Is it time to “store” your money?

The odds are that you—or someone you know—rent a self-storage unit. We can make this statement with confidence because statistics show that nearly 1 out of every 10 US households currently rents a self-storage unit, an increase from 1 out of 17 households in 1995(A). The self storage industry has been the fastest growing sector of the US commercial real estate industry over the last 30 years, and has grown by 65% in the last 12 years alone. This dramatic expansion is being driven by people in transition, caused by such factors as:

• Downsizing of residential property
• Small businesses reducing their use of commercial property
• Baby Boomers retiring
• Job relocation
• Military employment

Property investments continue to be sensitive to today’s economic conditions. Based on historical data provided by the NAREIT(B), the self-storage industry has proven to be particularly resilient to economic downturns, and self-storage is emerging as an investment opportunity that is defensive in nature. As you conduct your year-end portfolio review you may want to consider whether now is a good time to begin to “store” a portion of your assets and invest in the self-storage industry.

(A)Self-Storage Association “Industry Fact Sheet” (1/08)
(B)NAREIT – National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. www.REIT.com

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of NFP Securities, Inc., A Broker/Dealer and Member FINRA SIPC Investment Advisory Services offered through Investment Advisory Representatives of NFP Securities, Inc. a Federally Registered Investment Advisor NFP Securities, Inc. is not affiliated with Integrity First Financial Services, PC.