I tend to take the longer view and I think a lot of the metro areas are a bit overbuilt, and overbought, by out of town speculators, from the look of all the "for rent" signs I see in some areas.In the last 4 years I sold 3 Houston houses that had been built in the (high oil price) boom of the early '80s.

No need to speculate, sorry that happened to you.

When it comes to the repairs it's definitely speculation.

(less than 3 miles on each end) We are looking to just buy-hold speculating on future development.

It was more of a speculative market.

@Bill Cippola Thanks for posting...90% of real estate agents really add zero value to the transaction...I spend most mornings reporting agents for being dishonest...they are the root cause for speculation and increased housing prices...neighborhoods that I don't care to drive through are now "the hottest area in the city"...and I can't tell you how many agents take advantage of unsuspecting consumers and tie their property up in a contract without providing the most basic of listing services...the commission issue is really just the tip of the iceberg.

The low rates did what they were supposed to do, which was keep the economy going, but they were kept there for far too long, and speculation in real estate was rampant.

We can speculate but that doesn't do much good not knowing word for word what is in the contract.

But, all is speculation till I grasp the latest market up trends.Hello James.

Should the return be much higher on such a speculative venture?