David Lerah, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, is usually one of the more optimistic forecasters of residential real estate. “I’m hoping for prices to drop” and “sellers are not bringing prices down fast enough” are two statements that home owners would prefer weren’t uttered by Lerah. But those are two quotes from a Wall Street Journal interview he did in relation to the July housing statistics that recently came out.

An increasing numbers of homes are coming onto the market, while the number of homes selling declines as compared to a year ago. That means there is a virtual stalemate, where sellers aren’t budging while buyers are being spoiled for choice and feel that there isn’t a need to offer the list price.

Lerah, traditionally the optimist, may have dealt another card to buyers, particularly in California and Florida.

The newest carnival of real estate is up at Nubricks.com. There are a lot of good articles in there, so go ahead and check them out!

-Tony Floriani

This is our first weekly linkage to some articles that I found particularly interesting. Enjoy!

The last seven days in Real Estate - (Rain City Guide)
People Have To Live Somewhere - (The Real Estate Bloggers)
Slow News Cycle = More Housing Coverage = More Confusion - (Matrix)
The Natural Cycle of a Real Estate Market - (Blueroof)
Upgrading Apartments? Sell First! - (Urbandigs)

-Tony Floriani