When you are referring to spec builds and market volatility, are you referring properties for sale or rentals?

The stock market has had wild fluctuations in recent years, so capital investment groups look for other commodities that are less volatile or can be controlled more easily.

Fees, volatility and lack of access to capital all helped make my decision.If you are looking for diversification, well real estate offers multiple markets, asset classes and strategies.

Have you been forced to change your strategy because of this volatile market? 

My broker allows me to borrow 50% against my stock value at a very low rate; note the percent that I can borrow against the stocks reflects the volatility of the stocks.  

Again, not as good as a couple years ago, but better than I'd likely see from the stock market or any other low-volatility, low-risk asset class over the next decade.- On top of all of this, the property and rent provide a great hedge against inflation and the leverage provides a great opportunity due to inflation.

The problem is that there is SO MUCH volatility you can not use it as a medium of exchange for anything.

I don not know how many of you are aware of the historic vote in Italy today Sunday 4th (see news & Twitter).The Italian referendum to vote "No" has already started to affect news of stock markets becoming volatile.

LTV: 75%Proceeds: 150,000 loan balanceClosing cost: ~ 3300 USDEscrow RE Tax and Insurance30-Year Fix at 4.75%0.375% point upfrontInvestment property My credit profile is quite strong (750+ plus score and all debt service is less than 25% after tax income)Recent market has been so volatile so I don't have a good feel of where the market is at. 

High volatility makes option premium extremely high and it's easy to sell for good profits.Matt