Baby Boomers Thriving on Real Estate

America's first "baby boomer" filed for Social Security benefits last week, and 80 million more are expected to follow over the next two decades. As they begin to reach retirement age, new research shows that the majority of boomers are financially stable due in part to high rates of real estate ownership.The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the overall rate of home ownership among Americans is 69 percent, but nearly eight in ten boomers own their own home. What's more, over 25 percent own at least one other piece of property, according to a study commissioned by the National Association of Realtors, "Baby Boomers and Real Estate: Today and Tomorrow."These investments are helping give baby boomers unprecedented financial stability. Their median household net worth is $149,500, two thirds of which can be attributed to home equity. Boomers say real estate is a key to securing their futures, with 96 percent of respondents touting home ownership as a good financial investment.The majority of baby boomers surveyed rely on Realtors to help with the home buying process, especially to represent their interests and explain the closing process from beginning to end. Take heed from "the greatest real estate generation"