Another month, another set of Boston real estate market data.  The monthly stats were released today by the usual suspects (Mass Asso of Realtors and the Warren Group), so the articles are pouring out today as usual.

The headlines proclaim:

The headlines might as well say "Let the wild rumpus start!" instead.  They are just as fantastical as Maurice Sendak's Wild Things.

The stats each month are not "wrong" of course.  They're just misleading.  And stressful to buyers and sellers in or entering the market.  Which is as good as wrong.

As for anything in life, without perspective, real wisdom can never be gained.

Every month I wait for the reporter who cracks the code, who digs a little deeper, who drives to the truth.  But no.  Never happens.

I understand the issues: deadlines, column inches, the need to sell ads, and the like.  But I tell ya, it ain't right.