Westward Fund Mission Strategy Why the SW The Team Income

Arizona has the 3rd highest foreclosure rate in the nation according to data released by Realty Trac in January of '09. The Phoenix area has shown a 53% decline in home prices since its peak in June of 2006,
which presents an attractive opportunity for the savvy investor. Arizona— Phoenix in particular— is a popular destination for families and businesses. Between 2000 and 2006 Maricopa County grew by
696,000, the largest numerical increase of any county in the nation. A recent Census Bureau report indicates that Arizona will be the fourth fastest growing state in the U.S. by percentage of population. Tourists spend
approximately $4 billion a year in Arizona.

California’s sunny climate, beautiful mountains, ocean scenery, and international corporate presence continue to attract new residents. The State ranked second in percentage of foreclosures during 2008, according to RealtyTrac. The U.S. Census Bureau expects 15 percent of the nation's population to live
in California by 2025, with international migration contributing significantly to the State's growth. The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate ranks Los Angeles as the fourth most attractive city in the U.S. for investment.

Texas has not been immune to the foreclosure epidemic. According to RealtyTrac, it ranked 26th in foreclosures in 2008. Cities in Texas twice made Kiplinger's top ten list of "Best Cities to Live, Work and Play", with Houston ranking first and Austin, sixth. Dallas-Fort Worth grew by over 162,000 residents between July of 2006 and July of 2007, more than any other metropolitan area. The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate ranked Houston as the country's fourth most attractive city for investors.

Nevada’s foreclosure rate is number one in the nation for 2008, according to RealtyTrac. In one study, Nevada ranked as the country's fifth best state in which to start a business.  The Census Bureau projects that the State will grow by 114 percent between 2000 and 2030, capturing the fastest growth in the nation.

Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Californiahave been strategically targeted by ECG. These states have some of the highest foreclosure rates in the world. While this creates very attractive price points, the prominence and fundamental strength of these states point to the probability of a faster return to economic stability and growth. Each state has an appealing climate, and the U.S. Census Bureau projects that each will be among the ten fastest growing states through 2025. These states are also prime targets for international investors. According to the 17th Annual Report of the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE) released in January of 2009, the U.S. ranks "as the country with the best opportunity for capital appreciation" and provides "the most stable and secure real estate investments". Note that while these statistics are focused on housing, they often correlate highly with trends in commercial, land, and industrial markets.