The Crystal Ball for 2007 Says....

Markets continue flat with a slight upward trend, because the economy is showing surprising resilience in the face of a combination of negative factors. The Fed has done what we recommended - a first, I believe - and as a result homeowners, builders, and buyers are getting a sense that things have stabilized. Stability is key for markets.

We're into 2007 now and everyone's starting to ask questions about how the market is going to go. Wanna know?

Here it is: in Utah, especially on the Wasatch Front, this will be a good year for real estate. It will not be as good as 2006, but it will be better than any other year in the last decade, for appreciation and for rates. Rates will stay in the low 6% range. Houses will appreciate 10%. Good year.

Our standard disclaimer: this does NOT mean that YOUR house will appreciate 10% or that YOUR interest rate will be low. We're talking generalities here, not specifics. If you're an investor, you want the market sweep, the broad picture, but if you are just an individual homeowner or potential buyer, it's much more comforting to get the specific dope about your own situation. Which we would be glad to give you. Call us (801-787-2162).

I should put in here a Twelfth Night recap. For those of you not in the know, Twelfth Night is our annual charity ball (info here) and client appreciation event. We had over 200 people this year - doubling attendance again - and raised more than twice as much money as 2006. It is always amazing to me to see the generosity of the people I know, and since you're likely one of them, thank you. If you missed it, or forgot your wallet, or something, and you'd like to make a donation to A Child's Hope Foundation, please email the Empress of Impressions at olivia@thechrisjonesgroup.com. Take a trip to Mexico. They'll take you and you'll never be the same.

Special thanks to the BYU Ballroom Team, Britney Harper, Misses Provo, Spanish Fork and Lehi, Utah County Commissioner Steve White, Amy Jo Yates, Gordon Jones and the Music Makers, Melanie Mellenthin, Paul Jones (pf jones), Heather Hunsaker of LaVilla Salon, Bella Medica, James Roberts of Orange Realty, Robbie Robertson of TAZ Business Solutions, and Kirk from the Apollo Dance Hall, along with all our fantastic volunteers. Thank you a thousand times.

See you all next year, January 12, 2008.