Bankrate’s 2007 Real Estate Guide: Economists See Optimistic Outlook

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RISMEDIA, March 12, 2007-Bankrate, Inc. released its 2007 Real Estate Guide. According to economists interviewed by Bankrate, stable interest rates, rising consumer confidence and bargain prices make for an overall optimistic outlook for 2007. However, new housing starts and foreclosures due to ARM resets keep experts on guard. The comprehensive guide offers consumers a forecast of the 2007 housing market, including analysis by region and of 30 top metro areas. Bankrate's experts offer advice for buyers and sellers, tips on avoiding mortgage fraud and interactive tools and calculators.

This year's Real Estate Guide offers two interactive features: The Real Estate Metro Forecast gives readers an overview of the real estate in 30 metro markets, highlighting median home price, projected average price, current average rate, affordability rating and the number of foreclosures.

What $400,000 can buy you is an update on last year's survey. The interactive map allows you to click on five different cities to see the comparison of what each offers at the $400,000 price point. The display includes property description and photos as well as a price comparison of the 2006 vs. 2007 markets in those cities.

"Buying or selling a home can be difficult, particularly given the fluctuating housing market of recent years," said Daniel P. Ray, editor-in-chief for Bankrate, Inc. "The guide was designed to provide consumers with the tools and information that will ensure that they are making smart financial choices throughout the process," Mr. Ray added.

Articles in the guide include:

2007 Overview
Home sales forecast brighter in '07
Rising consumer confidence boosts housing market
Spring is bargain time for home buyers
Stable rates MAY turn the market around
Negative media stories can dampen real estate market
Only long thaw will help icy new-home starts
Foreclosure forecast: Blizzard brewing

Analysis by Region
West is looking cool, except for hottest markets
Northeast overcast, but clearing ahead
South basks in real estate sunshine
Midwest: Affordable homes but few jobs
What can you buy for $400,000?
Interactive map comparing state mortgage rates to national average rates

Top 10 Essentials
10 hottest home markets in 2006
10 coldest home markets for 2006
10 lowest priced U.S. housing markets in 2006
10 highest priced U.S. housing markets in 2006
10 lethal mistakes for real estate investors

Take Action Do's and Don'ts
10 'must-do' steps to sell your home this year
20 steps to a great home buy in 2007
Real estate value Web sites good but not perfect
Mortgage fraud flourishes in down markets
Common forms of mortgage fraud
How to avoid mortgage fraud

Tools
Bankrate' amortization schedule calculator – Calculate your payment and more

To view Bankrate's 2007 Real Estate Guide, go to http://www.bankrate.com/realestate.

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