The beginning of the year is always an exciting time.  It is a time to look forward to what the next year is going to bring.  This year looks like we have many reasons for optimism.  In a recent blog post on WashingtonPost.com, Ezra Klein talks about how he thinks that we may see an upturn in 2012 for the economy.  There are promising early signs that bode well for the year to come.

Klein quotes a Wall Street Journal article that lists a couple reasons why we can look forward to a positive 2012.  Lower unemployment, consumer spending, and the housing market are just a few of the reasons for his optimism.  Lower unemployment rates not only raise the incomes that people have to spend, it also increases confidence, which causes spending to rise.  This is an excellent sign for the economy.  Another positive sign is that mortgage rates, which are at historical lows, and rising consumer income will cause an uptick in housing prices.  Also, many investors are starting to acquire distressed housing units and predict that the housing market is going to be on the rise in the next year.

A Forbes article also predicts a housing recovery.  According to the article, several research firms are predicting that if the housing market has not already hit bottom, then it will very soon.  The Zillow Real Estate Market Report indicates that home sales in 2012 will be more consistent and frequent.  Clear Capital, a real estate research firm, predicts that home prices in the Washington, D.C. area will not only stabilize, but RISE over the next year.  They think that the area will experience a 9.3% price hike!

All of this, especially the predictions for the housing sector, is great to hear, and I hope it all comes true.  Smart buyers are the ones who will take this information and use it to their advantage by purchasing a new home.

Tags: housing recovery, Luxury Homes in Prince George's County, New Homes in Prince George's County