-
Why America's Aging Houses Are a Good Thing
Tweet Share on Facebook January 3, 2013 CommentWhile total home improvement activity has grown over the past two years, there have been numerous ups and downs driven by policy changes and broader housing market conditions.
Like other elements of the housing industry, home improvement spending declined with the onset of the housing crisis. From March 2007 to July 2011, Census data indicate remodeling activity fell by approximately 38 percent. While painful for professional remodelers, this drop was relatively small compared to the peak declines for single-family (81 percent) and multi-family (76 percent) construction spending.
-
Why the Housing Market Can't Move On Without More First-Time Homebuyers
Tweet Share on Facebook January 2, 2013 CommentHome values are now increasing nationwide. While that's certainly better than the alternative, a deeper dive into the data reveals a serious crack in the foundation: too few first-time homebuyers.
-
Struggling Housing Markets Going Into 2013
Tweet Share on Facebook December 20, 2012 CommentAlthough 2012 will be remembered as the year the housing recovery finally took off, plenty of metro areas still have strong headwinds entering into the new year. And while it's true the housing market still has a long way to go to get back to "normal," the cities among the worst markets might surprise you, especially because many of them have also seen some of the biggest year-over-year home prices increases.
-
Top 5 Predictions for the Housing Market in 2013
Tweet Share on Facebook December 19, 2012 CommentWhat a difference a year makes.
After slogging through years of crippling property value declines and foreclosures, the housing market finally gained traction in 2012 as strengthening home prices, better sales, and more construction propelled the sector to be one of the only bright spots in the economy.
-
Home-Builder Confidence Rises to 6-Year High
Tweet Share on Facebook December 18, 2012 CommentIn step with other improving housing market fundamentals, confidence among home builders notched up again in December, an industry trade group report showed Tuesday.
[View: Political Cartoons About the Economy]
The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose 2 points in December, making it the eighth consecutive month of gains and the highest index reading since April 2006.
-
6 Reasons You Shouldn't Refinance
Tweet Share on Facebook December 11, 2012 CommentMillions of homeowners have already refinanced their mortgages, and some are even considering refinancing a second time. But even though rates are at rock-bottom low levels, refinancing isn't right for every homeowner. Here are six reasons why:
-
Low Housing Inventory Good News for Jobs
Tweet Share on Facebook December 7, 2012 CommentIt was only a few years ago when the glut of homes for sale was a critical problem for the economy—excess supply and low housing demand sank home values, resulting in a severe home equity hit for homeowners across the nation and plunging millions into underwater mortgages. This contributed to a vicious cycle of foreclosure, which further bloated housing supply and drove real estate values even lower.
-
Fiscal Cliff Shouldn't Scare Homeowners, But 2013 Should
Tweet Share on Facebook December 4, 2012 CommentWith the clock ticking, the nation is engrossed in Washington's horse wrangling over the fiscal cliff, a nasty double whammy of spending cuts and tax hikes that experts predict could usher in another crippling recession.
-
Three Ways We Can Move Housing Policy Forward
Tweet Share on Facebook December 3, 2012 CommentEven after a historic boom and bust, it's clear that housing plays a critical role in the well-being of families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
So why didn't we hear more about housing during the presidential campaign?
-
What a "Median-Priced" Home Looks Like Across America
Tweet Share on Facebook November 30, 2012 CommentWith news that home prices are going up across the nation, house hunters might be getting a little more anxious when it comes to signing a contract to buy their dream home.
Home values rose for the sixth consecutive month in September according to the latest Case-Shiller indices, and were up almost 4 percent above numbers recorded in the third quarter last year.
Nationally, median home prices have increased almost 5 percent year-over-year to about $155,400 according to real estate website Zillow.
So what can kind of house can you buy for around $155,400? Here's a look across the country:
