The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices measures the residential real estate market in the Chicagoland area. This methodology collects data on single-family home re-sales. I have been using this data for the past ten years to value home price appreciation and depreciation. This is a great tool for investors who are timing markets. Below, you will find a link to the S&P/Case-Shiller Indices. Take a look at the Chicagoland market. The S&P has tracked home prices in the Chicagoland area since January 1987. 

You will notice on this report a few key indicators:

                        1. Chicagoland Peak Price was in September 2006 (Index at 168.60)

                        2. Chicagoland Index July 2008 (Index at 149.60)

                        3. March-July 2008 prices have remained level.

Here is an example assuming you purchased a home at retail price in August 2006.

Purchase Price of Home $100,000 (September 2006 Market Peak)

Value of Home Today $89,000 (February 2008-July 2008)

Home prices did decrease 11% in the Chicagoland market since September of 2006. But, they have stabilized.   I do not anticipate an increase in price appreciation until March 2009. Foreclosure investors buy homes at least 25% under market, as a result this offers protection from fluctuations in price.

Click Here for S&P Index   

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 at 3:21 pm and is filed under Foreclosure News . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.