Did you hear the news? The real estate market is crashing down around us, and the world is coming to an end. Oh, and by the way, the sky is falling too!

Well of course it's not! But that is what all the doom and gloom of the media would have us believe.

With media distorting the news about the housing market and turning a deaf ear on actual statistics, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has decided to respond with a new website -- www.housingmarketfacts.com. The site was designed to promote some positive aspects of the current real estate market and provide home buyers and sellers with information that demonstrates the value of real estate as a long-term investment.

Unfortunately, when it comes to real estate news, most journalists tend to focus on negative topics like foreclosures, declining home values, housing start drop-offs and of course, the mortgage meltdown. Why so negative? Real estate news isn't all bad. But let's face it, drama, crisis and controversy tend to capture the attention of readers and viewers much more than good news does. In reality there are a lot of positive aspects to the current real estate market that aren't being shared by the national media outlets.  

This is a buyer's market. Inventory is up and prices are down, making this a great time to buy. Buyers will have more room for negotiation and sellers are offering incredible incentives to stay competitive.

Unfortunately, many homeowners are facing foreclosure and losing their homes. But they will still need to find someplace to live, and will probably look to rental homes or lease/purchase options. This is a great opportunity for real estate investors looking to build rental portfolios.

Many lenders are ending up owning properties that don't sell at foreclosure auction. Because they are in the business of lending money, not owning houses, they are selling them, sometimes at huge discounts. These Real Estate Owned (REO) Properties can be great opportunities for anyone looking to purchase a new home.  

Financing is still available and mortgage rates continue to remain historically low with current rates lower than those of the 1970's, 1980's & even the 1990's.

And, despite what the media says, real estate can be, and still is, extremely lucrative as a long-term investment. And not just for investors, but for everyone. 

For instance, NAR statistics show:

• Over the past 30 years home values have risen more than 6% annually.
• On average the value of a home nearly doubles every 10 years.
• 60% of the average homeowner's wealth comes from their home equity.
• The average homeowner's net worth is nearly 46 times that of a renter's.
• Homeowners and real estate investors benefit from the power of leverage. At an annual appreciation rate of 5%, a 10% down payment on a home will return 94% after just 3 years.  After 5 years the rate of return increases to 225%, and after 10 years, 623%.

Remember, the behavior of the housing and real estate market is cyclic. During each cycle there are ups and there are downs. And you can always find good and bad in both. 

So, you can join in the mass hysteria created by the media, believing that the housing market will come crashing down around us. Or, you can look for the silver lining among all the media doom and gloom. Because, despite what the media says the housing market is not coming crashing down around us and the world will not end. There is always a bright side to the real estate market. You just have to open your eyes to it.