I am expecting a steadily improving market through 2011. Not a huge increase in prices but a continued movement toward a balanced market. How do I know this? At the end of the year, I'll give you some statistics and a more formal analysis but for now....here's what I am basing my prediction on....
Lot's more Halloween Decorations were up in the neighborhood this year. As soon as October rolled around, the Halloween yard decorations started coming out. As I walked the neighborhood and observed the increasingly elaborate displays, I told my walking partner that things were looking up, people were feeling better. She looked a bit suprised so I explained my humble philosophy....people feel obligated to put out Christmas and Hanukah light displays and other decorations, it's kind of a mandatory thing, plus they already have them in the attic. Halloween decorations are optional and often get thrown out at the end of the season. So this year when I saw new spooky ghosts in windows and cauldrons with smokin' dry ice, and witches running into tree trunks, and graveyards and zombies galore, I said "yes!". People are feeling better about things. They are going to the Party store to buy new decorations.
"Totally unscientific" you say. Correct. But sure enough, come November, stores are hiring in anticipation of a much better retail season and TV pundits are talking about small improvements in the hiring picture, and wait....people are buying houses here. See...I told you.
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