And now for something a little different...

Try this one on for size... a blog post about real estate. Yeah, I know it has been awhilz... but you know that I'll find a way to make this about the local area politics somehow.

Housing Predictor has written a piece that I found at this site. I'll copy some bits below and add a dash or two of opinion...

Top 10 US Real Estate Markets For 2009
Published on: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Written by: Housing Predictor

The top ten US real estate markets for 2009 are not large metropolitan areas, but rather small communities with strong prospects for growth. The following list of high potential housing markets may not appreciate in the short term, but have the highest likelihood of long term appreciation. See the top ten list put together by Housing Predictor for what may be the best real estate markets to invest in for 2009.

I remember when Kingman was a small community with strong prospects for growth, don't you?? (I told you above that I'd make this post about the local area)

The hottest buyers housing markets are places you may find comfort in the worst housing crash since at least the Great Depression. The top 10 buyers markets listed by Housing Predictor at mid-year are markets that aren't necessarily big arts and entertainment centers, mostly found in smaller communities.

Amarillo, Texas takes the first position as the nation's top buyers market in 2009 with the highest likelihood of housing inflation over the next few years. Austin, Texas and Tucson, Arizona are the largest metro areas to be named to the list possessing the highest probability of growing through the recessionary economy over the next few years. As a high-tech hub, Austin will have what it takes to not only sustain the downturn but see home values inflate.

Wait a dog-gone stinkin' minute here. You mean to tell me that it is possible to have local economic growth even in an overall poor national recessionary period like we find ourselves in right now?? (please recognize the sarcasm in my question above)

All 10 markets hold the promise of prosperity in the near future. In the current economic environment there are few areas of the country that will see appreciation this year. The markets named here represent cities that are the most likely to experience housing inflation over the next few years, despite the downward economy and are the best places forecast to buy real estate to make a profit.

Sadly, I don't think Kingman will make the list of areas that will see appreciation this year. But there is always next year, right??

The financial crisis dealt a severe blow to the national economy that will take many years to overcome. Unlike any other downturn in real estate since the Great Depression, markets have seen home values decline at record levels. Times have changed as a result, and real estate inflation will take years to return in most areas. Investing for the long term, considered to be 10 years or longer is the best protection for those who choose to take the risk.

Listed from highest forecast appreciation to lowest.

10 Hottest Buyers Markets:

1. Amarillo, TX
2. Sioux Falls, SD
3. Biloxi, MS
4. Logan, UT
5. Bismarck, ND
6. Bozeman, MT
7. Baton Rouge, LA
8. Austin, TX
9. Casper, WY
10. Tucson, AZ

I'm surprised not to see any mention of places in Colorado in that list. I've been hearing about good things, real estate related, in that state. Even more surprising is seeing Tucson on that list... after all Arizona is practically ground zero for the imploding real estate market by many accounts.

My real question is... why isn't Kingman on this list??

And now I'll let you answer.