See if Conneaut is similar or not.If the city is on a consistent down trend economically (businesses moving out/closing) and it is not becoming strong as a bedroom community for a larger city, I would avoid it. 

I hadn't recognized it as a trend, but maybe it is.

I try to identify trends that could impact our investing strategy in the near and long term.

I would look more at the long term trends to see what kind of a picture it paints about Dayton.

By that time though the market might be on a trend. so who knows really.

Though maybe only half or less do that, there is no trend of any landlords pushing out tenets and moving in.

I know I can track trends, but it is also kind of torturous to look at listings and see great deals when you don't have the money.

Around here there's been a trend to requiring EMD and inspections upon seller acceptance, in return for a binding contract.The largest short sale brokerage in Metro Detroit gives buyers two options:1) EMD and inspections upon seller acceptance, buyer can exit in 120 days if deal hasn't closed, seller is committed to that buyer as well.2) EMD and inspections upon bank acceptance, buyer can walk at any time but seller is free to sign a binding contract with another buyer at any time as well.While I'm sure you'd perform and complete the purchase, a lot of buyers (retail) would walk if they saw a house they liked better and had no EMD or inspection skin in the game, leaving the seller in the lurch.

Are more deals closing now than 2 years ago?

Are you having difficulty getting your price today versus two years ago?

Generally, most economists believe that when the booms end, the market comes back to pre-boom pricing.I keep my eye on the listings/solds in Baltimore Surroundings and observing the strong trend down.