[Sylvanfan]

The thing with 2010 and beyond is that it's predicted that a lot of boomers are going to start taking their money out of growth investments (stocks) and look for guaranteed fixed income. The stock market will likely go down in value as a result because there is a predicted imbalance of sellers to buyers. But it's also going to flood the market with lending capital that people want a fixed rated of return on which is also going to create competition in the lending bussiness and keep rates low. Still thats 5 years until the front end of a 19 year cohort that maxes out 12 years into that cycle starts retiring. If energy costs and the basic cost of living remains high I'd suspect that many of these boomers will opt to stay in the work force longer, and as a result keep their money in growth type investments which might bridge the gap between the boomers and the echo generation to avoid the deflation and the like that hit Japan hard. Even if the North American market has a downturn there are going to be emerging markets in China, India, South America and other regions where there will be the oppurtunity for a good capital return. Thats where a good financial advisor should be able to direct you.

Land will likely continue to rise in value, but in 5 years when all the baby boomers kids have left and they no longer desire these 4-5 bedroom homes. The market is going to be flooded with these things and this house that costs $400k today will likely cost about that same amount when theres no longer a crazy demand for these houses. Real estate is similar to equities where you have to be a step ahead of the market in order to maximize your return. If you follow the pack, and do what everyone else is doing you've likely missed out on making the big money.