The National Association of Realtors have launched a new website to help combat some of the negative press about the housing market as portrayed by the mainstream media.  http://www.housingmarketfacts.com is designed to show consumers that a home is still a smart long term investment for many.  

For example, did you know for the past 30 years, the median price of existing homes has increased an average of more than 6 percent every year, and home values nearly double every 10 years. Even with the expected 1.9% decrease in housing prices this year if you look at your home as a long term investment, after 10 years you will still have an impressive gain,. especially since it is forecast that housing prices will gain 3.9% in 2009.

But the most interesting news stories have always been more about bad than good.  Stories about mortgage fraud, foreclosures and crashing markets have far outpaced the good news and get all the airtime on CNN and even your local news. Despite this fact owning a home is one of the most reliable ways to build wealth for most people.