Socially Responsible Real Estate Investing

There are many ways to practice socially responsible real estate investing. In this article I will outline what I believe to be the best way to invest in real estate in a socially responsible manner.

I run into all kinds of people, many of whom are less than charitable when they find out I own rental property, and that I also flip houses and mobile homes. I frequently find myself disagreeing with those same people about just what socially responsible real estate investing means. For some strange reason, many people are predisposed to look down on those who engage in such capitalistic endeavors. Often, these are the same people who benefit from one or more of the many government programs that my tax dollars support.

Here’s what I mean when I talk about socially responsible real estate investing.

I am a man of my word, so when I say I’m going to do something, I make every effort to do it. This applies to offers I make on properties, promises I make to tenants, and agreements I make with contractors and service providers. In my mind, there is no more powerful way to engage in socially responsible real estate investing.

Being a landlord and property investor makes me a productive member of my local economic community. I strongly support and add to the tax base, and help provide a healthy living to several Realtors, contractors, and service providers. I also bank locally, and contribute to my local Real Estate Investor club. These are all great ways to pursue socially responsible real estate investing.

In addition, I provide clean, safe, affordable housing to several tenants, including children and senior citizens. I also provide housing to those in the lower income brackets through HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8. Providing this type of housing is another powerful way to practice socially responsible real estate investing.

There are those who believe that in order to practice socially responsible real estate investing, one needs to provide free housing to the deserving poor. I do not agree with that assessment. The Bible says, “The laborer is worthy of his hire,” and certainly that applies to property owners. I commend those who choose to be charitable, but I do not believe it should be legislated. It needs to come from the heart, and be supported by a consistent practice of sound business principles.

That attitude, and the underlying economic practices, are reasons why the United States of America has been, and continues to be, the most charitable nation on the face of the earth. Practicing socially responsible real estate investing isn’t the result of some feel good nonsense, but rather the application of wise investing habits and moral consistency.

Now, go make more offers!

Tom
DealFiles.com