So, Donna, I have some questions. I want to know about how building in an area can give you a sign of what is to come...if there is a lot of building activity in an area does that mean it's hot? Or does it mean that a rehab will not resell as well next to new construction? I know there are exceptions to every rule, but I am trying to assess situations that I am seeing around here.

Or for instance if there is some type of City project nearby, how can we access that information and will that usually effect housing demand around that area? Such as a community center or new condos which seem to be part of a revitalization project in an area...is that a sign of an up and coming area?

I am sure there is some way to check city websites and find out if there is some kind of project funding that is being directed to certain areas...I just haven't found out if there is a common sense way before I start digging and researching.

Also, I have found several homes that are flagged by city inspectors or fire marshalls. There will be contact info on the sign that directs you to the city permit office or something...but I want to know if I should just call the real estate assessor's office to find out the owner and then contact the owner to find out if they want to sell? Or if in the tax records can I just directly contact the owner of record by mail? Oh, and is it basically the same with empty lots? I mean if you can't use the pivot technique to find out the info through a neighbor or something.

Thanks.