I think the public has just about reached sensory overload on reports detailing real estate market conditions.  If I could emphasize one point though, it would be that real estate is market specific and it is different from region to region, state to state, city to city, and price point to price point.  If you haven't read it already, dig up a copy of yesterday's Anchorage Daily News.  This is the best article I have read this year describing the Anchorage real estate market.  Keep in mind however that, although there are many similarities, the real estate market in Girdwood is somewhat different than the real estate market in Anchorage.  We've witnessed this year a very tight condominium market, which has resulted in healthy appreciation and short marketing times, and numerous sales and continued interest in higher end homes.  It is neither a Buyer's market or a Seller's market today in Girdwood; it is a stable market.

I came across some interesting quotes last week that I thought were worth sharing:

"The prices of houses seem to have reached a plateau, and there is reasonable expectancy that prices will decline." - Time Magazine, 1947

"The goal of owning a home seems to be getting beyond the reach of more and more Americans.  The typical new house today costs about $28,000." - Business Week, 1969

"The median price of a home today is approaching $50,000...  Housing experts predict prices in the future won't be that great." - Nations Business, 1977

"Financial planners agree that houses will continue to be a poor investment." - Kiplinger's Personal Financial Magazine, 1993

National real estate values have appreciated:

• 88% since 1996
• 340% since 1977
• 685% since 1969
• 2,650% since 1948

Have a great week!