. You could also use the proceeds as a down payment on the homes that are "on sale" during the down times too.

@Eric Black 

I can't guarantee this will be the same in other states, but in North Carolina, as a buyer it is always in your best interest to have an attorney - not the listing firm - hold your earnest money/escrow. A real estate firm cannot release the earnest money unless the seller signs the proper form to release it per real estate commission rules. 

Attorneys, however, are not bound by real estate commission rules and can release earnest money without the seller's signature, and typically have problem doing so in a case where it's clearly due back to the buyer.