As expected, the dollar has once again begun to show signs of serious strain against a variety of measures including gold which once again recently passed the $1000 mark. There has still been no responsible plan for confronting the dramatically increasing structural deficits. The only plan has been to print more and spend more.  In [...]

Finally, after several years of denial, real estate stakeholders in the many hard-hit areas have finally come to the breaking point. Distressed sales continue to be the driving force in most regions, particularly, South Florida, California, Arizona, and Nevada. Sellers of residential properties are trying desperately to remain competitive amid a flood of units for sale. According to Metrostudy, a national housing research firm, the inventory level of unsold condos in South Florida represent a 31 month supply. Many people think that a two to four month supply represents an equilibrium with demand. Even in the face of these extreme conditions, there are some signs of light.

The economic climate of 2009 will be very tough, especially for the average consumer. The U.S. and European consumers are officially tapped out. Retailers are barely clinging to life, fighting each other to be the last one standing. While 2008 hit the financial markets, 2009 will be much more visible and hit closer to home [...]

What is going on with the real estate market in the U.S.? How bad will it get? When is it time to jump back in? Should sellers wait it out? These are questions frequently posed to me. My answers often disappoint people, which is no fun but I am not one to say what I [...]