Metro MLS has posted the most recent Market Indicators report as well as the current Local Market Updates for selected Counties and Cities.

You can follow this link: http://www.metromls.com/support/Market_Updates/index.html or visit www.metromls.com and select MLS Statistics under the MLS Admin menu. You will find other reports and statistics which may be of use to you in your business.

The "final" days of the now-extended tax credit did mean more October sales in the Milwaukee metro region. The number of signed purchase agreements in October was 982, up 12.2 percent from a year ago.

With the home buyer tax credit extended and expanded, we can expect that first-time home buyer activity will remain strong, but don't bank on the same blockbuster numbers we saw this year. If you were a potential first-time home buyer who was qualified to purchase in 2009, odds are good that you already bought. The fact that the income limits have been raised for eligibility does help since it widens the credit's availability.

The $6,500 credit for second-time buyers will spur some sellers in the low-to-mid price ranges to put their homes on the market who had previously been on the fence. New listings will likely increase this winter and into early 2010 as a result.

As always, your comments and questions are welcome!

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