I wanted to share my thoughts regarding the current real estate situation, as I am sure that you have concerns regarding your own holdings and hopeful sales opportunities.

I expect the local real estate market to continue on its slow trend with an up-tick at the end of this year.  National forecasters, on a nationwide basis, project a downward trend for 2-3 years, but I don't expect NWA to follow that trend that severly or for that long a period of time.

Our area continues to be looked at in a favorable light by those in the country who are looking for a great place to live.  NWA has been evaluated during the last few years by entities such as CNN, Forbes, Sperling's Best Places, MSN, Kiplinger's Finance Magazine, Business Development outlook, The Milken Institute, AARP, Inc. Magazine, and the Washington Post (sited on moving.about.com and Fayetteville.com) and given high rankings in things such as best place to live to reinvent yourself, clean air, top college towns, best place to do business, and best place to live and work.

Low cost of living, affordable housing, and steady job growth were sited among the reasons for people to move to our area.  Couple that with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, temperate climate, and the fact that there is a continued influx of Fortune 500 companies to this area, and it's plain to see that there's every indication that our population will continue to increase with those who are pursuing the Great American Dream.

NWA exemplifies the entrepreneur's gold mine, even with the current slow down in real estate sales.  The word is out!  With recent national news media recognition, NWA is fast becoming known as one of the best places in this country to live and work, and to make your business dreams come true.  Soon both residential and commercial real estate will again reflect this phenomenon.  I hope that 2008 will bring you success in all that you set your hand to do.
Blessings to you in this new year.  Be encouraged and keep the faith.

--  Jeff