voiceofsandiego.org: Toscano... Part Precision, Part Luck
an independent nonprofit |
We depend on your donations. Consider joining us today.

Part Precision, Part Luck


PRINT     E-MAIL STORY    SHARE

Recently I discussed the merits of the median home price per square foot as a somewhat better indicator of home pricing power than the plain-vanilla median price.

Displaying four-month charts of each series, I noted the remarkable smoothness of trend in the former as compared to the latter.

I have since attained some more historical info, and when we zoom out a bit to see the bigger picture, it becomes clear that the median price per square foot hasn't moved as smoothly as it initially appeared. The seeming tranquility during our initial four month period was as much luck as anything -- always a danger with small data sets.

While a bit more volatile than it first seemed, this indicator still looks pretty serene compared to its more widely-cited brethren.

I'm still favoring the median price per square foot as a better means of determining what's actually going on with home prices.

A Nerd's Eye View

Rich Toscano is a financial advisor with Pacific Capital Associates*;
he also writes about San Diego real estate at Piggington's Econo-Almanac.
Contact him at rtoscano@pcasd.com.

Two Debates on B and C:

 

The Downtown San Diego Partnership and the Catfish Club are hosting forums on the mayor's ballot initiatives.

Thursday, October 5 -- 8:20 am

Fly Me to Lindbergh:

 

Pre-election mailer is causing a stink.

Wednesday, October 4 -- 7:53 pm

Looking to Deal:

 

Two Hamdaniya Marines plead not guilty while another negotiates an agreement with prosecutors.

Wednesday, October 4 -- 3:48 pm


Sponsored By

MOST POPULAR STORIES:

SURVIVAL IN SAN DIEGO

Local Economy Slowing :

 

USD economic index forecasts slowdown for the end of this year, beginning of 2007.

Thursday, October 5 -- 11:23 am

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Follow the Money Trail:

 

Thursday, October 5 -- 4:31 pm

CAFÉ SAN DIEGO

A Terrible Shame :

 

What might have been for one man may now be ruined.

Thursday, October 5 -- 5:28 pm

COMMENTARY: SLOP

Don't Know? Vote Yes! :

 

The City Council approved the Navy Broadway deal time after time. To hear them complain now is choice.

Thursday, October 5 -- 2:17 pm

COMMENTARY: RICH TOSCANO

Rates On the Decline :

 

But will it make a difference?

Thursday, October 5 -- 2:54 pm
Sponsored by

This Just In

The Ka-Ching in School Flexibility:

 Estimates: $171 million could be freed of restrictions. » Jan. 6 -- 6:47 pm



The Myth That Is Scaring Teachers:

 NBC takes apart the rumors that IOUs could replace teacher paychecks.

Jan. 6 -- 6:27 pm


School Board Backs 'Flexibility':

 It tells Sacramento it is time to cut the strings on much of its funding.

Jan. 6 -- 6:20 pm


SURVIVAL IN SAN DIEGO

A Cheerleader Drops His Pom-Poms:

 David Lereah, head booster for Realtors earlier this decade, apologizes for being wrong.

Jan. 6 -- 10:47 am



LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Book of GOB:

 General obligation bonds, not lease-leaseback arrangements, are the answer to the city's "structural deficit" woes.

Jan. 6 -- 4:26 pm



CAFÉ SAN DIEGO

MPA Success Stories:

 Here's a look at the tangible results MPAs have yielded.

Jan. 6 -- 4:30 pm



COMMENTARY: SLOP

You're Corrupt? Get Out of Jail!:

 Convicts find freedom, the former city manager of Chula Vista heads to Iraq, and more tidbits.

Jan. 6 -- 7:22 pm



COMMENTARY: RICH TOSCANO

Another Resale Home Price Drop in December:

 The median-based price indicators closed out a dismal 2008 with another monthly decline.

Jan. 6 -- 4:06 pm

Copyright © 2008 voiceofsandiego.org. All Rights Reserved.