The Real Estate Investment Society’s (REIS) Aug. 12 luncheon meeting will feature a discussion of current market conditions.

Real estate financing expert Robert Harry Jr. will explain the troubled state of the mortgage industry and reveal how several innovative financial initiatives, new to Southwest Florida, offer opportunity for astute real estate investors to strengthen their financial positions in today’s environment.

Among the financing strategies to be discussed are: currency mortgages, which allow U.S. citizens to finance residential investment properties based on foreign currency rates; selling options on future appreciation of current real estate holdings; and jumbo reverse mortgages.

Following the presentation, Harry will answer questions of specific interest to the real estate investment and development industry.

Harry has two decades of experience in the mortgage industry, including 10 years with Freddie Mac in California.

In Florida, Harry formed and managed the correspondent mortgage lending division for a Netherlands based bank, later founding an independent mortgage company, Naples Classic Mortgage.

The meeting begins at 11:45 a.m. in the Osprey Room at the Pelican Preserve Clubhouse, on Colonial Blvd. at Treeline Ave. in Fort Myers.

Admission is $25 for members and $35 for guests, which includes lunch.

Reservations and payment are required by Aug. 6 and may be made by visiting www.reis-swfl.org.