August 2009 real estate sales surpassed every single month since June 2006, a just-released report from Alaska MLS, Inc. shows. There were 317 sales that went pending (not yet closed) in a month.

The $8000 tax credit boosted market activity. There is also a feeling of optimism among home buyers and sellers. The Alaska economy and job markets are stable. There are 516 more children than expected in the Anchorage school system, necessitating 53 new hires, http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/ap_alaska/story/935302.html.

Nationwide there are signs of economic stabilization. The risk of further declines, or disastrous setbacks, seems lower than continued recovery. People now talk about how quickly or slowly we will get well in our economic lives; and less about how maybe life as we know it might be coming to an end.

Even the cash for clunkers car program may have played a role in inspiring Anchorage's property sales. All these stimulous measures seem to breeding a sense that it's OK to invest money in property, historically something safe and sound over the long term.

For full property searches, virtual tours and many other Anchorage real estate resources, visit RealS8.com.

Anchorage ranks 5th in a recent study of the potential for home price appreciation by the chief economist of Moody's Economy, as reported in this week's issue of US News and World report, The Top 10 Housing Markets for the Next 10 Years" - http://snipurl.com/kdcib.

"House prices should grow at the rate of household income," says Mark Zandi of Moody's.

1. Bremerton-Silverdale, Wash.: 5.22 percent
2. Glens Falls, N.Y: 4.71 percent
3. Fort Collins-Loveland, Colo.: 4.06 percent
4. Corvallis, Ore.: 3.95 percent
5. Anchorage, Alaska: 3.8 percent
6. Duluth, Minn.: 3.74 percent
7. Sandusky, Ohio: 3.66 percent
8. Santa Fe, N.M: 3.57 percent
9. Pittsfield, Mass.: 3.51 percent
10. Decatur, Ill.: 3.44 percent

For full property searches, virtual tours and many other Anchorage real estate resources, visit RealS8.com.