INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... One idea that could lead to some success is to let people know that home prices and home sales both posted strong annual growth in the third quarter, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The national median existing single-family home price was UP 7.6% versus a year ago, the best year-over-year quarterly price boost since Q1 of 2006 when prices were up 9.4%. And existing home sales were UP 10.3% over Q3 last year, to a 4.68 million annual rate.

The NAR's chief economist said rising prices and tight inventory indicate the housing recovery is settling in. He added, "We expect fairly normal appreciation patterns in 2013, but there is a risk of price acceleration if builders are unable to meet the needs of our growing population and household formation." The Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts purchase loan originations will be UP 16% next year. They expect this will come from growth in new home sales, modest home price gains, and more financed, owner-occupied sales.