According to the latest report from www.ofheo.gov the U.S. government’s website regarding real estate values – Austin ranked #1 for appreciation for the 3^rd quarter of 2008 with a 5.62% appreciation rate. Although that may not seem like much – it is a welcome site compared to some of the double digit declines in other areas of the nation. The rental market is very strong and sales have picked up since the beginning of the year. With builders offering big discounts and rates in the low 5% range, we are seeing first timers and move up buyers starting to get off of the fence.