Consumer sentiment in Virginia dips but remains near its historical high. The political party divide increased slightly.   

The Virginia Real Estate Indexes are mixed. The index for current real estate conditions rebounded from a six-month drop and finished close to its historical record from May 2017, while the index for the future real estate conditions remained strong, but fell from last quarter.

The Virginia Real Estate Indexes continued a six-month retreat from their record high of the second quarter, but remain well above the historical average. Home prices are higher than their historical average in all major metro areas across the Commonwealth.

Sentiment concerning current conditions and expectations of improved household finances suggest a strong holiday season for retailers and other industries in the final quarter of 2017.

With just days remaining in the campaign, Democrat gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam and Republican Ed Gillespie are tied (47%-47%), while Libertarian Cliff Hyra garners three percent of likely Virginia voters.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam leads Republican Ed Gillespie by six percentage points, while Libertarian Cliff Hyra garners two percent of likely voters, and only four percent remain undecided.

In the latest Roanoke College Poll of registered Virginia voters, Republican Ed Gillespie closes the gap on Democrat Ralph Northam. The Poll also shows Virginians favor tax cuts, free community college, and keeping Confederate monuments.

The Virginia Real Estate Indexes retreated from the record high of the second quarter, but remain above the historical average. Inventories are lower than this point in the previous two years, keeping prices up. Regionally, home prices remain well above average in Richmond, Charlottesville, and Washington, D.C.

 Virginia Index of Consumer Sentiment is down almost two points since last quarter. The political divide in sentiment grows and is substantially larger than immediately after the November election. Inflation expectations increased slightly from last quarter.

The latest Roanoke College Poll of Virginians shows Democratic candidate Ralph Northam with 7-percentage point lead over Republican Ed Gillespie in Virginia's upcoming gubernatorial race. President Trump's approval is low in Va.