WE'VE GOT LOSERS....
....WE'VE GOT WINNERS

We appreciate the following markets or....

THE TOP 10 MARKETS W/GREATEST 2006 HOME APPRECIATION

Market 2006 Appreciation (%)

1. 
   
   
   Salem, OR. 19.8



2. 
   
   
   Virginia Beach/Norfolk 19.4



3. 
   
   
   Spokane, WA. 17.7



4. 
   
   
   Salt Lake City, UT. 16.7



5. 
   
   
   Eugene/Springfield, OR. 16.7



6. 
   
   
   Baton Rouge, LA. 15.9



7. 
   
   
   Gainesville, FL. 15.9



8. 
   
   
   Ocala, FL. 15.5



9. 
   
   
   Dover, DE. 14.7



10. 
    
    
    Portland/Beaverton, OR. 14.7

Source: NAR Existing Home Sales Report

It's interesting to note that 4 of the Top 10 markets are home to large universities. Only one market is in the northeast (barely) and half of the hottest markets are in the Pacific Northwest. Perhaps the stampede is on as California "Goldrushers" abandon ship for the tranquility to the north.

Compare the winners with the previous list of losers. 6 of the top 10 losers markets were in Ohio and Michigan and 9 of the 10 biggest losers are in the rust belt. So as things rust in the upper midwest, the boom is on in the Pacific Northwest. Or so it appears for at least one year;2006.

WE'VE GOT WINNERS....

WE'VE GOT LOSERS

TOP 10 MARKETS w/ Greatest loss in home value

2006

Rank
Metropolitan statistical area
One-year loss (%)

1.Detroit-Warren-Livonia, Mich. -7.4

2.Toledo, Ohio -6.2

3. Sarasota-Braden-Venice, Fla. -5.6

4. Akron, Ohio -4.9

5. Youngs-War-Brdman, OH/Pa. -4.8

6. Bloomington-Normal, Ill. -4.4

7. South Bend-Mishawaka, Ind. -4.0

8. Indianapolis -3.6

9. Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, Ohio -3.2

10. Lansing-E.Lansing, Mich. -3.2

Isn't it interesting that three or four of the markets are home to large universities? I think that should help put the Centre County market in perspective. Although we are home to a large Big 10 University, we are a small market removed from the metro areas and insulated from the huge price fluctuations of larger metro areas.

NEW LISTING - BELLEFONTE SCHOOL DISTRICT

First Time Homebuyers

1.51 acres surrounded by woodland

Great starter home! Cute 2 bedroom 2 bath house on 1.5 acre wooded lot - perfect for first time buyers. New windows, new hot water heater.

NEW LISTING

THE COUNTRY LIFESTYLE BUT CLOSE TO PENN STATE

Gorgeous saltbox style 3/2.5 on 3+ acres in the Penns Valley School District but minutes to State College and Penn State University. Located on a quiet country cul-de-sac and surrounded by a thriving fruit orchard and lush perennials, the spacious interior lends itself to a growing family. First floor master bedroom, dining room with french doors and woodburning fireplace, and a beautiful country kitchen with cherry cabinets and an island, make this home the perfect country farmette. Post card views of the surrounding countryside and breathtaking view of Egg Hill. $269,900