For all of you interested in real estate CNN / Money has an article today noting the percent changes in 136 metro areas. 66 areas experienced double-digit growth over the last year while only six areas declined. It's tough to be a resident of Beaumont, Texas these days as they experienced the largest decline, albeit a small 6.5% fall. Homeowners in Bradenton experienced a 45.6% gain on average.

Note to the newlywed couples who happened to experience a HUGE gain in that first year: If possible book the gains and take the cash - with a median gain of just over $86,000 in the last year you could really set yourself up well for retirement. Achieve a 10% annually compounded return on that money over the next 30 years and you'd be left with a hefty $1,503,400, at 15% you'd have $5,704,653. All in all, not a bad return on your first purchase as a married couple.

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