Data from this survey on buyer and agent confidence show professionals in the real estate field are feeling slightly less secure about the future, but overall remain optimistic.

The Real Estate Confidence Index that conducted the survey is produced through a monthly survey of real estate professionals across the country who are asked to rate current conditions in their market, accounting for seasonality, on a scale of one to ten (1 being “bad” and 10 being “good”) and rate their sentiment for market conditions 3-6 months and 6-12 months into the future. A 5.83 reading at the national level was recorded this fall, down from 5.88 in the summer months. It was the first decline in the index since it was launched in June, the company said.

One of the number one concern among Realtors who participated in the survey is the growing number of foreclosures and the hurdles buyers face in short sales.

“Realtors are on the front lines with buyers and sellers in today’s market and have valuable insights into real estate trends,” said National Association of Realtors President Charles McMillan in this Realtor.org article on current market conditions.

McMillan went on to add that the volume of distressed sales reported by Realtors underscores the importance of recent tax credits. “By putting cash in the hands of financially healthy home buyers, the credit will continue to help draw down inventory and stabilize home prices to encourage a strong and sustainable housing recovery,” said McMillan.

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