Tom Cox of Merriman Capital Management Inc, Seattle, Washington , a well known local economist and previous host of the PBS TV Show Serious Money. spoke at the Chamber Luncheon on Wednesday the 20th to a large audience about the ecomonic projections for the North West in 2010. He said 2009 was actually a slightly better year than 2008 and  he believes that the first half of 2010 will be better still. In Real Estate sales, this is due in part to low prices, low interest rates, government programs and pent up desires to purchase or move. It is projected HOWEVER that interest rates will increase in the 2nd half of the year along with more inventory than the current 163 homes currently for sale.. This could take the wind out of our real estate market here on the Island. Maureen