Looking Into the Crystal Ball

Mike,

My market also has the distinction of becoming a destination for baby boomers in their retirement.  I only see a positive future for Del Norte County. 

Cool beans, Fran!  Thanks for being the first to comment.

Mike in Tucson

Mike - I so like your style.  Mike, why are you leaning to the right there? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

It is funny how you are using Hawaii as an example.  I live here in Hawaii and get to see the lava at times.  It relates to our market as you indicated.  There are times it flows and other when it just crawls along.

Great Post.

Candace,

Right-justifying my replies to comments allows me to scroll down quickly and get to the right spot.  It a visual aid for an old guy who can use all the help he can get.  LOL 
Thanks for the compliment; you're so encouraging!

Gary,

Thanks for visiting and commenting.  I'll be over to check out your blog.

Mike in Tucson

Perception is the operative word!  It is not about what is real in the marketplace, but the mind of the investor.  A difficult concept to share with folks.

Mike- Good post, and great comments. desperation, and optimism, I like your crystal Ball.

Mike:  There's no doubt in my mind that the market will turn around and that things are not all that bad to begin with.  Like you said with population growth and in my market, the onset of retired baby boomers, there's just one way and that's up!  Let's keep the positive energy flowing.

Mike, great post! The market here in Ft. Worth has seen the lava flow, but at a distance. I'm thankful I live here.

Mike, I am not thrilled that the goverment stepped into the mess.  I am not saying it is right or wrong because only time will tell.  As of now I am very nervous that a goverment that can't keep a balanced budget and can't understand PITI or YSP is going to rescue an industry.

Mike,

Population growth will indeed continue to support the housing market. 

And we in the Raleigh/Cary area also see relo's coming for reasons other than employment.

Good Post.

Mike - At least with Lava, people can see it coming.  Unless of course, it's falling from the sky.  I always appreciate your take on issues and your photos are always the best!

OK, you were scaring the heck out of me with that photo!

I am a little worried about when the Gov't gets involved with anything... we will see!

Mike GREAT Blog! Delaware is another great place for baby boomer's and retiree's alike taxes are low and we have the BEACH!  Many different beaches!  But the market is slow and the media certainly doesn't help us.

 Mike-  I keep saying the same thing about the area I am in. Living in Northern Virginia 30 or so miles from Washington DC there is no doubt that this area is going to continue to grow. There is a constant transplant of people in and out of here.

Sounds like our areas are similar.  Our economic base keeps growing even though residential resale real estate is going downwards.  Rentals and new construction are moving!  So are REOs!  Heck, anything priced "right"

Mike,  I agree, much of it is about perception.  But I do have major concerns about the gov't intervention and have to reiterate what Matthew says above.

Marc,

I'm with you and Matt when it comes to the government wanting to fix the markets.  In my opinion, most of the posturing is done for votes, not to really accomplish anything.  Where were these people when the market was booming?  Wouldn't you love to know how many Congressmen and Senators were flipping properties?

Renee,

I'm glad to hear that Las Vegas has a strong economic base.  Much success!

Sally,

You're  a new face.  I'll be over to your Northern Virginia blog in a moment to comment.  Thanks for stopping by.

Katie,

My Grandma used to own a rooming house in Rehobeth Beach. You live in a beautiful place.  Thanks for commenting.

Charles,

You have a right to be worried when politicians start messing with the market.  Thanks for commenting. 

Dan,

I have a processor who predicted this two years ago.  She started in the mortgage business during the RTC days of the Savings and Loan debacle, visiting brokers and uncovering fraud.  It's happening all over again, she said at the end of 2005.

Mike,

As a Gamecock, I have a hard time complimenting Tarheels.  But you're right on!  Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Matt,

Your comment struck a nerve with many of the readers and with me as well.  The government isn't any smarter than the market.  Thanks for coming by to comment.

Linda,

Another Texan!  The last time I was in Fort Worth was April of this year, and we drove right into the middle of a tornado.  You didn't have anything to do with that, did you?  LOL 

Donna,

You need to post more on Localism; the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia ought to have more press!  Thanks for commenting.

Mark,

Thank you! I appreciate your comments every time you stop by!

Ntsike,

People believe what they perceive.  That's why we need to be evangelists for this buyer's market.  It won't last.

Mike in Tucson

Mike - another excellent post! The population is also growing rapidly here in Florida-

Just yesterday a person asked me how the future looked...I said if I only had a crystal ball.  and then said do what is best for you and your family. 

Mike, I am really enjoying keeping up with your post and your information about the mortgage industry.  We are also in a growing market.  Lots of people move here because of our climate.  We do have the reputation for steamy summers but the rest of the year is wonderful!!!  I have heard that more and more baby boomers are going to be migrating to the warm climates.

As Gary said your use of the lava flow to tell your story was pretty neat.... it's crawling along but still moving :)

I have to be optimistic or I wouldn't be in the business. :)

Mike, another wonderful article.  Funny thing though, I was continuing my Scavenger Hunt and ended back here. . .and I don't get any points for this one.  Thanks for adding some fun to my day.

What needs to happen for the "meltdown" to stop/slow is the media machine with negative spins.  The house market is taking a hit over the past year but has still out performed the DOW over the past 5 years.  Yet when the DOW goes down, folks just say "correction." When the houseing market declines, it's a meltdown.

If you can send some of those EGG CARRIERS my way - I would be happy to show them around and find them a wonderful home that's just perfect for them!  :-)

(helps if you're logged in when you comment)!

Mike, Great post...Arizona is the best place to retire...

Oscar / Chandler Az

Oscar,

You're a new face, and from Arizona!  Thanks for stopping by to comment; I'll see you soon on your blog.

Dawn,

It's sure good to see you, whether you're logged in or not!  LOL

Scott,

I couldn't agree with you more, but it ain't gonna happen.  The news media thrive on headlines that frighten or titillate the reader.  Good news doesn't sell.

Jem,

You came full circle!  That's great!

Sally,

Your optimism shows on your blog!  Thanks for commenting.

Marchel,

You've picked a wonderful part of the country; boomers love Texas, and particularly the hill country.

Melanie,

... and just when you needed it, the crystal ball showed up!  Thanks for visiting and commenting.

Barbara Jo,

I think Florida is King of Retirement when it comes to Boomer snowbirds, isn't it?

Mike in Tucson

Hey Mike...I think the we have to wait and see what the rate freeze will affect...and who.

I've been reading that it could put a strangle on investors and make money even tighter. That certainly won't be a plus for the few good Buyers out there?

I love your analogy...

Mike , as usual I enjoy what you have to say.  The your thoughts on the buyer side is a good one.  They just are afraid that if they see something they like and buy now, that they are going to miss out a better deal and look foolish.

This business is and has always been and will always be, cyclical.  Changes will come about in regulations after each crisis but, botom line, sales will sontinue and mortgages will be written.

Balderdash. The media can't stop us from selling homes for a fair price. There are enough strong buyers out there that most spheres of influence won't be affected.

People were still financing homes at 18% interest rates back in the late 70's and early 80's just because they could. If you believe the media you could be doomed. I say balderdash. (not sure what that means but I think it insinuates cynicism) Terrific post Mike. The term "perceived risk" is great. Thanks. P.S. Well spoken facts are suppose to raise blood pressure. Deb

Debra,

Thanks for the compliment!  I was a real estate developer when interest rates were so high, back in the 70's and 80's.  Jimmy Carter was president.  And we all still did business in spite of the "stagflation."  

balderdash: senseless talk or writing.  bunk, drivel, piffle, poppycock, rubbish, twaddle

Gayle,

Amen!  What she said!

Stephanie,

At some level, we (as buyers) are all lemmings.

Joan,

Thanks for stopping by to comment.  Today's newspaper says that very few mortgages will actually be affected by this intervention.  The markets sure liked it, though.  We'll see what happens on Monday.

Mike in Tucson

Mike,
You are just too clever the way you have started formatting your comments.  I must admit I am thinking about doing it that way myself, sure does make it easy to differentiate readers' comments and bloggers' responses at a glance. 
I grew up in a construction/development family business and as far back as my memories go, it has been up and down.  It's just the nature of the real estate market.  Hang on tight everybody.

I hope it comes soon for the Norther Va area, which I believe it will , my crystal ball is still a little clouded.

Joey,

The cloudiness is on the outside of the ball.  You can clear it up with a little elbow grease.  LOL

Cynthia,

Do it.  It makes finding your spot so much easier.  I'm glad you're hanging on in this market.

Mike in Tucson