http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/how-low-will-real-estate-go.html;_ylc=X3oDMTFuc2lqbWltBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEX3MDOTc2MjA0NjUEc2VjA2ZwLXRvZGF5BHNsawNsb3ctcmVhbC1lc3RhdGU- Top 5 Places With Fast-Falling Home Prices 1. Raleigh, N.C. (Raleigh-Cary metro area) 2008 Population: 1,088,765 2007-2008 Change: 4.29% 2. Austin, Texas (Austin-Round Rock metro area) 2008 Population: 1,652,602 2007-2008 Change: 3.77% 3. Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, N.C.-S.C., metro area) 2008 Population: 1,701,799 2007-2008 Change: 3.36% 4. Phoenix, Ariz. (Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metro area) 2008 Population: 4,281,899 2007-2008 Change: 2.78% 5. Dallas, Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area) 2008 Population: 6,300,006 2007-2008 Change: 2.38%
Statistics depend on baseline values. There are so many variables applicable to this scenario, that one can easily get tripped up in the math. Contrast this with reports that the decline in RDU area is so much less than other areas. One can either reach conclusions using double negative statement or a positive one. To me, it reads as if the decline happened in these areas later than in others, which is why it's noteworthy, now.
