Mixed reactions from the River North Area of Austin Texas.  The number of homes on the market continued its downward trend with a reduction of 7% from last year; though, closings were down 6% from last September.  It is pretty tough to make any assumptions based on one month, but the reduction in closings is a red flag that needs to be watched.  Last October we saw the implosion of the financial markets that took a major toll in the closings in November through this past May.  If the market is beginning a recovery we should see substantial closing increases during these same upcoming months.

The fear that still resides is the possibility of a double dip recession, whereby the market makes a modest stabilization, and then takes a second fall.  What I am watching closely is the lagging indicator of unemployment numbers.  Though it is a lagging indicator, it does help give one an idea of the direction in which the country or area HAS been going.  At this time we are not seeing any positive change in unemployment numbers and this will remain a concern.

I, nor any economist, can not accurately predict where an economy is going as it is virtually impossible to predict global human behavior from BILLIONS of people.  Bottom line is that we need to see job growth before we can see a serious recovery.  At this point the stock market and real estate market are improving and that is very good news.  The question arises as to whether this will continue, or will job creation start in the upcoming months and we will see stronger growth, or will we see a double dip recession and see a reversal of our improved economy.   So far, optimism remains good; and, optimism can create positive movement, as pessimism can create negative movement.

So the advice I can give is to pass on optimism.  It is contagious.

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River North Area sales averages about $516,000 per home and includes, BUT is not limited to, the following communities:

• River Place on Lake Austin
• Steiner Ranch
• Westminster Glen
• Villa Montana
• Grandview Hills/The Parke
• Glenlake Estates/River Pointe
• Long Canyon
• Greenshores
• Shepherd Mountain