Ron,

I totally agree with you. In fact, I just posted a rant to my own blog that said basically what you said, (only you said it better). As a real estate agent who has seen double digit interest rates and several market corrections, I get frustrated with all of the "doom and gloom" that I have read and viewed on TV over the past year or so. Like you, I was out yesterday showing a couple of buyers houses and I got a couple more phone calls from potential buyers who wanted to see a couple more of my listings. Showing of my listings have been good, the weather has affected my business more than anything lately.

Anyway, thanks for saying what I said, only better.

Regards and best wishes for a succesful 2007 to all,

Gary Morris

Visit: www.indygm.com

I agree it is localized. We are seeing a "cooling down" here, but it is still "good". It is unrealistic to expect prices to rise sharply forever. A more reasonable market is good for the avoidance of huge ups and downs. I think we are seeing an adjustment. The fact is that population growth is enough to keep us busy for years.

Some areas get caught in the big swings, some areas lose popularity, some areas benefit from baby-boomer retirement movement, some are hurt by it, some areas are affected negatively by macro-economic shifts as industries change, some are affected positively. Two things seem to be certain, change and house buying.

Even in areas that experience a downturn, the local real estate market will adjust and players who are doing a good job will continue to be successful. In areas where the downturn is not based on fundamentals, but is more more buyer-psychology driven, there are opportunities for investment.

I am an eternal optimist. But, I think it is more than optimism; it is realistic to expect growth in this country. I mean, look around, do things look horrible? I say, NO.

Good post, Ron.

I also agree with you Mr Ron, usually the media exaggerates about alot things, they need to sale and keep peoples attentions.

I believe is local and personal effort, I guess sometimes we rule our own market.

Good post Chao

I agree with you Ron.  #2 describes Michigan right now.  But don't you think that the media puts a negative spin on the market whenever they can? I believe our business is driven by consumer confidence. The media not only reports what they see, they love to cast shadows of gloom and doom. How do we convince the media to give us a break! Report some of the good stuff, and be optomistic for once!

Carol

The media is always about 6 months behind....  

OK - at least 3 months.

Reporting from Detroit.  Anybody have a rope and a step ladder?

There's an A** for every seat so to speak. Right now my customers are investors, so we are very active!

It is simple. There is,has been, and always will be a need for housing. Sometimes more than others. As long as people need shelter (a basic neccessity) we will have a job. Now whether we can support our own family on what we take home is a whole other story.

Definitely agree. Real estate always has been VERY local, always will be. That doesn't mean we aren't all affected by the national reporting, but each market area is driven and influenced by different forces.

Al, Don't Do It Buddy.....  Keep feet on the Ground, Move to the southern or western part of the state if you have to.... But leave the ropes and stepladders at home, ok...  

Al,  spring is almost here, green grass, flowers and lots of sun on its way in Michigan! Use that ladder to climb out of the hole that we have been working in and lasoo those buyers with the rope and bring them in!

Al, I'm in Michigan too and feel your stress. I just keep waiting and hoping for the best. It cant be this slow forever.