As part of a reflection on the past decade, my daughter's friend was commenting on Facebook about how things have changed.  Facebook, Twitter, all of the social networking sites that have surpassed instant messaging - those are a no brainer when you consider technological advances in the past 10 years.  But in 1999, there were no iPods (remember the portable CD player?), smart phones, text messages, blogs, high definition TV, hybrid vehicles, swine flu - his list was quite long and growing as other people shared their thoughts about the decade.  10 years doesn't seem that long until you start looking back and realize how much has changed.

Real estate demographics and buyer's trends have also changed over the past decade.  Here are just a few examples from the National Association of Realtors:

1. In 1999, 37% of buyers searched for a home online.  Today, 90% of buyers begin their search online.
2. In 1999, the median home value was $137,600.  Today that value is $172,600.  Some analysts believe that when you factor in inflation, that value hasn't really changed much in the past decade.
3. In 1999, 82% of buyers purchased detached, single family homes.  Today, 78% of buyers buy detached, single family homes.  Condos, patio homes, and townhouses are all becoming more popular as our desire for low maintenance living increases.
4. In 1999, 46% of buyers chose suburban neighborhoods.  Today, 54% of buyers choose suburban neighborhoods. 
5. In 1999, 68% of buyers were married couples; today - that number is 60%.  I've definitely seen more unmarried couples buying homes in the past few years.  Not sure if this is a trend away from marriage or more a reflection of couples pooling financial resources while taking advantage of low interest rates and special financing with marriage part of their future plans. 
6. The median age for buyers has not changed.  In 1999 and 2009 - it was 39.
7. Buyer's top priorities in buying a home have not changed.  In 1999 and 2009, they looked for "neighborhood quality, affordability, convenience to work and school". 

I couldn't find a statistic to show how the percentage of home sales by first time homebuyers has increased since 1999.  In 2006, first time home buyers accounted for 36% of total home sales; in 2009 - that number has increased to 47% and is expected to continue to rise through 2010 thanks to the tax credit incentive.

Looking back is fun but looking forward is better.  As we begin this new year and new decade - I'm feeling very positive about the future.  Ralph Marston puts into words a motivating wish for all of us in the new year:

"Get inspired by life.  Get inspired by the possibilities for love and achievement, for friendship and fulfillment.  Get excited about the opportunities for growth and rich experience that come with every turn of events.  Get excited about living in a world that's filled with abundance in every direction.  Get passionate about making a difference in your own life and in the lives of those around you.  Get passionate about expressing and fulfilling those dreams that are uniquely yours."  -- Ralph Marston