kev347 – My read is that this is a to be expected spring rally. I believe the longterm trend is still flat to downward. I also believe that we are going to see much more variation in the overall market then people care to admit. I think that desireability is going to play a more marked role and that more desireable regions and housing types will hold up better then others. Will that stay true through the entire trend? Maybe but maybe not.
Many posters here are very quick to jump all over people who are considering buying or for buyers who already bought. Maybe rightfully so, maybe not. Even in this very thread there are possible justifications for the purchases. The bottom line is yes there is buying activity out there. That is a fact and it is plain and simple. What is generally not acknowledged on any threads is that there are other factors that are not tangible or measureable in dollars and cents that may drive people to buy. There is almost a certain hostility that I read when some people post questions about buy verses rent in some of the responses.
I am not saying to buy now although yes I did put an offer on a place a few weeks back. I am currently renting and recently signed another year lease. For me however the decision to buy makes sense for many reasons. However, I do it knowing the consequences regardless of which way the market goes.
However as you see there are some homes that are selling. For what reason I do not know. For that matter why is ANYONE buying at all.
The fundamental fact is that the trend will take many years to play out.
