Real Estate Outlook: Spring Market Warm, but Consumer Confidence Low, an article from RealtyTimes.com, reports that in order to get a realistic picture of the economic outlook for real estate, you've got to look at the encouraging signs, along with the bleak.  According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, applications for purchases of homes were up 8.1% last week.  Purchase applications using FHA-insured mortgages were up by 15.2%.  Another positive sign is the University of Michigan's latest national study of consumer sentiment found that the percentage of households who believe that homes are attractively priced hit a record high.  On the other hand, the same University of Michigan survey found consumer confidence at a 26 year low with pollsters worried about recession and losing jobs.  The spring forecast is mixed, however, consumers do see excellent opportunities in home buying right now and the mortgage money is there for them at great rates.
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080417_realestateoutlook.htm

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

SIDE STREETS: Bill allows neighbors to let it all hang out
http://www.gazette.com/articles/bill_35359___article.html/covenants_neighborhoods.html

Washington buyer invests $25.8 million in Springs apts.
http://www.crej.com/news_category.php?category_id=4

Mortgage application volume up 2.5%
http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/16/news/economy/mortgage_applications.ap/index.htm?postversion=2008041607

Housing construction fell sharply in March
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24157082/

Housing bailout: Helping hand or handout?
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2008-04-16-housing-bailout-help_N.htm

Why Lenders Are Leery Of Short Sales
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120839380851021529.html?mod=RealEstateMain_1

Condo Trends: Market Eats Up Inventory
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080417_condotrends.htm

Why Selling Now Makes Sense
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2008041601