Let’s put a little effort into the thought process… haven’t we seen economic cycles before? Hasn’t the American spirit shone each and every time to reach new heights? Can’t we believe in ourselves? Of course. Here are a few statistics that will brighten your day.

Wait, isn’t that the aroma of sweet, fresh and beautiful roses in our future? The Federal Housing Finance Agency published statistics – results of the last 5 years (based on Third Quarter 2008.) Spokane was in the top twelve stable marketplaces – ranking number nine! The United States rate of appreciation, on average for the last five years, was 28.78%. Spokane was 62.03%. Considering the backward trend of recent months: national was an average of -4% (remember, that was also considering places like California and Arizona with huge losses.) How encouraging it is to look at our community with a decline of only 0.70%?

Yes, we have had an abundance of homes on the market, yes it has been more difficult for buyers to secure loans but there are still buyers and sellers in the marketplace. Where are the roses? It’s time to invest. Interest rates are low and there are good properties available.

I heard Donald Trump interviewed this last week and the question was asked of him “what are you doing, Donald?” His reply, “buying”. The quote from author and speaker Denis Waitley sums it up “Success in life comes not from holding a good hand, but from playing a poor hand well.” Do you smell those roses yet?