DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.  Economists participating in a Wall Street Journal survey, including Lawrence Yun (Chief Economist, National Assoc. of Realtors) look at economic variables such as GDP, unemployment, inflation, housing starts, months’ supply, etc.  REALTORS, by contrast look at number of listings, buyer traffic, listing prices, etc.  Quite surprisingly, the expectations are similar.  Both forecasts are “conservation” with no wild swings.  Both are projecting 4 – 5% gains, which is the most optimistic in 6 years.  Mortgage rates must stay down, but stagnant wages are hurting some.  14 states, including TEXAS, have made stronger price gains.