The timing of airing contrarian views determines whether a person is a scaremonger self servingly looking after ones interest vs someone who provides a different opinion before the moment of disaster with the potential outcome of benefitting others.
There are many seasoned players in the property investment community and RE industry who know so well the market and have timed the Dec quarter as the peak and to have sold out riding on the euphoria.
They knew every stats that came out would be a reflection of the months leading towards X'mas where the trend invariably would be up. The rear-view mirror stuff is the favourite among agents as a guide to what's ahead around the corner.
Not only do the "quitters" not scare you to death with stories of an inevitable and imminent collapse, some hook wink the inexperienced (not necessarily the unintelligent) while they jump ship leaving others stranded before they pull the plug.
Later on, many who have sold out will employ the "real" SCAREMONGERING to talk down house prices when the market already trends lower to trigger a stampede so thay can buy back in at bargain basement prices.
