Does all the bad news about mortgage lenders have you nervous? If so, step back and put things in perspective.

Today’s Orlando Sentinel included an article titled “Not all lenders reeling from mortgage mess” and quoted Peggy Thomas, found and president of Thomas Mortgage & Financial Services.

Thomas said: “We’re a prime lender. … the prime market is not really affected by all the turmoil you’re hearing. It’s not a horrible market out there. People are buying houses like they’ve always bought houses. People need to move, they need to move up when their families have expanded, so life goes on and it’s still the same market.”

About investing in real estate, she said: “Investing in real estate is never risky … as long as it’s long term. It is not a liquid commodity, so it is never a short-term investment. Can you buy and flip? Of course, if you know what you’re doing, but that’s risky.”

It’s a good time to be investing in real estate, but get the education you need to make good decisions and reduce your risk.