A client of mine recently emailed me an article that appeared in her local California newspaper about strong real estate markets.  Salem, OR was listed as one of them with double digit appreciation.  I was stymied by this as all of my local data was indicating appreciation, but in the 5.95-6.05% range.  What data were they looking at??How can this be?One of the most frustrating things in real estate is the interpretation of the data that is available to all real estate agents.  Depending on what statistics you choose to use, you can make the market look good or bad.  I often feel bad for the public as there is so much conflicting data out there.  I never thought that the statistics class I took for my master's degree would come in handy, but it sure has.I wonder how many agents are real... 08/24/2007

With the changes in the real estate market is real estate over due for a thinning of real estate agents?  Consumers are unhappy with the large commission amounts that they pay real estate agents, but with so many agents competing for so few consumers this has been a necessary way of doing business in the past.Hopefully this downturn in the market will encourage brokerages to be more efficient in their hiring practices, and choosing to hire agents with the skills necessary to really change the perception of real estate agents. With the recent indictments of Prudential agents in CA on fraud, it can be hard for consumers to look past those issues and see the value that real estate agents have to offer.  It will be interesting to see how the downshift in commissions earned changes the dynam... 08/21/2007

This meticulously maintained Salem one-level is perfect for the first time home buyer or investor. This lovely home features a light & bright kitchen and living room, spacious bedrooms plus a master suite, newer roof, gutters, furnace, and great curb appeal! Office in garage can be easily converted back. Large backyard w/shed & covered patio, huge dog run/extra parking area. Resale Single Family Home $194,000 Address: 1151 Fabry Rd. SE City/ST: Salem, OR Zip Code: 97306 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 full, 0 half Square Footage: 1176 MLS# 7078168 For additional photos and details visit http//:www.TonyandLibby.comor call 1-800-395-1151 code 603 for 24 hr recorded information This listing is brought to you courtesy of the Tony and Libby Kelly Group, Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere,1770... 08/09/2007