There are a lot of sighs of relief now that 2009 is past, particularly coming from the real estate industry.

But will 2010 be any better?

I have just dusted off my crystal ball... and I can now offer my annual 10 predictions for real estate in the coming year:

1. The residential housing market will pick up early this year, but will dip again after mid-year.

2. Short sales will increase and foreclosure inventory will continue to rise.

3. Mortgage rates will rise and settle in around 6%+/-.

4. Appraisal guidelines will tighten and mortgage lenders will require stellar credit from buyers.

5. A lot of prospective move-up buyers will stay put.

6. Commercial real estate will continue to decline.

7. Builders will continue to be cautious and not in any particular hurry to gain project approvals or begin construction.

8. New construction prices will drop significantly.

9. Prices will continue to decline on higher end properties (over $1.5 million).

10. The terms "communication" and "service" will take on new meanings among real estate agents with the need for more direct contact with clients, such as phone and face-to-face contact as opposed to Internet, email and voicemail communication.

There you have it. Perhaps not the rosiest picture imaginable, but no one said that climbing out of a recession would be easy... or quick. Take a look at the graph below and you will see why. I would put us somewhere between the "depression" and "hope" positions of the graph.

The good news?

A lot of real estate transactions will take place in 2010, despite the market. Reasonable sellers, savvy buyers and service-centered real estate agents will win the day.

Carpe Diem! Make it a great year!

Real Estate Cycle Graph

 
This post has been included in Massachusetts Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Coldwell Banker Group
Post is included in group: Cyberstars
Post is included in group: Realtors®

7 Comments on Jay's Annual 10 Predictions for the New Year

JAN
02
2010
959,472 Points 24 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

If the tax incentives are continued, we can all have a great year. Lets hope they don't announce a new one until AFTER this one has expired though!
3:42pm • #1
222,246 Points Outside Blog Hit Router

Iwould say you are fairly close to being correct, I guess we shall see.
3:45pm • #2
696,019 Points 39 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You have a good little crystal ball there!  Where can I get one of those?  Actually I agree with much of what you have listed here.  Thanks for sharing.

LISA
4:02pm • #3
228,623 Points Attended Rain Camp

JAY, I agree with your list. Happy a super 2010.
6:24pm • #4
228,623 Points Attended Rain Camp

JAY, I agree with your list. Happy a super 2010.
6:25pm • #5
JAN
04
2010
138,991 Points

Dead on prediction. Here's to a healthy and profitable 2010. Sorry Sid and I will miss you at Summit this year. Safe travels!
11:09pm • #6
JAN
12
2010
1,007,947 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Solid prediction and I especially like the graphic you used.  Wish I could be at the Cyberstar Summit this year. 
7:40am • #7


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Jay Burnham - The Coldwell Banker Guy

Beverly, MA

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