We hope that early 2010 finds you well.  As the new year is now in full stride, we are excited about the prospects for the real estate market.  It appears we have survived the worst of it - especially when we take time to think back about just how difficult 2009 truly was.  The crisis of confidence that shook the foundation of home ownership was unprecedented as the first half of the year resulted in some of the lowest sales levels and prices in recent memory.

As we write this it appears that some level of stability is returning.  Government incentives should keep first time buyers and some repeat buyers active in the market through the first portion of the year.  Stability in the financial markets should yield low interest rates that enable the many home buyers, who have delayed decisions, to become active in the market again.

Unit volume is much improved from last year, providing prospective sellers the with opportunity to move on (literally and figuratively) albeit at below record prices of years past.

We do see the current market as an opportunity to bring well priced homes to the market for sale. We also see value creation for buyers who can bring confidence and liquidity to the transaction.

Home prices, value and real estate trends are elements of this newsletter.  We trust you find the information interesting and helpful.