Stan Sieron Quotes (5 Quotes)

The Illinois housing market continues to be a solid driver of the state's economy and, in 2006, REALTORS(r) anticipate strong demand for homeownership and favorable price appreciation. Home sales in Illinois tend to follow a seasonal trend with the strongest months being April through September, so it's no surprise that fourth-quarter activity over the holiday months was slower than previous periods. For the quarter, rates inched up above six percent and this combined with mild job and economic growth factored in as well to homebuyer decisions.

The housing market continues to be a bright spot in the Illinois economy. Residential real estate market activity has remained high despite interest rates inching upward. We are seeing increasing inventory across the state, so we should expect to see a greater balance between supply and demand in the coming months. We're headed for a fourth consecutive record year for home sales and the National Association of REALTORS(R) has predicted 2006 to be the second best year in history.

Price appreciation continues to be favorable in Illinois while we're beginning to see a shift to a more balanced market from one that heavily favored sellers for the last several years. We are predicting a solid year for Illinois. Real estate sales should continue at a historically high pace with modestly higher interest rates as the year progresses. Strong demand fundamentals remain in place for the Illinois housing market.

Eminent domain is already among the most awesome powers of government, and we must do everything possible to protect the rights of private property ownership. Eminent domain should be defined as narrowly as possible so that it is restricted to truly public purposes.

Illinois home sales most likely have reached their peak level in this four-year expansion, and Realtors expect 2006 to see healthy activity in the housing sector with continued favorable price appreciation.