Auto sellers' building plans signal optimism, an article from The Gazette, reports that 9 auto dealers are planning major construction projects in Colorado Springs, bringing new jobs to the beleaguered building industry and more choices for car buyers in the next year.  These projects could mean dealers are banking on economic recovery, increased consumer spending, a population shift toward the east and additional military troops arriving in town.  Included in the projects are several used-car outlets along with a second Honda dealership, two new stores for local Toyota franchises, a new Nissan store, a new Volkswagen store and a new franchise yet to be announced. 
http://www.gazette.com/articles/signal_36458___article.html/auto_building.html

Home Sales, Prices Seen Rising in Late '08, an article from Realtor Magazine Online, reports that according to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, home sales have stabilized over the last seven months and should increase slightly in the second half of 2008.  He added, “I believe 2008 will be the year when we have to clean up and recover from the subprime mess."  Yun also said while sales should begin to grow later this year, real improvement in the housing market won’t happen until 2009, when sales should climb to 5.71 million units.  Thanks to Fed rate cuts, current borrowers with adjustable mortgages are in better shape.  Some adjustable loan borrowers may actually see their resets produce lower payments.  Yun said, "The Fed has done its job on resets; now it’s up to Congress to encourage the home buying that will help stabilize prices.”
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2008051603

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

Out of town on the rails
http://www.gazette.com/articles/rails_36494___article.html/town_.html

Need a new mortgage? Call Uncle Sam
http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/19/real_estate/FHASecure_saves/index.htm?postversion=2008051909

Be Effective In Sales By Understanding People
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080519_effectivesales.htm

Realty Viewpoint: Low Consumer Sentiment, Upbeat Housing Starts Not Contradictory
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080519_realtyviewpoint.htm

Fannie Mae Scraps Declining Markets Policy
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2008051602