Ask tommy2 about Real Estate

[tommy2]

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Tommy,

On what do you base your estimates of a slow decline lasting 12-18 months or a hard crash lasting 6 months?
J

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My gut and 10+ years of being heavily involved in RE markets. Extensive conversations with some of the smartest people in the industry...lots of economic data, etc.

I don't think the hard crash will last 6 months, btw, I think it will occur in about 6 months. We ain't there yet.

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Care to elaborate on any specifics, perhaps some of that economic data?

I find it unlikely that a multi year run-up in housing gets resolved in such a short time frame (in either scenario you propose). My reasons for doubting this include:

* the historical stickiness of real estate (especially on the way down)
* the experiences in Japan which is not a perfect model for the US for a number of reasons but is highly relevant
* the phased nature of the rate increases and 110% LTV triggers

J

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So, what do you see happening? I think Japan is a lousy example, btw.