Here are some stats we're providing to consumers in Central Ohio.  Take this and modify the numbers for your specific market and have your agents share at open houses, e-mail campaigns, etc. 

Fact - Home prices are falling. 

Real Fact - Home prices for homes over $200,000 are actually up in Columbus 1.05 % in 2008 vs. 2007. 

Fact - Foreclosures are rising nationally.

Real Fact - Foreclosures account for less than 2% of all mortgages in Central Ohio. 

Fact - Credit is tight.

Real Fact - Credit Standards have tightened which has caused many lenders to the leave the industry, while at the same time, others are seeing their business grow.   Real Living Mortgage has grown their business 13.4% year-over-year and has financed $254,000,000 in residential home loans year to date.  Before giving up on home-ownership, please contact a Real Living Mortgage professional for a free, no-obligation mortgage pre-approval. 

Fact - Real estate sales are down.

Real Fact - Year to date (January 2008 - September 2008) there have been over 29,518 homes sold in Columbus, Ohio.  Current sales are on par with "pre-boom" (2003) sales numbers. 

Fact - The real estate market is at the bottom.

Real Fact - Historically, the housing market has experienced significant growth following an economic downturn.  During the 1979-1984, 1988-1993, and 1999-2004 cycles, existing home sale transaction volume increased by 54%, 25% and 51% respectively, on a cumulative basis over the last three years of each period (with the last three years representing the post-correction periods. 

Fact - Now is a great time to buy.

Real Fact - There is plenty of inventory to choose from, prices are great and interest rates are excellent.  With the federal first time buyer tax credit of $7,500 and up to $2,500 in incentives from Real Living Mortgage, it is an even BETTER time to buy.

Fact - Interest rates are low.

Real Fact - Over the past 15 years, 30 year fixed rate mortgages have averaged 7,125%.   At the present time, 30 year fixed rate mortgages are around 6.00%.

Fact - Home ownership is still one of the best, safest and most consistent investments you can make long term.

Real Fact - Average home prices in Central Ohio have increased over 73% the last 15 years and over 422% in the last 30 years.   

Hope this helps your agents engage your consumers more effectively.