Ninety-two economists can’t be wrong about housing prices…can they?

        A group of economists who take part in a monthly survey about the U.S. housing market believes prices will begin to rise nationally in 2011 and will increase 12.4% between 2010 and 2014.  The responses from the Macro Markets Panel also indicated that home prices have risen nearly 5% in the year that ended in March, but that they have fallen in the most recent quarter.  The conclusions reflect the input of 92 of the group of 100 Macro Markets participants, who are economists and housing market analysts and strategists.

        Any significant near-term rise in home prices could have a significant effect on the migration of baby

boomers from north to south (actually re-migration since the migration started before the 2006 housing crash brought it to a halt).  It seems reasonable that when that population flow of well-resourced retirees begins again, home prices in the south will rise faster than in the north, generally speaking.  Real estate operates on the simple principle of supply and demand, and when the pent-up demand for retirement homes in warmer climates is unleashed, those who wait to squeeze out the last penny from their primary homes might find that waiting cost them more at the other end.

        The northern U.S. is not the only source of emigration to the Carolinas and other popular retirement and vacation spots in the southeast.  Floridians tired of increased insurance prices, the threat of hurricanes, a crumbling infrastructure and beastly summer heat are heading to the cooler Carolinas; and many Californians, who saw their home values skyrocket before the crash but still have considerable equity in them post-crisis are also looking east.

        I am currently working with a dozen couples looking for their dream homes on the course in the southern U.S., and I would be happy to supply others with the benefits of my experience and hundreds of visits to golf communities.  Simply contact me via email and I will respond promptly.  There is never a fee for my advice or assistance.

        Macro Markets was founded by Yale economics professor Robert Shiller who predicted the major stock market and housing bubbles of the last decade.  Shiller is also the co-founder of the Case-Shiller index, which tracks home prices in 20 major U.S. markets.  A Wall Street Journal article about the latest Macro Markets survey is available by clicking here.