How to forecast my neighborhood

[Alan L.]

Hi BP community!

I was just wondering if anyone has any suggestions/articles/books on information on how to create a forecast analysis of their own neighborhood/city? I want to be able to analyze the raw data into something meaningful to give me some insight into where the real estate market trends are headed for my area. I apologize if my post is kind of confusing, as I am still a newbie in learning how to forecast market trends (or even what indicators I should be looking at that would be important to my analysis).

Any advice or reading recommendations would be greatly appreciated! :D

-Al

[Matthew Fisher]

Its tough to make an accurate prediction on an area as small as just a subdivision or neighborhood. However a general good predictor is where you start to see new development or predevelopment in established areas. This shows that the areas stature has surpassed the current ammenites which are offered in the area. Also see which areas have best resisited the large price declines over the past 3yrs. If a group of houses has held its value well then it will likely pop as housing recovers over the next 5yrs.