Americans' confidence in the economy continued to recover last week after taking a hit during the partial U.S. government shutdown. Gallup's Economic Confidence Index rose to -24, much improved from -39 in mid-October during the shutdown, but it has not yet bounced back to the -15 found in mid-September.

Americans' economic outlook score entered positive territory in late May and early June for the first time since Gallup Daily tracking began in January 2008. The public's perception of the economy's direction has generally soured since then and got much worse during the government shutdown. Americans' outlook is on the upswing, though, rising 20 points since mid-October.

Hopefully interest rates will remain low (they've gone down a bit since the rate hike in June), and 2014 will show a continuing rebound seen this year.

If interest rates remain low, I predict the Taos real estate market will be even better next year. Not only is Taos a great market for second/vacation homes, but for first time buyers looking to get out of the city and begin a slower-paced life. Many of these city refugees telecommute to their jobs in large urban areas. They love the lifestyle of a peaceful, beautiful Taos, but are still able to make the monthly nut by telecommuting. It's a win/win for them.

The Taos market is varied and vast. You can live in the mountains, or look at them from the mesa. You can live in town in a quaint casita, or on the edge of the Rio Grande Gorge in an earthship community. The Land of Enchantment awaits your vision.