Thursday thoughts – 2 February 2008

1 – I wonder if local builders will employ these tactics?

As the housing slump drags on, some builders have a deal for potential buyers: Sign a contract, and if the cost of comparable homes drops before closing, you get the lower price.

2 – Localizing the national pending home sales index (archived: 2008) for Charlottesville/Albemarle –

2007 – 80 residential properties went under contract – 22% fewer than 2006.
2006 – 103
2005 – 112
2004 – 137
2003 – 103

For a better analysis visit CR, with the fun quote – “The NAR forecasts are always amusing. The recovery is always just around the corner!”  Can’t you just smell the credibility?

3 – Good job, Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (archived: 2009). Way to alienate your members. There is always an alternative.