An eternal optimist? Who? Me? Couldn't be! :)

I have been accused as being an eternal optimist.  :)  I can understand the observation, as after all, when median prices dropped 4% last month I made sure that you knew that sales (quantity) increased by 44%.

Here's how I'll spin it -- I am particularly talented at finding the smallest of silver linings in any rain cloud, regardless of the enormity of said rain cloud.  :)

All kidding aside, I try to present things in a relatively balanced way -- helping you to see the hope you should have based on positive market indicators, but also helping you to see the reservations you should have given negative trends. 

Where do I see the market today and moving forward?

• I wish prices weren't still declining at a rate of 3% - 4% per year, but they are, so I make sure my clients are aware of that as they are buying or selling.
• I am excited that year-over-year sales will likely increase, showing some long awaited stability in the number of buyers in the market.
• I am encouraged that foreclosure are declining again in this area, which can inevitably only help the health of the overall market.

What about you?  What are your thoughts, feelings or observations about the current housing market?  Optimists, pessimists and realists are all welcome here.