Location, location . . . or timing?

A house is many families’ biggest investment. But it may not always be the best. Here’s a look at a home from each of the last eight decades that has recently sold, what that house originally sold for and what that original full price would have returned had it been invested in the stock market, bonds or gold. In all but the most recent case, stocks beat out the other investments. Because most people buy homes with mortgages, they end up paying more than the original price, and they pay property taxes and upkeep. Those items are not factored into the figures in this chart. On the other hand, homes can provide tax deductions, and the owner gets a roof over his or her head. No matter how good the return, you can’t live in a stock index.