Surreal Estate
Yesterday the Times-Standard continued its tradition of leaving real estate market analysis to those who have a vested interest in said market. (See remarkably similar examples of T-S -published Realtor Pollyannaism here and here .) This time around, Coldwell Banker Cutten Realty agent Jill MacDonald set about answering this recurring query: “Is the real estate market picking up?”
“Yes,” she concludes , “here locally our market has picked up.” MacDonald offers no evidence for her assertion, perhaps because it’s scant at best. The most recent data, in fact, shows that while home sales have indeed picked up a bit since May, the overall trend has been in the other direction. Sales declined more than 8 percent from the previous month and nearly 20 percent from a year ago. (See chart below.)
MacDonald also claims, “In typical North Coast fashion, we are isolated from huge economic changes both positive and negative,” an assertion that has been
debunked
almost as often as it’s been repeated. Look below at how our unemployment rate mirrors state and national trends. (Data from HSU Economics Dept.)
To her credit, MacDonald follows her Pollyannalysis with some solid advice to prospective home buyers and sellers. This is clearly her area of expertise and a valuable service to T-S readers. They should probably assign the big picture stuff to someone else, though.
SHARE
post a comment
Comments
Jane on Governor Saves SoHum School Buses … For Now
Today
Open Celtic Music Session
music / 3 p.m. Cafe Veritas/Mosgo's, 180 Westwood Center, Arcata. Informal monthly gathering of musicians playing Irish and other Celtic music. Hosted by Seabury Gould. seaburygould.com. 845-8167.
Nonviolence Action Camp
etc. / 10 a.m. Chinmaya Mission near Piercy. Weekend-long direct action orientation features workshops, role playing, seminars, ceremonies and field trips. Bring food, bedding, warm clothes, signs, banners, bikes, drums, acoustic instruments. Pre-register. saverichardsongrove.org. 932-5898.
Audubon Society Field Trip
outdoors / 9 a.m. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 1020 Ranch Road, Loleta. Meet at Refuge Visitor Center off Hookton Road. Leisurely, two- to three-hour trip intended for people wanting to learn birds of Humboldt Bay area. 822-3613.
Look Back in Anger Matinee
theater / 2 p.m. Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 447 Main Street. John Osborne’s sharply funny, fiercely honest exploration of political disillusionment and basic human yearning. Directed by John Heckel. $15/$13 students and seniors. ferndale-rep.org. 800-838-3006.
More →
TWO Comments
Comment / By Joel Mielke / March 15, 2010, 6:49 p.m.
On the positive side, if trends continue, homes may someday cost about what they should.
Comment / By Rose / March 16, 2010, 5:24 p.m.
Maybe, when the pot growers aren’t competing with regular buyers.