What? Home Values Appreciating? I haven't heard that on the news!

I had a professor in college who said:

"Statistics are like bikini's. What they reveal may be interesting ,but what they cover up is crucial!".

Truer words were never spoken! For example, (from the article linked below):

Florida prices were off 5.3% from last year and 12.4% from the previous quarter. Which sounds worse? Down 5.3% or 12.4%? If you want it to sound bad, just pick the latter.

We all know that in the media world "what bleeds, sells". There is no drama if the news isn't bad, I guess. Ironically, I have been involved in a number of community meeting that a local news station has sponsored to find out what "we like, don't like, and want in our local news reporting". Every single time, the RESOUNDING consensus is that "we want more good news"! What a concept! You mean we don't want to be completely depressed by our local media providers every day when we wake up and every night at dinner???

I can only speak for our area (which we are very lucky to be in!), but people here are saying "I don't know if I should buy_____ right now, they say the economy is going to get worse". They are NOT saying " I've lost my job", or "I can't afford it" (unless they are a builder, lender, Broker. or small business owner!).

I've said it before, the consumer needs the real "unspun" truth. They need be advised against making bad choices. We don't serve them by not doing so. HOWEVER, it is also our responsibility to make sure that they don't miss out on opportunities! There are loads opportunities out there to generate real wealth right now, and we owe it to ourselves, our clients and our community, to spread the word and to not allow the media, or anyone else screaming "the sky is falling" to rob us of not only opportunities, but of the ability to sleep at night!

Our clients need us to give them truthful advise, valid information, and most of all, hope and confidence! If we don't, who else will!

Need proof? Look at these stats...Yes some numbers are pretty bleak, but many aren't nearly as bad as you think!

In the Raleigh-Cary area, our appreciation rate (1yr) is at +4.84%!

Home Prices by Metro Area - MSN Money 8/26/08