Top 10 real Estate Markets...

Housing Predictor, which provides housing forecasts in 250 markets, has identified 10 markets where the regional economies are healthy and have strong potential for increasing prosperity.

These housing markets have bucked the national trend in 2008 and avoided the subprime crisis, the consultancy says. Whatever the future holds for the housing market as a whole, Housing Predictor forecasts that these cities will continue to see steady, dependable growth.

Top cities and the percentage sales prices have increased so far in 2008.

Biloxi, Miss., 4.9 percent
Salem, Ore., 4.7 percent
Bismarck, N.D., 4.6 percent
Spokane, Wash., 4.4 percent
Yakima, Wash., 4.1 percent
Austin, Texas, 4.0 percent
Grand Junction, Colo., 4.0 percent
Fargo, N.D., 4.0 percent
Mobile, Ala., 3.9 percent
Albuquerque, N.M., 3.5 percent

I went to the Housing Predictor Web site which as one might imagine is at http://www.housingpredictor.com/ and looked around. It is a nice collection of data and articles from a variety of sources and from research that they have apparently done themselves.

As one might expect, they had a worst 25 list for real estate too and Detroit was on it at number 4 on their list. They show a loss in value of about 18% year-over-year for Detroit, which is consistent with what I've been reporting here. Grand Rapids and Flint also made the worst 25 list.

It is noteworthy that Biloxi, Mississippi is also one of the area that was hardest hit by Hurricane Katerina, so much of it is being rebuilt or has been already. Maybe that is why it is growing so much. Our area is currently being pummeled by Hurricane Recession and will likely need rebuilding when that is over.

I'm not really sure what one is to do with this valuable information. After all, if you are living in one of the bottom markets and about to take a big hit when you sell, why would you want to go to a top market area, where you will pay more for a house? But, I suppose that if you are a real estate investor and want a safe place to invest, then knowing what markets are growing and appreciating would be a good thing. So now you know!