Wherever you’re investing, it’s vital that you have the market information you need in order to make smart, sound decisions.

Where can you go to keep your ear to the ground on what’s going on in your local real estate market?

Here are some suggestions…

1. The MLS will always be a go-to source of immediate data on critical factors such as properties on the market, asking prices, recent sales, time on the market and much more.  However, you may find that a mountain of raw data only goes so far when it comes to crafting long-term strategies.

2. Personal contacts are one of the richest sources of information.  Be sure you’re involved and connected.  Join your local real estate investing club.  If you can, get involved with civic clubs such as the Junior League and the Kiwanis, to network with movers and shakers in your community.

3. The Chamber of Commerce can provide you with data on local population and business.  They can also keep you in the know about planned developments or a new school — factors that can make a difference in your local market strategy.

The better informed you are about what’s going on in your market, the more effective — and profitable! — your investing strategy will be.  So make it a point to learn everything you can.

For more information on how you can escape the rat race for good and create lasting, generational wealth with real estate, download my FREE ebook, “How to Find Underpriced Properties: Secrets for Creating Wealth with Real Estate in ANY Economy.”