The recent stock market “correction” had a lot of people checking their 401K statements and rethinking their short- and long-term investment plans. Yet one unique investment strategy — investing in real estate through a self-directed custodial IRA — continues to provide an outstanding return and, perhaps more importantly, peace of mind for cautious investors.

“Finding sound investment properties in the Western New York marketplace is quite possible with the correct planning and execution,” said Michael Olear, licensed broker with The Olear Team/MJ Peterson Real Estate. “There are many great opportunities right now for smart investors to purchase real estate, build a stable retirement portfolio and amass wealth.

Licensed Real Estate Agent Paul Blake, a resident of South Buffalo, has opened Blake Realty Group LLC, an independent real estate brokerage firm serving Western New York and focusing on the South Buffalo community.

A real estate agent for nine years, Blake began his professional career as an investor. “I’ve owned and managed multiple rental properties in South Buffalo for 15 years,” said Blake, who earned an MBA from the University at Buffalo. “I understand the rental/investment market and have a vested interest in seeing the neighborhood, where I live with my family, continue to thrive. I have a passion for real estate and South Buffalo, and I am also very knowledgeable of the Southtowns having grown up in Orchard Park.”

Erie County, NY- County Clerk Chris Jacobs and County Executive Mark Poloncarz want to caution all Erie County property owners to watch for misleading solicitations offering to sell you a "Certified Copy of Your Deed". The company issuing such notices is titled New York Record Retrieval, Inc., and is dramatically overcharging homeowners for this service by as much as 1000%.

“I want to inform the citizens of Erie County that the entities marketing such requests are not at all related to the County Clerk’s Office or any other department inside Erie County government,” said Clerk Jacobs. “If you receive one of these letters, you should disregard it. A certified copy of your deed is always available from the County Clerk’s Office.”