The power of the media is amazing.

Integrity and ethics.

As the media continues to bombard us with all the news of the increasing foreclosures, it seems to me that there is an opportunity for Realtors to help.

For the past 40 years, we've averaged between 3-5% appreciation per year.Here are some numbers:Sales Jan 2006 – July 2006Houses Under Contract 10042Houses Sold & Closed 8811Average Selling Price $172,273Median Sales Price $138,500Sales Jan 2007 – July 2007Houses Under Contract 10213Houses Sold & Closed 8998Average Selling Price $173,845Median Sales Price $139,900% Change from 2006 to 2007Houses Under Contract 1.7% IncreaseHouses Sold & Closed 2.1% IncreaseAverage Selling Price 1.0% IncreaseMedian Sales Price 1.0% IncreaseWhile it doesn't represent a complete picture of the market, it at least shows some indication of strengthening.The number of total properties on the market is still relatively heavy compared to several years ago - but at least the rate that they are coming off the market is starting to increase.Generally speaking, partially due to the media frenzy about the "disastrous real estate market" - its still a good time to buy investment properties, or move up from your existing home.Its generally not a good time for a lateral move, or downsizing.

The point the authors make is that while many people are leaving the marketplace due to the media's drumbeat of "crashing RE markets" and the increase in market supply, savvy investors should be buying as many good deals as they can instead of sitting on the sidelines waiting for the market to finish its correction.

Do you think the news media has been partially responsible for “perpetuating” the market slump?

It is a tiny price to pay to protect the community and insure the integrity of the mission.

I think the primary purpose is to calm the markets, which have been fed so many negative reports by the media. 8)

The people who should not have been in the market are now out ... making it easier on the rest of us.Perception: The media will tell you that everything is too expensive and foreclosures are everywhere and you are about to lose your job and blah blah blah and doom and gloom and darkness.Every other investor that I know simply changes strategies to match the market.

As I have heard in the media, most of the foreclosures were within 2 years.