Hey Vicky,

Do you think? :-)  Our market along the Emerald Coast leveled mildly in early 2005.  The drastic changes came in September 2005, thanks to the blanket reports about the Nation's real estate bubble (going to burst).  While at the time it may have been true in some areas of the nation, it hadn't fully affected us here.  2006 Was still a great year; not without some challenges.  The latter part of 2006 saw several fire sales and/or self corrections so that Sellers could relieve themselves of their mortgages.  Our area's largest employer is Hurlburt/Eglin AFBs and when the military PCS', if their homes haven't sold before the movers come, they sweat having to make 2 mortgages, or rent plus a mortgage.  The mood of Sellers along this area of the Panhandle is "enough is enough."  Those that can, are holding on to their prices instead of strongly undercutting the competition -- their neighbors.

Reports from (Hank?) Fishkind, an economist in Florida, reported recently that he feels that we are now in a normal market compared to that of 2001 and 2002.  I tend to agree...for the moment.

Have a safe and successful Labor Day Weekend!

Liz Streed, Associate-Realtor - Gaston & Associates Realty - www.surf4turf.net - 850-368-7735