Times certainly change. Until early this year, most pundits and commentators were lamenting how housing was a drag on the economy. No more, housing is now looked at in many circles as the savior that will get the economy going. The great investor Warren Buffett, for one, sees housing growth stimulating the economy (and he is investing in housing and banking accordingly).

While its growth has been far from parabolic, housing has been the one constant this year. Equity markets, commodities, Europe, and our own domestic economy have displayed fits of volatility and stagnation. Housing in contrast, has continually pushed forward.

This is very good news, and better than most people appreciate. Residential fixed investment accounted for 0.33% of one percentage point of GDP growth (a sixth of its growth) during the third quarter of 2012, up from 0.19% in the second quarter, and up from 0.03% in the year-ago quarter. Housing is obviously a big contributor to economic growth.

Housing is also a big contributor to consumer confidence. Many people don't understand the stock market or the European debt crisis or the fiscal cliff, but everyone understands housing. As housing goes, so goes consumer confidence. Considering the direction housing is going, that's a strong positive indicator of how things could go in 2013.

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When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

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If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.