NEWS: ("Cherry-picked" positive real estate news)

REAL ESTATE INVESTING

Despite the sluggish economy, investors this year are putting their money into funds that invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs), a turn-around of recent trends. A total of $1.23 billion flowed into domestic REIT funds in the first three months of the year, according to new research. Read the full story: HERE

BUYER'S REAL ESTATE MARKET

It can't be a slow market for sellers without it also being a dynamic market for buyers. Buyers have lots of homes to choose from, time to browse, and, typically, the advantage in negotiations. Read the full story: HERE.

HOMEOWNERSHIP

The American Dream lives. According to a survey from AOL Real Estate and Zogby International, 31 percent of respondents believe their home is worth more than it was a year ago, and 56 percent do not think their home will be worth less in five years; 69 percent consider real estate to be a viable investment. Read the full story: HERE.

MARKET WATCH: GAINESVILLE

In Gainesville, some positive signs have recently emerged about median home prices and existing home sales. "I think we're heading in the right direction," says Craig McCall, president-elect of the Gainesville Alachua County Association of Realtors. More buyers, McCall says, are beginning to look at properties, and agents are starting to receive more offers. Read the full story HERE:


FLORIDA: GOOD FOR BUSINESS

A new study by Pollina Corporate Real Estate ranks Florida high on its list of the most business-friendly states in the country. Florida ranked No. 2 in the firm's fifth annual rankings, judged on such factors as taxes, utility rates and economic incentives to persuade big companies to move in. Florida scored high for employment growth, low corporate income tax rates and the absence of a personal income tax. North Carolina ranked No. 1. Other states in the top 10 include Virginia, South Carolina, Wyoming, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, Utah and Kansas. Chicago-based Pollina specializes in helping companies relocate.

Source: Miami Herald (04/03/08)
© Copyright 2008 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

STUDY SAYS: MILD HOUSING RECOVERY ON THE WAY

It looks like the housing market may have hit bottom, setting the stage for a mild housing recovery to begin prior to year-end 2008, according to a new study by SMR Research Corp. The market's recovery is likely to be gradual, with house prices merely firming up or increasing slightly, rather than returning to the strong growth seen from 2002 to mid-2006, the firm said. An SMR study was among the first to declare (in 2002) that a housing price bubble existed, defined as prices rising faster than consumer incomes. In a 2004 study, SMR forecast that a "perfect storm" in credit quality would cause an explosion in foreclosures within two years. SMR specializes in mortgage and home equity loan industry research. "Our prior forecasts were accurate but widely disbelieved when issued," says SMR President Stuart A. Feldstein. "We similarly expect a skeptical reaction now to a recovery forecast, which is not the common view. But the numbers are what they are." The new recovery forecast was published within SMR's annual spring study. "Homes are now affordable again," Feldstein says. "Consumer psychology is the biggest remaining hurdle to recovery."
© 2008 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

GREAT TIME TO BUY

Intrepid home shoppers are venturing back into some of the nation's hardest-hit real estate markets in Florida and elsewhere, convinced they can cherry-pick good deals amid broad price declines. "My feeling," says Chris Bluntzer with Town & Country Real Estate Services in Miami, "is that the smart money is stepping in.". Read the full story HERE.

PENDING HOME SALES UP IN LEE COUNTY IN FEBRUARY.
Read the full story HERE


TIME TO BUY

Too many buyers are focusing on home prices and waiting to jump into the market, afraid that a property bought today will be worth less tomorrow. But rising mortgage rates should also be a concern, and many potential buyers could find themselves out of luck if they wait much longer. Read the full story HERE

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

Investors who bought housing stocks at the beginning of the year made money. As the Federal Reserve started cutting interest rates, the stocks of several home builders started to rise dramatically; and some analysts believe it signals sunnier days ahead for the entire housing industry. Read the full story HERE.