By: Michele Lerner
Read this article on Huliq News

Point2 Technologies provides a monthly survey of real estate brokers and agents across the United States known as the Real Estate Confidence Index. The poll dropped slightly in December 2009, but remained relatively optimistic about the state of the housing market in 2010.

The federal government tax credit program is anticipated to drive business in the lower priced housing market, but some agents are concerned about what will happen when the tax credit expires at the end of April.

The real estate professionals surveyed say that low appraisals and high foreclosure rates continue to put pressure on a number of housing markets around the country.

Surprisingly, tough lending practices were cited as a key opportunity for sustained market recovery. Often real estate agents complain about the fact that potential buyers are unable to obtain financing. But those surveyed here are correct in thinking that making it hard to get a mortgage is a necessary part of a long-term housing recovery. No one should want it to be too easy to get a loan because that could lead to a repeat of the mistakes in the housing market from a few years ago.

One last trend reported by this survey: real estate professionals in markets with a major US military presence are relatively more optimistic about the current and future business environment. Perhaps the extra stability provided by military bases for the local economy resonates through the housing market.