What is the best way to find the emerging markets????

[Andrew S.]

Looking with a realtor and friend at single families in Cape Coral.  Also looked at student housing in my town but the university overbuilt and I think it's getting soft now so I am passing for now.  Then a discussion with a friend over dinner last night told me he's buying multi family in the Boston and that market is good for him.  So the question is, how do you avoid buying at the top of the bubble?  Are there benchmarks or websites that give price and sales/occupancy trends?  For example one RE agent in the SW Florida market told me the prices are just starting to go up and I should buy now, while another told me the prices are nearing a top and that is driving more people to rent seasonally rather than to buy and there are some opportunities in single family homes.  Who to believe?  I guess I'm looking for unbiased opinions, which I suppose is an oxymoron of sorts.  Thank you.  

[Alex Dem]

@Andrew S. I believe a good place to start analysis is demographics. Specifically migration of labor. If the area has constant population / labor outflow, the prices would naturally depreciate, on the contrary more desirable areas with better economics and new employment opportunities naturally spike realty value growth. ( however important to look into diversification of major employers not to get into Detroit situation)

I would look into state first with good economic growth, then dig into counties and narrow down to town profiles ( unemployment rate, poverty rate, schooling, budget proficit / deficit )

Prices approaching 2007-2008 marks in certain areas may indicate soon-to-come market correction, so comparing those years data to current may give some insight as well.

Good luck!