Interest Rate? Are they really the indicator of a bad real estate market?

With the endless negativity of the news media, I was curious on how the interest rates really did fair for the past several years.  The media goes on and on about how bad the real estate market is and that is why the interest rates are so low.  I was giving this some thought and remembered that I was closing deals several years ago with low interest rates. 

In my market, the local lenders e-mail me the interest rates daily.  Well I have these going to it's own folder in my e-mail program.  The other day I thought I would do a little fact finding and see how the rates are really playing out.  Below, I have attched my spreadsheet showing what the rates were being quoted on the reference date since December 1, 2003.  As you can see, we had rates at 5.75% in 2003 and they were 5.5% on December 1, 2008.  In my book, this is not the indicator of bad news.

I want buyers and sellers to know this is not an indicator and that the sky is not falling.  If the reporters will do their homework they would have found out that during the real estate "BOOM" as they call it, the interest rates were low at that time.  Yes, we are having trouble in the economy across the country but lets report the whole truth. 

I hope this has been helpful.  I have posted this on my website in a pdf file, you can look at it at http://www.searcy4sale.com/pdf/Interest_Rates_pdf.PDF   I want to look at my cup being half full than half empty.  Believe it or not, our thoughts will effect our actions.  It's 2009!  Let's get out there and be motivated! 

I am a Realtor in Searcy, Arkansas and I sell new homes, existing homes, commercial property, farms and land as well as manage and own rental properties. If you are looking for real estate for an investment or a home, I will be glad to assist you! You can call my personal cell number at 501-278-7659 or e-mail me at Larry@Searcy4Sale.com.  Visit my website at http://www.searcy4sale.com