AP - Construction of new homes plummeted in April - REALLY????

The influence of the media has a HUGE effect on how consumers understand the housing market.  The problem is that the majority of the time the media gives the wrong message. 

I came across an article today by the Associated Press with a headline reading "Construction of New Homes Plummeted in April."  The problem with this headline is that when you actually read the whole story, they clearly indicate that the FACTS showed the following:  "Home construction activity was uneven across the country. It fell 23 percent in the South and nearly 5 percent in the Northeast but rose almost 4 percent in the West and nearly 16 percent in the Midwest." Yet the author opted to run with a headline that completely misrepresents the FACTS about home construction.

Obviously if you live in the Midwest you love the fact that new home construction rose nearly 16 percent!!!  Granted, if you live in the south the news of new construction dropping 23 percent is not something you were hoping to hear.  BUT the bigger point is how the media can manipulate the perception of what is truly happening to the housing market in our country.

We MUST understand how the housing market works and realize that it's our job/duty to ensure that the consumer understands the FACTS about the most important real estate market - their own.  If you are in the real estate or housing industry, do your part to spread the word on the reality of your market, good or bad.  BUT stop letting individuals who don't understand the facts and reality, guide and mold your lively hood in a direction that only serves their wellbeing. 

The media is a tricky animal and if left unchecked it will prolong the misperception of the real estate market.  I firmly understand that the market is not a rosy picture, but I also know things are improving and both sides of the story MUST be accurately represented.