Economists Brian S. Wesbury and Robert Stein, CFA of First Trust Portfolios highlighted some positive economic points in their "Monday Morning Outlook" on June 8, 2009. According to the economists, American investors, spectators, prospective homeowners, and citizens in general may look forward to a pre-crisis return by the end of this year.

Key Points

• Since February, consumer confidence has had the fastest three-month increase on record. This heightenin g signals an overall economic growth.
• Container shipments both into and out of the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports - key measures of international trade - have traced a V-shaped recovery. This signals that shipments were only briefly low and proceeded to have a rapid recovery.
• The yield on the 10-year Treasury note is back up to 3.86%, almost exactly where it was in August 2008, just before the current economic issue became overwhelming.
• Commodity prices on items such as oil, copper, lumber, and gold are well off crisis-period lows.
• In the last full calendar quarter before September 2008, real GDP grew at almost a 3% annual rate. This is exactly what the economists expect for the third quarter of 2009.

As the nation's overall economic activity signals growth in the future and a more stable situation now, we see ourselves in a buyer's market. Investors are encouraging a peace of mind and confidence in local thriving markets such as Houston's.

Increased sales and traffic are reflecting Houston’s solid economy and housing market. With communities spanning from the north to the south areas of the market, Friendswood Development Company communities offer a wide variety of housing styles and prices, complimented by impressive amenities, outstanding schools and accessibility to major roadways and conveniences.
 
New homes in Friendswood Development Company communities range in prices from the $150,000s to $1 million. Decorated models by top Houston builders are open daily in Lakemont located adjacent to the entrance of the Westpark Toll road, Oakhurst at Kingwood, offering direct access to US 59, Fairfield off US 290, Graystone Hills, less than two miles from I-45 in Conroe, West Ranch in the City of Friendswood, Lakes of Savannah in the Pearland area and Heritage at Towne Lake, Houston’s newest active adult community designed for residents age 55 and up.

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