CONFUSION

Here's a couple of things to consider:

1) Lots of play in the news re: the slowdown in real estate. But the small print at the bottom of the stories usually says "except for Texas"! So, don't believe everything you read.

2) The confusion exists in most peoples' minds because of the tightened requirements to get a mortgage. When the news reports about the real estate issues, folks get the two mixed up. Real estate hasn't slowed (except in places like California and Florida, where there were big run-ups); the mortgage requirements have been tightened, making it more difficult to secure a loan! Because of the news concentrating on mortgages, which is scary to some, most think it's a real estate problem. It's not. There are fewer buyers out there due to the lack of qualified buyers. There is just as much buying activity out there (especially in Texas) as there ever was..... just fewer buyers who can qualify for the money.