According to the Associated Press we had some good economic news come out for February:
“Thanks to lower unemployment and fewer bankruptcies, the nation’s economic stress edged down in February as all but five states strengthened from January, according to The Associated Press’ monthly analysis.
Three states that were hit hardest by the recession and have suffered since — Florida, Arizona and Georgia — enjoyed the sharpest gains in February.
Unemployment declined or remained the same in more than three-quarters of the nation’s 3,141 counties and in 43 states, the AP’s Economic Stress Index showed. Bankruptcies declined in more than half the counties and in 41 states. Still, foreclosures rose in more than half the counties and in 27 states.
The AP’s index calculates a score from 1 to 100 based on unemployment, foreclosure and bankruptcy rates. A higher score signals more economic stress.
The average county’s stress score in February was 11, down from 11.2 in January. A year ago, the average score was 11.8. Under a rough rule of thumb, a county is considered stressed when its score exceeds 11″
I am seeing some increased activity in our land sales and even some larger acreage properties with higher price points are starting to get some serious action. If you’re sitting on the sidelines waiting for the bottom it may be time to jump in full force.
