Good Feelings

People are feeling pretty good about the way things are. A recent Gallup poll found 75 percent of us feel pretty good about our personal situation. We have some concerns about the other guy but generally feel things are going pretty well for us personally and why not. The economy is humming along pretty well despite an 18-month long correction in the real estate market. Jobs are plentiful, unemployment is at historically low rates and the stock market is at record high returns. With the decline in gasoline prices even fickle consumers are feeling pretty good about the New Year.

The confidence level of the nation's consumers took an upward turn in December, according to a recent report from The Conference Board. The Consumer Confidence Index improved to 109.0 (1985=100) last month, up from 105.3 in November and nearly reaching the last high of 109.8, which was achieved in April. Also in December, the Present Situation and Expectations indexes increased to 129.9 and 95.1, respectively.

Will all the warm fuzzy feelings that we are having about our personal situations jump-start the housing market? Probably, but not until spring. A few BIG IFs, however. If economic expansion continues, IF interest rates remain below 6.50 percent and IF we avoid any natural catastrophes or terrorist attracts. While we are all waiting …………..we should continue to think positive.