Slow Housing Market Has Little Effect on Investment Choices for Self-Directed Investors: Guidant Survey Shows Real Estate is Still the Most Popular Ch

Bellevue, WA (PRWEB) October 8, 2007 -- Guidant Financial Group, a leading provider of self-directed IRA services, recently conducted a survey that provided valuable data on self-directed investment trends. Results gave insight into which investments are getting the most traction in this niche market, given the current economic situation.

The survey was completed by nearly 1,000 self-directed IRA holders and individuals actively seeking self-directed IRAs across the country. Respondents were asked, among other things, what types of investments they were considering with a self-directed IRA. Despite the housing market experiencing its first downturn in several years, Guidant's survey results reveal that investors still consider real estate as their top investment option.

Almost 65 percent of respondents cited investment property as an investment option they are considering for their retirement savings, while close to 60 percent selected rental properties. Foreclosures and pre-foreclosures rounded out the top three with more than 36 percent of respondents considering these investments.

"These numbers provide valuable insight into the minds of investors," says David Nilssen, president and CEO of Guidant Financial Group. "It demonstrates that, although the real estate market is experiencing a downturn, many still continue to view real estate as a secure and viable means to growing their nest egg."

The survey also showed that traditional stocks and bonds ranked very low on the list of choices for investors; only 7 percent noted securities as a self-directed IRA investment under consideration.

Below are the top-10 self-directed IRA investments of choice:

1.    Investment property (64.3%)

2.    Rental property (59.4%)

3.    Foreclosures and pre-foreclosures (36.2%)

4.    Tax liens and deeds (29.0%)

5.    Raw land (28.2%)

6.    Business/franchise (22.8%)

7.    Hard money lending (22%)

8.    Notes (19.3%)

9.    Vacation property (19%)

10.    Foreign investments (10.4%)

Since 1974, IRA and 401(k) account holders have had the option to personally control the ways in which their retirement monies are invested. Real estate-related investments (i.e., commercial, rental and foreign properties, foreclosures, etc.) are among a long list of options available to the self-directed IRA investor. Because these investments are made on behalf of the retirement account (just like the IRA investing in stocks and bonds), real estate acquisitions can be made without triggering a taxable event. The self-directed IRA market is projected to double over the next five years.

About Guidant Financial Group

Guidant Financial Group is the premier provider of self-directed IRAs and business-funding solutions through IRAs and 401(k)s. Guidant's services allow investors the freedom to make investments in real estate, franchises, businesses, tax liens and more by accessing their retirement accounts without penalty before retirement age. For more information on Self-directed IRAs or Business Financing please visit www.guidantfinancial.com.

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