A Closer Look at the Leading Indicators of Home Prices

If you’ve read the real estate news online or in your local paper lately, perhaps you’ve heard that the housing market is in decline. After a record five-year boom, this is a common topic among those in the Florida home loan industry.

But is it really the case, and to what degree? What are the leading indicators that determine whether or not home prices will continue to rise? Should we expect the real estate market, which has been so hot for the past five years, to land softly or with a loud crash?

In an attempt to best answer these questions, the U.S. Census Bureau, National Association of Realtors and Friedman Billings Ramsey have put together the following poll/chart in order to give individuals a better idea of where the housing industry may be headed. Take a look at it at right (click to enlarge).