ORLANDO, Fla. – May 7, 2012 -- Last month, there was unexpected news about employment, which made us wonder whether or not the economic recovery hit a bump. The latest job numbers suggest a different trend – more fitting, stalling.

Nonfarm payrolls increased 115,000 in April 2012. Private jobs gains contributed 130,000 while government payrolls took away 15,000 from the increase. The 115,000 gain missed a consensus estimate (what the average analyst thought would happen) of 165,000. More importantly, the 150,000 level, the number needed for economic growth, was missed.

There is one bright spot. March’s job numbers were revised upward and nonfarm payrolls for the month increased to 154,000. However, we must notice how job increases have dropped off. Jobless claims have bumped down to 365,000 for the week, after several initial readings around 390,000. Still the jobless claims trend, the slow and steady decline, has halted.

Employment and real estate have a direct link. It pays to be observant of changes in the economy. Whether it is expanding, slowing or stagnant, the more knowledgeable you are about the economic climate and real estate market, the better you can adapt your business to help your clients.