There is no better way to star the year than to receive a call from friends who say they are finally ready to make the big leap. "Start looking for a house for us, Nick."
That’s how my day ended up yesterday. I was stuck in bed after throwing my back out and fighting off the silly guilt feeling one gets when one should be doing more. I decided to not let it take the best of me and to use the time for contemplation. Ultimately, it paid off when I received a call from friends. A great new year it is already.
What surprised me though was to hear about their concern. They did not know the commission was paid by the seller, not the buyer. They were relieved.
I hope to be back on the saddle tomorrow.
All things considered, we did not suffer as much as other states have last year. Take for example Florida who is rests after a three month gain as conumer confidence falls. Gasprice, the housing market and the mix message of the future of our economy has consumers wondering about the next five years. Even expectations aboutpersonal finances a year from now fell.
Our country's economy is not bad, really neither is it great. While the new housing market is not doing good and still remains one of the most important factor to watch out for, the stock markethas picked up the slack. Another trickling effect a cooling market has on local economy is employment. The less new houses are built, the less employment.
The numbers from this study I found on PhysOrg showed more senior citizens and low-income households were worried. It found that overall, consumerconfidence was two points lower than a year ago.
Higher gasoline prices in 2006 have effected consumer confidence. Gas is one of the bigest culprits but watch out for better prices as we approach election times.
Click here for the original PhysOrg article.