extremely helpful links from realtor.org!

If you want to get ahead of the real estate market it may be a good idea to check these links from Realtor.org.

                    "The apple does not fall far from the tree"

All market are best judged locally, but seeing the big picture helps us understand what's happening in our local real estate market (ex: West doing better than the Midwest).

Reports like these cost thousands of dollars as early as ten years ago.  We are extremely blessed that we don't have to pay a cent for this valuable information.

Why invest an hour browsing through these reports?

I won't be surprised if you'll know more than the real estate 'experts' on T.V. who speak opinions masked as facts.  Here you will get a firm grasp on what is really happening in the market, from pending home sales to consumer confidence.

EXISTING HOME SALES

Sales down 5.3 percent in January.  Superb graph showing U.S existing home sales history all the way from from 1990-2008.  See where the market peaked and if the market has yet to find a bottom.

PENDING HOME SALES

Pending home sales is considered a more trustworthy economic indicator.  Existing home sales could take three months before we get the final number.  Pending home sales take about a month.  Less lag time.

PHSI rose 2.11 percent to 82.10

NEW-HOME SALES

Moved into positive territory after a long trip on negative road.  Up 4.7% from last month.

HOUSING STARTS

Builders have more money to invest in market research than an average person.  We should take a second look on what they are doing, or even more important, what are they betting the market will do.  Though history has shown us that they can be foolish as well.  Use with caution.

Up a whopping 22.2%! in Feb 2009

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Example: Qualifying income of $47,904 could purchase a $217,400 home.  Note: use only as a guide.

GDP

Still feeling the bite of the recession. Down  6.5% from last Quarter.

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

Gives us an idea how willing people are willing to part with their hard-earned money.  Down 32.35% from a month ago

EMPLOYMENT SITUATION

Nearing the dreaded 10% unemployment mark.  Down by 663,000 jobs.