realestate

Charlie Munger: Homeownership for families, Invest RE Without Buying

Single folks: I don't care if they ever own a home.

M
oneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may receive commissions from links in this article. Charlie Munger, the investment titan who died at 99 on November 28, 2023, left a lasting legacy through Berkshire Hathaway and his partnership with Warren Buffett. His blend of wit and clarity turned complex ideas into memorable aphorisms that still influence investors today. One of his well‑known stances was that homes belong to those who intend to live in them; at the 1998 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting he quipped, “The single people, I don't care if they ever get a house.” Despite marital status, real estate remains a premier wealth‑building vehicle for middle‑class families, with roughly 45 % of U.S. household net worth tied to primary residences and an even larger share linked to real‑estate investments.

    Investors should view property as a long‑term asset. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, becoming a landlord can start for as little as $100—no tenant hassles or repairs required. Dave Ramsey warns that nearly half of Americans are committing a major Social Security error; he offers three quick fixes. A 49‑year‑old with no retirement savings need not panic; six simple strategies can accelerate catching up.

    Owning a primary home is often the biggest investment a person makes. Leveraging mortgage debt lets homeowners build equity as values rise, turning monthly payments into a forced savings plan that explains why so much net worth is tied to real estate. For those wanting to broaden their residential holdings or save for a down payment, new platforms simplify entry. Accredited investors can tap the $36 trillion U.S. home‑equity market through Homeshares, a space once reserved for institutions.

Charlie Munger discusses family homeownership and investing in real estate.