While the stock market can be extremely explosive and subject to radical day to day shifts in value based upon economic news, oil prices, and political instability around the world, real estate is remarkably stable and has consistently trended upwards in value for the last 100 years.

I work in the oil industry and there are many millionaires out here because of 401k.

New Mexico oil patch country is a real gamblers paradise (I know I live there).  

Covered with latex kilz (not even the oil based original which is better) and the smell was gone.

You'll need a Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement too, you want to make sure nothing was on the property that could cause a disaster cleanup (oil dumped, etc.)

Eastern Montana was hot a long with oil.

Just a friendly reminder to you property owners out on BP.We americans are adamant about taking our cars in for service and oil changes on time.

In a way this is good news since it may portend the end of the oil glut, but for all of those oil field workers, oil companies and suppliers this reflects a lot of pain.  

Welcome Damian,I'm in NO too, and in the oil/gas business, as well as real estate investment.  

Try to stay around positive and optimistic people they will tend to look for solutions as some will just bring out and highlight the problems in a market.Houston is experiencing great positive growth in their luxury home market.In Houston you can get a decent read on the Real estate market by what goes on with the oil industry.I pray you have a prosperous career.