After three years of solid growth, the nation's real estate market is starting to come back down into a normal range, meaning that the sellers markets of the recent past - marked by extraordinary price increase - may be moving back to neutral.

The National Association of Realtors reports existing home sales dropped 2.7 percent in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.14 million, down from a rate of 5.28 million in August.

NAR Chief Economist David Lereah suggested the drop was in tune with the general slowing of the economy.

Even so, he added, sales continue strong and, "We have leveled off at a very high rate of housing activity right now."

The association expects the national median existing-home price for 2000 to end up at about $137,400, which would be 3.3 percent over last year. New home prices will likely average out around $165,500, up 3.8 percent.

Interest rates drifting

Thirty-year mortages rates hoving just below 8.0 percent and some economist believe that with the gradual slowing of the economy, they should remain stable.

Analysts say there is little need for the Fed to rate raise rates when regional bank leader meet in mid-November. Some economists say rates might even be lowered some.

Forecasters at the National Association of Realtors say 7.75 percent money is possible by the end of the turn of the year.

Americans concerned about urban sprawl

A new national poll shows many Americans are interested in so-called "smart growth" issues, despite the lack of public debate.

A coalition of groups called "Smart Growth America" says 78 percent of those responding to a poll are discouraged by what they view as "haphazard development" that "swells the suburban landscape, increases traffic congestion and drains resources" from established communities.

About 80 percent said tax incentives and low-interest loans were an acceptable way to deal with renovation of older houses and revitalization of economically depressed neighborhoods.

Check the 'net on the road

A gasoline company in England has decided to install Internet terminals at its service stations so that motorists may "hook up as they fill up."

Jet fuel company says it will install computer kiosks right next to the pump so that customers may check their e-mail while traveling.

The service will cost around $10 per access. Besides e-mail, the system will provide information on travel, news, entertainment, shopping and fuel offers.

Administration hits home ownership goal

President Clinton says his administration has met its Year 2000 goal of making 67.5 percent of all Americans homeowners.

According to HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo, the latest figures show 67.7 percent of Americans own their own homes - about 71.6 million families.

"Vice President Gore and I came to office committed to a strategy to make it easier for American families to buy their own homes," Clinton said.