In January, after an unexpectedly strong close to 2006, we were forecasting busy first and second quarters for real estate. Discretionary bonus money jingled, pent up buyer demand was high, interest rates stayed low, and quality inventory remained tight. As of this writing (4/30/07), the mild slump of 2006 is decidedly over, and our market is surprisingly hot again. The pace of trading has quickened, open houses are crowded once more with as many as 30 people showing up in an hour, and competitive bidding is becoming commonplace in all price ranges and categories.
