analyzing local market trends

[Fred Stevenson]

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to research local housing market trends?  For example, projected local appreciation rates, future home supply versus home buyer/ renter demand projections, migration trends, etc.

Thanks

[Nathan Brooks]

@Fred Stevenson I would be VERY very careful about looking for "future appreciation" ... because guess what ...

NO ONE knows. Nobody. We only buy on current prices for flips, based on very current comps, in neighborhoods with solid activity and few days on market. For rentals, they have to ... MUST ... work numbers wise at the number you are buying them. Yes, I always expect to buy them under market value, but I expect them to be worth their current ARV in 5 years, and if I make an upside from that, then all the better.

Work with a great real estate investor friendly realtor ... and start doing your homework in the areas you want to buy, seeing what is selling, and what is NOT, for how much, and how long it's taking ... 

Good luck!