As an industry, residential real estate flew too close to the sun. The fall without parachute has been frightening, and no one knows for sure if the splat is still coming or now going. The market is showing some signs of life, which means we may be aloft once again – though at a very low elevation.

Even if we have bounced, we must not lose sight of what lies above or below. The highs and lows ever remain possibilities. This was true during the early aught market boom despite the fact everyone pretended otherwise and clung to logic-defying profits and home values without limits. And so the opposite is true today as everyone takes a gloom-and-doom stance – we simply have to realize that a smoother ride and clear skies are possible – and that compelling value propositions and opportunities do exist. History proves that this cycle – like all cycles – will cycle through in its own sweet time, for better and for worse, forever and ever, Amen.

During boom times and rock bottoms, reading a balance of news is the best way to skirt disillusion about the ups or downs being indefinite. To that end, here's a mix of articles devoted to the uh-oh's and hoorays of real estate du jour.

BOOM BOOM POW! As new homesbecome toddlers, they begin acting out: Beyond foreclosures, bankruptcies and upside-down homeowners, the boom built a bunch of new homes that are now in need of pricey repairs. According to Criterium Engineers, a national building-inspection firm, an estimated 17% of newly constructed houses built in 2006 had at least two significant defects, up from 15% in 2003.

COME TOGETHER: Pouring yourself into your community: For residents of Potomac Greens outside of Washington D.C., lifestyle and interaction outweigh size and space.

GET ON UP! Residential sales are taking off (slowly): Surprising but true, but homes sales have surged seven percent according to the National Association of Realtors.  

 Posted by Amanda Fier