The cup is half full; new statistics show home prices stabilizing.

I just heard an interview on Fox Business where a representative of Corelogic offered statistics on home prices. Apparently their statistics were in line with other sources so I tend to believe them. The good news is nationwide housing prices declined by only 5% in 3rd qtr 2010. Decline is not good but 5% compared to as much as 24% earlier in the year is great.

Even better, the rate of decline for non-distressed properties nationwide was only 2%; good news for homeowners who have been able to keep the mortgages currrent and aren't upside down. That would mean price declines for distressed properties must be between 5-10% which I think is also good news. In our Springfield and Branson market I'm accustomed to seeing distressed properties being prices as much as 25% lower than non-distressed.

In general non- distressed homes for sale in Springfield Mo and homes for Sale in Branson Mo are selling for 96% of asking price which is a bit of a shock for out of state buyers. Our economy is strong, we're putting in new infrastructure, new business, new homes and some employers are hiring hundreds at a time. That's great for those of us who are already here but means we Realtors have to play counselor for our out of state buyers.

I know there are many other local economies like ours around the country and wish we'd hear more about them as a counterpoint to broadcast media hype. Their glass is not only 1/2 empty it's about to shatter and chards of glass will explode in their face.

Everyone, write about your good news. Here and everywhere else you write.