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Good luck figuring this out

I have been pouring over posts for the last hour and there is one kind of post that just confuses the heck out of me. It's the infamous market report post. I have seen some fantastic market reports posted on ActiveRain in the last few years. There are a handful of people that I will actually stop and read a market report if they post it and I come across it. However, most of them fall into the 'very mundane' (common; ordinary; banal; unimaginative) category.

If I was the average Joe Plumber looking for information about housing in my home town, I can promise you that a blog post with a bunch of stats about average sales price, days on market, inventory levels and whatever other BORING garbage your MLS will automatically populate would not do anything for me. Why?

BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT THOSE NUMBERS MEAN!

You are the real estate professional (supposedly). Do me, the consumer, a favor and INTERPRET the data for me. Take those numbers and make some sense of them. Tell me what inventory level means in relation to me buying or selling a house.....why? Because I don't know the difference between 50 days on market and 100 days on market. Anybody with access to the MLS can pull those reports up and copy and paste them into a blog. Not anyone can interpret the data and make it worth me looking at.

How would you feel if you walked into your financial advisors office and he/she took out a bunch of excel graphs and said, "here you go, good luck figuring out what to buy, but if I were you I'd really pay attention to this market cap number right here". It's almost laughable yet day after day I see real estate professionals posting market stats with no explanation of what they mean.

The only thing I can figure is that you withhold the explanation in hopes that someone will be so awed by your magical statistics that they will immediately pick up the phone and call you for your expert opinion. Do yourself and them a favor and just give them the explanation while you have them on your post. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe withholding the explanation is helping drive call volume, but it seems far fetched to me. If I land on your post today, the chances I am in the market to buy today are not very high. Most likely I just started getting really interested in the market but I am still a ways off of purchasing. But if you were to give me good solid information that I could understand and present it in a fashion that made me think you knew what you were doing above and beyond you know where the control+c and the control+v button are, there is a great chance I'll be coming back to see what you think next month and the month after until I am ready to buy.

As consumers have access to unparalleled amounts of information your position as professional is incumbent upon you being able to INTERPRET that information for them.

Please Please Please interpret your boring stats for me!

(I'm sending an ActiveRain T-shirt to the next three people that send me a link to a market report post that I could actually learn something from as a consumer because the shirt says 'your personal real estate think tank' and not 'good luck trying to figure out what the *&$# I'm talking about')

(rant over.......I'm going home to start my vacation)

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Posted by Bob Stewart - Community Evangelist - ActiveRain on 11/26/2008 05:40 PM

Comments (92)

Market Reports in the ActiveRain Channel

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Originally posted at: ActiveBob.....It's always Raining!: Good luck figuring this out

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92 Comments on Good luck figuring this out

NOV

2008

Good point, Bob, and I'm as guilty as the rest of them. I won't be one of the first three people, but I don't need another T-shirt. Good task for me. Enjoy your vacation!

All right Bob, here's how I've been doing it: October 2008 by the numbers: Lane County Real Estate Market update.

Hi Bob - I've got a few that I've done, and I've changed them up because they are boring to me, I would think they would be to consumers.

Here are a couple that I did that others said they liked:

Newcastle NH, Rye NH, North Hampton NH - September Real Estate Market Updates

Portsmouth NH Homes and Condos Real Estate Market Update

Portsmouth NH Condos - Real Estate Market Update for September 2008

Ann

Bob I agree with you completely. I know I do a little better than many of the reports I have seen and commented on but know I could improve upon what I am doing. I do give a comparison from the previous year and a bit of an explanantion so that helps. Here is a link to my boring report...hope you don't hit your head on your desk you may want to take a no-doze 1st.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/775452/Hopkinton-Real-Estate-Market-Report-October-2008

LOL..I'm with you on that Bob...and I'm a REALTOR! Sometimes I can't figure them out at all!

Hi Bob- I don't do too many market reports and I think you're right. They could use less statistics and more explanantion. I'll keep that in mind, next time I write one.

Westport-CT-July-home-sales-Best-month-year-to-date

Half-Year-Market-Report-for-Westport-CT-

Bob, I am on board with what you say as a REALTOR. Interpretation and analysis bring meaning and life to the raw numbers. Not to mention it isn't boring.

No kidding! I do love stats and figures, but I agree that we need to explain them and make them relevant. I often send information to past buyers on the neighborhood they live in. I tell them how many homes sold in the past year, at what prices, etc. But to just post stats for the sake of posting stats is a sure way to put any potential clients right to sleep. Nice post! Have a great day!

...geri

I will be very interested to see some "interpretive" reports. I use to just to charts - then moved to some "commentary" and I really hate those too - I have been trying to revamp for the new year, but just can't seem to find how it should look.

Here is a link to a "market report" I did for just a neighborhood.

Bremerton's Blueberry Meadows

I think I am getting closer with this format but I need to really do more explanation to the stats portion.

Will be watching for others links - Do you hav any that hit the mark?

Bob, I agree. We also have to remember that the consumer doesn't understand all the abbreviations we use. DOM, FSBO etc are just googly gook.

Here's a couple of my recent reports.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/759751/Poinciana-Florida-Real-Estate-is-Flying-Off-the-Shelves

http://activerain.com/blogsview/784904/Poinciana-Florida-Real-EstateBack-to-2001-Prices

I think they are good but what the hell do I know. They may suck

Evening Bob, Glad to see a post like this. I had decided against doing market reports based on what I was seeing. Good kick in the butt !

I like the way Broker Bryant does his, he list the numbers but then interprets them too in laymans terms like "holy crap"

I do more market reports on my WP blog than I submit here, but here are a couple located on AR.

10 Years of Home Prices In Delaware County

Delaware County Home Prices May Be Better Than You Think

FYI, one of the highest trafficked areas of my WP blog is a page of average prices by subdivisions. I update at the beginning of each month, and the traffic reports tell me that regular readers start checking in for the new updates a couple days after the end of the month.

So, I'll keep doing them for my WP blog ...

I don't read posted market reports, and I don't blog market reports. Personally, they just don't excite me and I just can't bring myself to post about something that I wouldn't enjoy writing about. And I agree, most consumers don't really know what it is that they're looking at unless it's broken down for them.

Let me through my hat into the ring and see if this post qualifies:

Market Reports the Paul Harvey View

I didn't get my shirt at NAR so I'm due :-)

Bob, how about sending me a shirt for not doing boring market reports!

I've only been in the biz for 5 years, but I've yet to be asking for one of these stupid reports by a client. What my client wants to know is what I can do to help them, not some stale statistics on paper.

Also, I refuse to rack up points on AR for regurgitating the same report with a few adjusted numbers for every neighborhood in the state. How boring! My clients don't come to my blog to yawn...they want to read interesting information that is real and tells them about the area and how they can be a part of it all.

Others may enjoy these reports...I'm just not one of them. Sorry...

p.s. How about that shirt?

I did this one earlier today - funny you should post this - I hope it wasn't too boring!!!!!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/806124/Brier-Market-Update-for-Thanksgiving-Week-2008-PLUS-My-Opinion-On-The-Subject

Have a good vacation!

Of course you're right, Bob. As consumers ourselves, we would never accept going into a hardware store and having someone hand us a sheet that highlights all the stats on the 500 different hammers there are out there. Instead, we want someone to explain why a specific hammer is best or if we need a hammer at all. The same holds true for real estates. Consumers don't want us to tell them that 58 properties are on the market compared to 18 this time last year. They want us to say "this is a great time to buy because..." or "you should hold off a little before selling because..." an incorporate the numbers into the "because." Makes perfect sense to me!

~Kathy

Sock it to me... I need someone ELSE to look at one of my market reports and tell me what needs work.

Link to the latest one...

I agree with you that consumers do/ should get an interpretation of the market report. Also, these interpretations do mean different to different realtors. So, it would be nice to see what one thinks of another. Otherwise, when 1 person posted the Market Stats for this month, there would be no reason to do the same one by another agent. The numbers are the same anyways.

Couldn't agree with you more. However, since these reports change from hour to hour these days, and depending on the media you're listening to, with fear factor being a huge part of the equation, it's difficult, if not impossible to stay current enough toi be relevant. Given relevancy is your main focus, and sometimes I get the feeling that the "talking heads" don't care so much for relevancy as a paycheck for appearing. Sorry to be so negative, but that's the view from here. Don Sabinske

I need to do a better job on my market reports and have no excuses other than they are easy. Thanks for the rant I Will do better.

Flowers Mills Market Report.

Challenge accepted, Bob - I'll send you a link to the one I'm putting together as I comment!
(I already see improvements to be made...but this is a beta)

I've been posting the 3rd quarter reports for our area, with graphs included. I keep them simple in hopes of that being enough. Maybe it's enough, maybe it's not. I hope it is.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/775992/Warning-Real-estate-market-reports-may-be-dull-and-boring-Read-my-October-2008-Market-Report-for-Salem-Metro-Area-in-Oregon-at-your-own-risk

Here is my last one I did. I even dedicated it to Rich.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/734501/3rd-Quarter-Real-Estate-Market-Report-for-Salem-Oregon

And my 3rd quarter reports. I REALLY want a t-shirt...

Bob, you are going on vacation? That's all you ever do... lol But seriously, I agree... the market reports are boring.. and you should be able to explain what the numbers mean... that's my .02.

Hey, I might be in mortgages and this is not a market report, but it is an explanation and not just a bunch of numbers in a chart.

FHA loans vs Conventional loans - A real comparision with 5% down

Have fun on that vaca of yours.... where ya going? To HooVille? Wait, that's next month....

jeff belonger

Well Bob,

I think I'm one of the few and the proud easy to read entrepreneurs. I've been writing market reports for some time for Realty Times and my most recent market report was featured by localism. Ok, maybe I should write a tutorial on "easy to read & interpret market reports". I have a client I met w/last week, investor w/30 properties, that indicated that they liked my easy to read and interpret market reports..........So, while you may complain, we aren't all on the Ross Perot graph induced, uneasy to interpret spectrum.

Hi Bob, I don't do many market reports for the reason that you said you don't like reading them. It is possible to make them at least interesting to look at though. I made this one (True Picture of Fair Oaks Sales Price Trends) with a graph I constructed with Google graphs. It was easy, and a picture conveys so much more than lists of numbers. I know it doesn't give all the stats, but my point was that real estate is still a great investment, and the information does illustrate that point, I think. What do you think?

NOV

2008

I didn't read all your responses so I'm sure you have some excellent ones. I didn't call this a Market Update - rather it's a bit backasswards. It's more like a opinion backed by a market update - does that qualify?

WidowMaker...

Personally I love the way BB interprets it before the chart. My GrandMother once told me it was important to marry someone with brains and brawn. I do believe I achieved that :)

Enjoy your vacation. And for goodness sakes if it is at all possible...Step awaaaaaaaaaay from the keyboard :)

TLW...ROAR!

Tracy...

I think you writing a Tutorial is a wonderful idea. If I were you I'd flag it after it's written so one of the Guys will see it and throw a star at it for more exposure. If you're not comfortable flagging your own post, send me a contact and a link and I'll flag it for you :)

TLW...ROAR!

Bob - Have you been reading my blog again? :-)

What a true and to the point statment I couldnt agree more. I am guilty but not anymore. Also please have them fix the codebase. I enjoy using NVU to do my HTML for blogs now they just look sloppy :(

Ok, challenge accepted. It wasn't meant to be, but this is a market report of sorts...

Hi Bob,

I had to laugh out loud when I read this. I've been wanting to do THIS subject for a long time, but I did not have the guts. I HATE market reports...and I know 'HATE' is a strong word. BUT...we are supposed to do them, right? (I don't do many...if I'm honest.)

I know I'm late to the party, but here is the last one I did:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/766493/Durham-County-North-Carolina-2008-Third-Quarter-Residential-Real-Estate-Sales-Report-Your-Real-Estate-Questions-Answered-Part-Two

Happy Thanksgiving, buddy! GBU~

I tried to get this on in a timely fashion........but as Rich and the AR programmers noticed......commenting was knocked down for A WHILE, so I'll try again.

Bob,

Statistics can be VERY boring, it is true, but sometimes the numbers and charts can give the mathematical minded a "quick" glance and they will know what questions to ask or how to relate the numbers to their particular situation.

I agree with you wholeheartedly about trying to make the market reports and data meaningful, interesting and useful to the specific market and consumer you are trying to reach.

I have tried to do that in this report:

"BREAKING NEWS": The September S&P/CaseShiller 20 city home price index fell 17.4% year-over-year. - What About Asheville, NC?

For those that need a good group to post their interesting posts about market conditions they can go to: http://activerain.com/groups/CityStateListingsReports.

hear hear - I'll drink to that! Have a great vaca, wherever it is. Hope it's somewhere sunny.

NOV

2008

This may be a bit lengthy, so please have patience with me :-)

When I first read this I got my dander up. I thought "Why would he come on here and criticize those who have less skills and creativity in their market reports than others do?" After all, we all can't be like Missy Caulk or Katerina.

Then I realized that your constructive criticism was exactly what I needed to hear. I struggle mightily with market reports. I know that is what the consumer wants as the keyword analysis proves that to me when I look to see how my visitors found me.

It's funny Bob. When I am sitting in front of a buyer or seller the words flow out. I can take what I have on paper and describe to them exactly what is happening in our local market, and how it will affect either the sale of their home or the purchase of their home.

Yet, when I sit with a monitor in front of me I feel incredibly stupid and inept. Perhaps I should just talk to my keyboard and monitor as if I am sitting in front of my local consumer.

Bob, and heartfelt thank you to you for being so gosh darned blunt. It's what I needed.

Bob,

I guess it's too late to grab one of those shirts in XXL, but here's an example by Active Rainer Alexander Harb that I thought was extremely consumer friendly...Thanks, Fran

Bob, I am with you on the boring old stats. Why waste my time with nonsense? T-shirts...what is that? I never got one from localism yet. I think they are a figment of my imagination.

Amen, amen, and AMEN!.... So many people simply copy & paste statistical data directly from their MLS. How creative and helpful is that? Our clients don't want cold, clinical numbers and stats, they want our expert analysis and interpretation. What are the numbers telling us? How does this data affect me if I'm a Buyer or Seller?

I completely agree with you Bob. I have gained some clients and blog readers from competitors---people that tell me how happy they are that half of my blogs aren't silly market reports with no explanation. It doesn't make sense to the consumer and if it doesn't educate or inform why would they read it?

Bob,

Mine are plain simple and right to the point and if you can't understand them then I guess I need to make them more simple ...maybe first grade level?:)

I can't complain because I get calls and business from them and they are usually ranked number 1 and 2 on Google

http://activerain.com/blogsview/808236/Pembroke-Pines-FL-Homes-for-Sale-Towngate-Market-Report-through-1108

Bob - Great post to learn from. My opinion on why people post the statistics? In my case (and I haven't done stat posts) my broker and other people drilled into my head early on that statistics are important and showcase your knowledge. I have never heard anyone say, "but following up with analysis will showcase your expertise." Some people are amazed by statistics and would sign on the dotted line just because of them, but I think that more people would rather a good explanation. The same reason my listing presentation isn't full of flash, its me one on one with the potential clients - answering questions, asking questions, trying to understand and analyze their situation so that I can best suit their needs. Its worked well for me and I don't plan on moving from that type of service.

I get more of my clients from just writing about my local area with a couple of how many are in escrow and solds. Moreso for the content and talking with the consumer in the post rather than reciting stats that anyone can get.

All those stats all over localism is ugly anyway.

Yes, but when are we going to get the Active Rain email system, the HTML problem, and the comment notifications page problem working again? LOL

Well, I'm not one of the first three, but here's my most recent one: Crofton Real Estate Update - October 2008. I agree with you completely, and I always try to write a narrative to expand upon the charts.

The following is a different format I sometimes use, a chart instead of graphs: Crofton Real Estate Update - July 2008

I should have known that the Sonics leaving Seattle would give Bob more time to rant! I'd like to see this issue extended to include topics such as 'what data does the consumer really want to see' -- do they really understand or care about absorption rates?

As Don Davies pointed out, stats can give the analytical types a quick overview of the market -- but I believe that analytical personalities only make up 15-20% of the general population. So for agents who are highly analytical, the challenge is to write about market stats in a way that reaches the other 80%.

What are some examples (in or out of the Rain) that you consider to be great market reports?

I can attest to problems with the Portsmouth NH page/ it hasn't been working for some time! Hampton NH Real Estate

I actually get a fair amount of all-cash investors from my boring stats mixed with freaky deaky juice from the neighborhood reports and sometimes even picture descriptions from localism uploads :)

I don't know what the heyull I did but it works!

I get short sale seller leads (that I refer out to someone who can close the suckers) from my short sale reports. High Rise renters from my high rise reports. All Cash Investors from my REO and Pending Reports. Lots of Rhodes Ranch area buyers and renters from my RR reports (which have additional neighborhood info and new construction when you click on the link.) We just got our first call from our two week campaign on buy vs rent + NV grants and bonds, seems like it is possible (financing.)

I do use the reports on my website and with buyers when explaining short sale and REO stats to them.

:shrug: Have a happy happy vaca, you deserve it!

Thank you for your post. I agree with you that some interpretation is needed. here, on Maui, the number of transactions is so small that one single transaction can make a HUGE difference. Thus, one would need to know the " whole story" before looking only at percentages of prices or sales going up or down.Happy Thanksgiving!

Bob, As a consumer, I can't figure out most of them...and if I can't, the typical consumer can't either. What a great thing to bring up---I need an explanation or something I can understand....I wonder sometimes who the market reports are aimed for--consumers or other realtors. Happy Thanksgiving!

home?

Oh my word. Chris Elizabeth Griffith has one. I want one. I can't believe you are gonna make me do a Market Report - eeew - (LMAO). Be careful what you wish for, sweetie (ROTFLMAO). I'm cooking one up just for you. I may even let the little minions help me. ;-)

I'm guilty! I've seen it done by others, and like a good little sheep, I just followed them over the cliff. But, a week ago, I ran across Patricia Beck's Blog, where she posted the numbers, with fantastic graphics and interpretation. I vowed to never do a flat dump again! I completely agree with you...it's boring when the Realtor, me, doesn't translate the data.

Bob,, I must agree with you.. Now I need to get a better system in place too

Hi Bob,

I just put this statistical list together with a summation and my thoughts on the market in Boise, ID. I'm not much of a numbers guy, but I am trying to learn and do better! Please take a look at my post and tell me what you think!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/808917/Distressed-Properties-in-Boise-ID-Ada-County-Real-Estate-Statistics

Bob,

Here's one of mine. If I am not interpreting it enough, I'd like to know it.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/792261/Costa-Mesa-Real-Estate-Minute-November-15-2008-Mesa-Verde-Costa-Mesa-Market-Report

NOV

2008

Bob, I am relatively new to blogging and have been considering posting market stats but have been reluctant for the very reasons you stated. I now know what direction I need to take with that. Thanks for the insight.

Bob, Sacramento Home Sales Report for June 2008, I think makes perfect sense and is easily understood with a graph. Most of my reports have graphs which I think are much easier to understand especially when I also provide one from the previous years so the consumer has something to compare to.

Let me know what you think.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Family.

Bob,

Real Estate is Local! I send monthly reports by subdivision in our area and it is a simple post card,

1. Number of home on Market for the Month

2. Number of homes sold that month

3. Number of days on the market

4. Average list price (total and by square ft)

5. Average sale price (total and by square ft)

6. Average square footage

It is simple and tells the story, call your local Realtor, ask for this information and if he cannot give it to you in a day or so, call another Realtor.

Team Stanley

Keller Williams

www.elliscountymoves.com

I do market reports, I don't comment on them and they are boring. I send them to my clients once a month. My report created one much needed price reduction so far.
A few weeks ago, I spent some considerable time redesigning my reports to make them more interesting and worthwhile. I'll be posting it on my blog come Dec 1st.

Even if boring for the "average looker", it pays to send neighborhood specific reports to listings once a month. This way they can see at a glance how their home holds up against the competition and they are more likely to reduce their price if needed. What I have is basically just a colored chart sorted by $/sqft. Red color for failed to sell, green for Sold, yellow for active, the subject is in light blue.

Food for thought. I have just created my site and i write about the quality of life in my area with no stats at all. I was thinking of adding that to my blog and will definitely make sure it is understandable and relevant to the people reading.

Thank you for ranting.

Best,

Sandy Reid

Market reports are always contentious. I do them because of my prior life as a controller, etc. Men like my market reports, and even keep track with my reports on their own magic spreadsheets. Sometimes I write more explanations, but people do not much read commentary... especially relating to market reports. My market is slow and will be for a while. How many different ways can you state that? I post market reports more for historical value and ultimate indicators of significant change.

I rarely do what anyone would consider a "market report". However, when I do, it will have all of the ingredients to engage the consumer.

MARKET REPORTS need "eye candy".

I have received telephone calls and mail from my local market reports. Love them. Give them some color with photos of actual homes in the area. After all, most consumers really just want to see homes for sale.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/715801/ROCKVILLE-MD-REAL-ESTATE-MARKET-REPORT-SEPTEMBER-2008-List-vs-Sold-Prices

For the few who wish to look at "market reports", the title will engage them.

A good indicator of an interesting market report is comments. A page full of numbers won't get much. However, a post with some "eye candy" will.

Hi Bob,

I have not done market reports on AR yet - but the ones I do for Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine show the relationship between the supply and demand each month.

To me, this is what people want to know. In other words, is the market improving or declining and at what speed is it moving.

Supply and demand is at the core of every other market indicator and the best part is, it is in real time unlike past appreciation which tells us what happened LAST year which has no baring on THIS year.

Yes, I agree with you. We tend to forget (as Realtors) that what's understandable to us is not necessarily easily understood by the public.

What about Bob? Aside from the comment I am about to make....It is SO nice to meet you! I am a newbie and it is so much fun to discover something new on here and on this beautiful Thanksgiving morn, you are my discovery! A bookmark, subscribe and Associate! And a big thank you for this great advice. I have been contemplating a market survey type of blog and in light of your "ranting" I will surely aproach it in a different manner! Thank you so very much for giving me something more on this day to be thankful for!

PS neat job you have....need an assistant?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Debbie

Bob, I live in a smaller community with a wide variety of homes, I don't do reports (except for engineers who ask) because they don't make any sense for the area. I can and will continue to do subdivision marketing reports for the area. Good post with some great suggestions. Happy Thanksgiving !

Bob - With all the recent talk and even AR Radio program dealing with copyright violations, I am amazed that the copy and pasted Market Reports are even allowed on AR. I know my local MLS has very clear language about the copyrighted material and how it may be used, I would suspect most or all of them also have same? Is Harlen looking at that issue? lol

Bob, so true !! It is important to add value. I might take you up on the market report link (is probably too late now) but I was already supposed to receive a pullover or something months ago but never received anything (it was for sponsoring 6 Localism areas).

Have you seen this one? October Video Update on Twin Cities Real Estate Market

When my market update grows up, I want it to be just like this one!

Bob -- great post -- I agree -- most market reports are "ripped" right from the MLS system and crammed in a blog post -- Have a great Thanksgiving! JE

http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/bonita-springs-real-estate-market-report-september-2008/ does it have to be on the AR network? :)

Bob, I am so glad you wrote this! I can't tell you how many "market reports" I have read and felt the same way about. Heck, I am in the industry and mostly I don't even know what they mean. I never thought to write a post about it.

I thought maybe it was just me but then in my newsletter I started doing a comparison of homes listed and sold for the month and the same time last year. It is easy to undersand and people seem to like it.

Bob, I agree. While these reports do serve a purpose, I can see eyes glazing over trying to interpret the data. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! - Jim

People respond and sign up for my monthly blogs on the embedded links
Blog Entry: Homes for Sale in San Ramon CA - Market Snapshot for Homes for Sale in Bridges in San Ramon CA November 2, 2008

Bob -

You know I agree with you!

I know I'm too late for the shirt, but here is my link to my Chicago IL Market Stats Update on AR. Your thoughts?

http://activerain.com/blogs/deanmoss/tags/chicago%20il%20market%20statistics%20update

So many just cut and paste stats simply for points and hoped for SEO, and you know that bugs me!

Enjoy the holiday - RELAX!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Bob, I am a pretty simple person who does simple easy to understand market reports. I can see where you are coming from though if someone cannot translate the report themselves.

So, you have 5 zillion responses. What do you think, after all submissions provided, what is a good example to follow if you don't mind sharing? info@KathyToth.com I think what to do is helpful and I would be grateful for your input.

Great points, thank you.

Not long ago I was thinking the same thing. Why do I do market reports at all? Then the phone rang, an agent from out of town with a referral for me. My numbers made sense enough to him to pick up the phone and call me!

NOV

2008

I think taking a picture of that t- shirt is a good idea, Bob....

My stats are VERY easy to understand... how many homes are on the market and if that number has changed form last month......high asking price and if that has changed form last month....low asking price and if that has changed since last month....and how many properties are bank owned, in forclosure, etc..... so people can see the REAL deals out there!!

That is all I give... people do NOT need any thing that is mundane and complicated...they want to see what is OUT there!!

KISS..... Keep it simple Stymy!!

=-D

NOV

2008

Hi Bob, I like Ann Cummings market updates (see earlier comments). She makes the info easy to comprehend. HEY, enjoy your vacation!!!

DEC

2008

Thanks Bob! Point taken! I think that mine are easy to read but, I'm not the consumer and when I'm face-to-face with the consumer, I explain them. I'm going to go back and see that I'm looking at them from a layman's point of view--after all, isn't that my goal?! Thanks again!

Debe in Charlotte

Bob - I appreciate your rant. I do monthly market reports with graphs, spreadsheet and my little spiel about my market area including a link to an interactive map where the sold homes are located. After a request from a local writer/blogger, who was very interested in my market reports, I was asked if I could provide the information of newly listed homes as well as the sold homes, he would create a map and link it to my blog and web site. Now, I have created a cooperation with this local writer and I'm very excited about it.

I always appreciate feedback from AR as well as from my readers about my market reports.

Here is my example: Market Report for October in Lakeland

DEC

2008

Bob - thanks for the information about the market reports from a consumer's prospective. I have been posting reports with arrows showing market absorption trends - but I also include an explanation of the area (i.e. number of homes in an area, etc).

DEC

2008

Wow, I need to re-think my reports - My last one was an attempt to cover those issues, but now I'm thinking even more... Thanks for the view.

P.S. AND - Thanks for all your help on my blog www.DiscoverSherwood.com

Amber

DEC

2008

Well said! I too am guilty of posting market reports that don't fully interpret the numbers. But my next market report post will definitely explain what the numbers mean. Thank you for opening my eyes on this topic.

Myrtle Beach Area Condos - 3rd Quarter Sales Comparison Between 2007 and 2008

I already know I'm going to love that T-shirt!

...And my own personal crusade for the same goal, written days later, yet having no knowledge of your post, which I just found today:

How Posting Easy Market Statistics For Your Area Can Garner You Valuable Leads

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Bob Stewart - Community Evangelist - ActiveRain

International, INT

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