Manatee Housing Market Update

Don't just take our word on what's happening in the Manatee market. Below are two articles that bears reading.

Here's a snapshot of what they say:
First, the bad news:
1. The housing market will get worse before it gets better.
2. The Manatee area and all of Southwest Florida is in for a hard landing.
3. We have already experienced a 17.6% price decline from the high in 2005 and might only be halfway to the bottom which may happen summer of 2007.
4. Our Manatee market may languish for the next 4-5 year.

Second, the good news:
1. Short term rates are likely to hold steady and might even fall. This will lower home equity line payments.
2. Mortgage rates are likely to fall below 6% in 2007.
3. Most people have owned their homes long enough to have a sizeable amount of equity.
4. Other economic factors look good and a recession is not in the picture.
5. It is great time to buy a home.

Please read the two articles below:"Big downturn seen for some home markets""'Soft Landing' not happening"