"2012 was characterized by a slow first six months of the year due to lack of snow, a sputtering national economy, Euro financial woes and pre-election paralysis. Contrary to years 2009 - 2011 which experienced strong first halves only to fizzle out later in the year, 2012 sales started slowly in the first half, gained strength in the 3rd Quarter 2012 based on solidifying Aspen single family home sales and surged towards the Q4 year end. "