Real Estate Continues as Prime Investment for 2006 RISMEDIA, Dec. 27 — Real estate remains a top choice among investors for continued growth in the New Year. According to BetterInvesting's Voice of the American Shareholder (VOAS) poll, the real estate industry is surpassed only by energy as a leading investment opportunity. More than 1,000 investors participated in the most recent VOAS poll. It is the second consecutive year that real estate has commanded a spot as one of the top investment choices in the survey, having debuted last year as number one. The volatility of the real estate industry during 2005 has been widely debated, particularly in regard to the market slowdown in the latter half of the year. VOAS respondents were not deterred in their investment choices despite industry analysts' forecasts of an even wider slowdown in 2006. Bradley J. Crandall, Chairman of the Board of Help-U-Sell(R) Real Estate, says, "The results of the VOAS poll indicate that investors from both East and West coasts view real estate as a strong investment. It's not surprising then that real estate agents continue to obtain listings and alternative models continue to expand nationally and capture a greater market share. "Consumer-driven alternative models are here to stay, regardless of how hard the traditional real estate community tries to impede their entrance into the marketplace," says Crandall. "These models are growing because they offer options to homeowners and real estate investors that allow them to keep more of the equity - and when you're investing, it's all about ROI." Investors also anticipate that real estate models that offer options will experience continued growth, and feel that the real estate market will continue to be an attractive venture. RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.