Better Homeowners
Helping homeowners when they buy, sell and all the years in between.

A Solid Hedge Against Inflation - 5/14/2025

In times of economic uncertainty, real estate stands out as one of the most reliable ways to protect your wealth. Unlike stocks or bonds, real estate is a tangible asset with intrinsic value that retains its worth even during economic fluctuations. Its physical nature provides stability, making it a safe and dependable investment.

Over the past six decades, homes have soared, at an astounding annual compounded growth rate of 5.48%.  In 1963, the average home price was $19,300 and at the end of 2024, the average home price was $501,100.  In parallel, rent has steadily risen at 3.88% annually.  Inflation during the same 60-year period averaged 3.7%.

Historically, property values tend to appreciate over time, often outpacing inflation and preserving purchasing power. This appreciation not only builds equity but also ensures that your investment grows along with or ahead of inflationary pressures. Additionally, real estate investments can generate rental income, which typically rises alongside inflation, providing a steady stream of revenue to offset increasing costs.

For homebuyers, a fixed-rate mortgage offers a significant advantage during inflationary periods. Locking in a consistent monthly payment protects against rising housing costs, allowing homeowners to budget with confidence. At the same time, housing shortages in many markets help sustain property demand, supporting long-term value even when the economy experiences shifts.

Diversifying your investments with real estate also helps reduce overall financial risk. Property ownership adds balance to your portfolio and shields your wealth from the volatility often seen in other asset classes like stocks. Plus, real estate offers tax advantages, such as deductions for mortgage interest and property depreciation, which enhance returns and further mitigate inflation's impact.

Finally, real estate provides a unique combination of stability and growth potential. It is less volatile than many other investments and serves as a long-term store of value, making it a reliable asset during inflationary periods. Whether you're a homeowner or an investor, real estate remains a solid choice for safeguarding your financial future.

Real estate offers a powerful hedge against inflation, combining stability, long-term growth potential, and unique financial benefits. From appreciating property values to tax advantages and fixed-rate mortgage protections, investing in a home ensures your money works for you, even in uncertain economic times. Now is the time to explore how real estate can protect your wealth and provide lasting value.

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Mary Anne Windes CCIM, CRB, CRS, GRI, RRS, e-PRO Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. www.Destin-Real-Estate.com (850) 803-2211 BK583540 Mary Anne Windes, age 64, is a lifelong FWB/Destin resident. She grew up in Fort Walton Beach riding, training, and showing horses while she attended school. She earned an AA degree in Business Administration at Okaloosa-Walton Junior College and obtained her BA in Accounting from the University of West Florida with the help of a tennis scholarship. She has been married for 40 years to Capt. Kelly Windes. They have two grown children, ages 37 and 36, and four grandchildren. Mary Anne's early career in accounting started in auditing and setting up new businesses. She has put those strengths to work for her family setting up and managing 16 separate businesses including 10 various types of commercial boats, three real estate companies, a marina, and a few retail ventures, plus she's helped with several political campaigns. An active community leader, she was a two-time Chairman of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority appointed for two terms by Governor Jeb Bush, President of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Chairman of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing to receive the first F35 jets at Eglin AFB, Chairman of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, Chairman of the Miss Destin Pageant for 4 years, and Chairman, leader, or member of various other community boards, committees, and special projects. She has been a weekly usher at her church for over twenty years and co-teaches the Crown Financial Ministry series. Her primary vocation is real estate where she handles both commercial and residential transactions for friends and referrals. She is the broker and owner of Real Estate Professionals of Destin, an independent boutique real estate company located on the Destin Harbor for 30 years and Real Estate Professionals of NW FLA, Inc. She holds various distinguished designations in real estate that signify excellence, education, and experience. She was acknowledged for her achievements four times by receiving the coveted Realtor of the Year award conveyed by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors for Destin in 1997, overall in 2010, for Destin in 2010, and for Commercial in 2022 as well as the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Women's Council of Realtors. She loves spending time with family and friends, a challenge, any type of furry pets, exercising, and Russell Stover's chocolate. Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter