5.31.2006

===Real estate action shifting to middle America===
A new statistical analysis of housing price cycles in 100 major metropolitan areas suggests that real estate action is shifting to areas that didn’t enjoy the recent housing boom. Christopher L. Cagan, director of research and analytics for First American Real Estate Solutions, examined historical housing price movements and concluded that middle America markets like Columbus (OH), Indianapolis (IN), Houston (TX), San Antonio (TX), Memphis (TN), Atlanta (GA), Cincinnati (OH), Des Moines (IA) and Louisville (KY) are due for above-average price increases and home building because of expanding employment bases and moderate housing prices. Cagan also doesn’t believe what he calls the shooting stars of housing booms like most of California, Florida, Washington, D.C., New York City, or Boston are going to incinerate. He simply believes appreciation rates will dwindle to the low single digits or go flat for awhile as incomes catch up.
This is precisely what we heard at a Broker's forum a the Mid Year Conferences hosted by The National Association of REALTORS a couple of weeks ago. Time to buy in Middle America!
Chris

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