Looking Up

Although some statistics may point to a decline in the nation's housing market, Diana sees considerable cause for optimism for this region. For one thing, her key market areas have the kind of momentum that will not be strongly impacted by broad, national trends. Even more fundamentally, the Midwest, and especially metropolitan Kansas City, tend to see a steadier economy, including their housing markets.

"I think we're going to have a great year, primarily because we're in the path of a lot of growth opportunity," she explained. "Plus, interest rates are still at an all-time low. I'm expecting a solid, banner year."

Other factors include overall demand. While the momentum of Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties is a factor, so are larger trends that have often been overlooked in some negative headlines. "You can only hold buyers back so long and the gloom and doom of the media can't change that," she said. "There are key market segments that will be looking for homes; you can't change that. There will be changes, but there will be demand as well."

For example, the aging baby boomer generation is seeing their children leave home, approaching retirement and many are looking for home changes, such as more convenient homes requiring less upkeep. At the same time, a relatively large, young family market is also arriving to look for affordable homes.

"Everything cycles," Diana noted. "Unless people stop living in houses, there will be home sales. The key is how you approach it."

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