What data. charts, graphs do you use to analyze local real estate markets?

Question

I look at a lot of markets to buy small real estate deals in and I am wondering what criteria you use to analyze the market?

Things like:
Historical median prices
Job Growth/Unemployment
Population Growth
Construction
Rental Vacancies

What other factors are there that you think are important?

Answer 1

Try these links:
Information on any city in the USA: http://www.bestplaces.net/
Information on any school: http://www.greatschools.net/
Cost of living comparison rates from the Univ. of Michigan http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/steccpi.html
Energy Statistics from the US Government: http://www.eia.doe.gov/
2006 Market-by-Market Home Price Analysis Reports from National Association of REALTORS®:
http://www.realtor.org/Research.nsf/pages/MetroHomePriceAnalysisReports?OpenDocument
Statistics on real estate from the Feds: http://www.fedstats.gov/
Retail and Wholesale Trade gives the data seasonably adjusted by sectors: http://www.census.gov/econ/www/retmenu.html
Other areas are zoning and land use law changes expected or in the works, highway projects, political office changes and when in doubt ask a popular hairdresser they'll tell you what the people are saying.
Buena Suerte

Answer 2

To analyze there are two kinda of investors, same as employees. The one that know how and the ones that know why.

The how people just make decision on WHAT happen and hope the track record stays the same. The flow the curve and hope it does not turn.

Then there is the WHY,is the market doing what it is doing? Why are there high profits? The bad new is high profits can be a sign of FRAUD. Remember who els had record profits, Enron , Worldcom and ever other crash all had record profits due to fraud then a big crash.

All the thing you ask about above just shoes what happen, Check out this web site it tell why it happen and how they made the bubble, I am sure you can guss by now it was fraud.

http://www.breakingbubble.com/index.htm

Answer 3

As an appraiser I analyze local markets from many perspectives.
First and foremost we look at prices in the area at a particular point in time as well as market trend from previous periods. This will give you a good perspective of the current market place. So if you find properties that are below the market place then you have found a potential investment. We also look at median household income, population, vacancy rates, absorption rate. Your list is good however it maybe over analyzing the market. Such as job growth/unemployment and population. Even if you get statistics on these you have to find out are they renters, homebuyers or vacation home buyers etc. Construction is a good indicator but you should know about what types of properties are they constructing, large homes,townhouses, condos, apartment complexes etc. I feel finding out the specifics of the market place such as price, type of structures (single family homes, condos, townhouses etc., large homes, small one story homes, type of materials used) that are being bought are crucial elements as well as type of buyers (renters, first-time homebuyers, senior citizens, upper class, middle class).

Answer 4

East coast: Philadelphia area - no massive hard-hit just yet, but I live in a pretty stable neighborhood. Two houses just sold on my block and went for really good prices, however I know for a fact that one couple had to move because they couldn't afford the mortgage anymore. Both are professionals-one even a teacher at a major university. Local restaurants are slowing down during the week, but weekends are still strong. I've heard people saying they are going to local produce places/farmer's markets for better prices/goods than at markets. That being said, everyone has said they modified their summer plans. No really big trips. That goes for my family too. We are driving to vacation instead of that big distance trip.

Answer 5

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