Our Keller Williams office recently hosted an executive from Countrywide as a guest speaker. If you think that 2008 is the worst doom and gloom market, you need to continue reading this article. Here are some interesting facts and perspectives from his presentation:

• 2008 will have more home sales than any single year in the 1990's
• Real estate always leads us into a recession, and normally leads us back out
• Nearly 40% of buyers in Atlanta are first time home buyers (2008)
• FHA will probably offer 100% loans in the future (again)
• Home values have fallen more than 17% in 2008
• But - terrific time to buy with lower rates and lower home prices (especially lake homes)
• Atlanta market may take up to 4 years to be at 2007 levels
• But - historically, when markets shift downward, the bounce back is stronger

About a week ago a major national business publication predicted the Atlanta market would rebound and gain +32% in 2009. Unrealistic and overly aggressive? No doubt. However, the fact that there's a major gain forecasted supports most expert's thinking that 2009 will start a positive trend in home sales and prices.

www.thekomarteam.com