Next 10 years look good for landlords, an article from the Colorado Springs Business Journal, reports that according to the National Multi Housing Council, the multifamily property market must significantly increase supply to meet demand in the years ahead.  The Washington D.C.-based trade group released a report last week that projects the number of for-rent households will increase by 4 million during the next 10 years, with half renting apartments at properties with five or more units.  B.J. Hybl, president of the Griffis Blessing Property Services Group said,  “In the long view, I’d agree. Portfolio-wide, our occupancies register about 90 percent today which is strong, but the next 36 months are tough to predict in our market.  “The troop movements are an unknown — and they create and ebb and flow, especially in certain neighborhoods.”

http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=19716

Motivate Your Sphere of Influence, an article from RealtyTimes.com, reports that there are a few ways how to motivate your sphere of influence to refer to you easily and effortlessly.  One way is to think of yourself as "the giver."  When you pick up the phone to call your sphere of influence, ask yourself, "What can I give to them?"  If they own their business, ask how business is going.  Offer to send referrals to them and how you can help their business.  Another way is to call them often.  As long as you have a good reason to call, they will be happy to hear from you.  Trust your instinct on how often you should call them.  You may choose to call your "A list" about once a month.  And finally, be excited about your business.  No matter the current condition of your business, always let your sphere of influence know that you are looking forward to meeting their referrals and helping them with their real estate needs.

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080326_motivate.htm

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

Community within a community median prices vary
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=19716

Mortgage application volume rises
http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/26/real_estate/mortgage_apps.ap/index.htm?postversion=2008032607

Home prices: Down record 11%
http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/25/real_estate/case_shiller/index.htm?postversion=2008032513

More Banks Consider Short Sales
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2008032502

Cohousing Grows in Popularity
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2008032505