Latest News from the National Association of REALTORS®
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Pending Home Sales Rise
Following a sharp drop after the tax credit expiration, pending home sales rise modestly.
Katrina Anniversary Underscores Importance of Protecting Your Home and Family
It's been five years since Hurricane Katrina came roaring into the Gulf Coast, dramatically changing New Orleans and the lives of those who called it home.
Commercial Real Estate Remains Soft but Favors Business Expansion
Commercial real estate sectors, hurt by weak job growth, are offering incentives in many areas that are conducive to business expansion, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
July Existing-Home Sales Fall as Expected but Prices Rise
Existing-home sales were sharply lower in July following expiration of the home buyer tax credit but home prices continued to gain, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Realtor® Award Finalists Find Ways to Give
Realtors® play an important leadership role in building our communities, sharing their time and talents to help others in need. Ten such individuals were recognized today by the National Association of Realtors® as finalists for REALTOR® Magazine's 2010 Good Neighbor Awards.
NAR Hails Proposal to Restrict GSE Mortgages with Private Transfer Fees
The National Association of Realtors® today commended the Federal Housing Finance Agency for taking steps to restrict government-sponsored enterprises - Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks - from investing in mortgages with private transfer fee covenants.
Workforce Housing Forum Aims to Help Working Families Achieve Homeownership
The National Association of Realtors® and the National Housing Conference partnered to host a regional forum in Austin, Texas, today to discuss workforce housing issues and help create more affordable housing opportunities for public and private sector workers in the south central region.
Homeownership and Stable Communities Go Hand-in-Hand
Homeowners are more active in their communities, benefit from improved education opportunities, and report higher levels of self-esteem and happiness when compared to renters, according to new research from NAR.
Q2 Metro Prices Stable
The trend in firming home prices solidified with more areas showing increases from a year ago.
Pending Home Sales Ease
(Aug. 3) Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said lower home sales are expected in the short term.
Tom Glatt to Leave REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, Jane Pannier Announced as New Acting President and Chief Executive Officer
Tom Glatt, President and CEO of REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, has announced that he will be stepping down effective August 1st. Tom was named President and CEO of REALTORS® FCU on December 2008.
NAR Says Congress Needs to Act Soon to Ease Credit in Challenged Commercial Real Estate Markets
Testifying before a House panel today, Jim Helsel, treasurer of the National Association of Realtors® and commercial real estate specialist, told members that a strong commercial real estate sector is vital to millions of U.S. jobs and helps keep the national economy afloat.
Rural Housing Program Restored
The program would guarantee home loans for rural buyers.
Thousands of Rural Home Buyers Aided by Passage of Housing Funding Measure
The restoration of the single-family rural housing program that would guarantee home loans for rural buyers was passed by the Senate today and is on its way to President Obama.
Existing-Home Sales Slow, Above Year Ago
Existing-home sales slowed in June, but remained at relatively elevated levels.
Letter to Editor: FSBO Story in Wausau Distorts NAR Study
The Wausau Daily Herald did its readers a great disservice by running the StatePoint Media article, "Get more money when selling your home," July 10.
House Passes Flood Insurance Reform Bill That Extends Program to 2015
The House today approved a flood insurance reform bill that would reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program to September 30, 2015, a provision strongly supported by the National Association of Realtors®.
NAR, NHC Help Bring Homeownership to the Heartland
The National Association of Realtors® and the National Housing Conference have partnered to host a regional workforce housing forum today in Minneapolis. Bring Workers Home will focus on workforce housing challenges in the Midwest and highlight some of the region?s most successful housing programs.
International Interest in U.S. Homeownership Increases, Realtors® Report
International home buyers are increasingly attracted to property in the U.S., according to the National Association of Realtors®' 2010 Profile of International Home Buying Activity.
Home Buyer Tax Credit Closing Deadline Extended
Congress also reauthorized the National Flood Insurance Program; both bills headed to President.
Pending Home Sales Drop as Expected
Following a surge driven by the home buyer tax credit, pending home sales fell with the expiration of the qualified buyers purchase contract deadline.
Buyers Lose Unless Congress Acts
(Jun. 28) Up to 180,000 home buyers will lose their home buyer tax credit if Congress fails to pass an extension to it by June 30.
NAR Hails Passage of Flood Bill Extension by House
The bill would make flood insurance coverage retroactive and would include all approved applications since that date. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Realtor® Volunteering Works Program Names Winners, Helps Budding Charities
REALTOR® Magazine and the Good Neighbor Society have announced the winning applicants of the second Volunteering Works, an annual program that matches Realtors® who work on small-scale charitable efforts with mentors and awards them grant money.
May Shows a Continued Strong Pace for Existing-Home Sales
Existing-home sales remained high in May on buyer response to the tax credit, characterized by stabilizing home prices and historically low mortgage interest rates.
Springfield, Mass., Receives 'Ambassador' Designation for Promoting and Sustaining Area Homeownership
The city of Springfield, Mass., has been named a 2010 Ambassador City by the National Association of Realtors® and the U.S. Conference of Mayors for Buy Springfield Now, a program to promote and sustain affordable homeownership.
Realtor® Content Resource Helps Realtors® Extend Their Value Beyond the Buy
The National Association of Realtors® is making it easier for members to access expertly written, ready-to-use consumer articles through the new Realtor® Content Resource. This is a no-cost, members-only benefit available through HouseLogic.com, NAR?s homeownership site for consumers.
NAR, NHC Join Forces to Bring Workers Home
To help create more affordable housing opportunities for public and private sector workers in the Southeast, the National Association of Realtors® has partnered with the National Housing Conference to host a regional forum in Atlanta today to address the issue of workforce housing.
NAR Urges Senate to Pass Homebuyer Extension
NAR commends three senators for introducing a measure to extend the present home-buyer tax credit closing deadline to Sept. 30.
NAR Grants Expand Local Affordable Housing Initiatives
NAR has awarded $50,000 to 15 local and state Realtor® associations through the Housing Opportunity Fund grants program, to help expand affordable housing opportunities.
Pending Home Sales Surge Continuing
Pending home sales have risen for three consecutive months, reflecting the broad impact of the home buyer tax credit and favorable housing affordability conditions.
"30 Under 30" Realtors® Reflect on Success, Look Toward the Future
REALTOR® Magazine unveiled the 2010 "30 Under 30" honorees, and marked the 10th anniversary of the program.
Existing-Home Sales Improve in April
Existing-home sales rose on tax credit, improving consumer confidence, affordability.
NAR Offers Congress Ideas to Strengthen a Successful VA Home Loan Program
The National Association of Realtors® offered some suggestions to Congress today toward making a good Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Program even better.
Realtors® Reshaping Real Estate Technologies
More than nine out of 10 home buyers use the Internet as a search tool, and Realtors® at the Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo here this week are engaged in ways to improve and enhance consumers' online real estate experience.
NAR Awards More Than $39,000 in Grants to Support Local and State Diversity Initiatives
The National Association of Realtors® has awarded $39,450 to 15 local and state Realtor® associations through its Diversity Initiative Grant Program.
Realtors® Help Working Families Purchase and Keep Their Homes
The country's tight economy and challenging mortgage market are making it even more difficult for low- to moderate-income working families to purchase and keep their homes. Addressing those challenges was the focus of the "Workforce Housing Solutions" forum at the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo here this week.
Two Economists Project Improving Housing Market but Timing Uncertain
Two top housing economists forecast some encouraging but tempered predictions for the housing market over the next few years during an economic session at the National Association of Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Expo today.
Realtors® Help Counsel Distressed Sellers Through Short Sale Process
Realtors® at today's "Short Sale Seller Advisory: Professional Development Forum" at the Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo today learned how to better educate and advise sellers to overcome the hurdles of a short sale.
Realtors® Talk Real Estate on Capitol Hill
Affordable and safe financing, GSE reform on the agenda during their visits with members of Congress.
Realtors® Prepare the Way for the Next Generation of Real Estate Leaders
In their efforts to reshape the real estate industry, Realtors® understand the importance of cultivating tomorrow's leaders.
Recovery Requires Reshaping the Real Estate Industry, Say Realtors®
Banks that can accurately determine changing value, in real time, of real estate properties that back loans in their portfolios will have a competitive edge in the future.
"Real Time" Portfolio Awareness is Key to Banks' Success
Banks that can accurately determine changing value, in real time, of real estate properties that back loans in their portfolios will have a competitive edge in the future, predicted Realtor® John McCrocklin, president of John McCrocklin Real Estate and Associates, Austin, Texas.
Housing Market is Stabilizing and on its Way to a Recovery, says FHA Commissioner
FHA has played a fundamental role in helping stabilize the nation?s housing market; however, FHA reform is critical for keeping the housing and economic recovery on the right track.
Improving Liquidity, Reducing Inventory Critical
Restoring balance in the U.S. mortgage finance system is essential to stabilizing the real estate market.
Home Prices Rising in More Metro Areas, First Quarter Sales Up From a Year Ago
A growing number of metropolitan areas are experiencing price gains from a year ago.
REALTOR® Legislative Meetings Kick Off
Real Estate Summit, May 11-13, to focus on stabilizing the mortgage finance system.
New MLS Standards Will Help Realtors® Better Serve Home Sellers and Buyers
Real estate data sharing on multiple listing services is about to get easier, with the Real Estate Standards Organization's approval of real estate property standard names.
Pending Home Sales on an Upswing
Pending home sales increased again in March, affirming that a surge of home sales is unfolding for the spring home buying season, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
NAR Urges Extension of Rural Housing Program
NAR asks the Senate to approve House bill to extend loan commitment authority to help families purchase homes in rural areas, which is set to expire Friday, April 30.
Existing-Home Sales Rise on Home Buyer Tax Credit and Favorable Market Conditions
Buyers responding to the homebuyer tax credit and favorable affordability conditions boosted existing-home sales in March, marking the beginning of an expected spring surge, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
NAR to Press Congress for Immediate Action on Flood Insurance Renewal
The National Association of Realtors® said today that it will continue to press Congress for speedy action to renew authority for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to issue flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program that expired March 28. Congress is on its spring recess and will return April 12.
Pending Home Sales Show Healthy Gain, Hint at Spring Surge
Pending home sales rose in February, potentially signaling a second surge of home sales in response to the home buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Vacation-Home Sales Up in 2009 but Investment Sales Down
Vacation-home sales recovered in 2009 while investment sales fell sharply, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Realtors® Remain Leading Advocates for Fair Housing Laws
As outspoken supporters for fair housing issues and homeownership, Realtors® will join the nation in recognizing ?Fair Housing Month? this April.
NAR Testifies About GSE Structures
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be restructured as government-chartered, non-shareholder owned authorities.
New Data: February Existing-Home Sales
Existing-home sales declined slightly in February, with modest gains in the Northeast and Midwest offset by softer sales in the South and West.
NAR Calls for Affordable Disaster Insurance Policy
(Mar. 10) Charles McMillan, immediate past president of NAR, told Congress that it must improve affordability of property insurance for natural disasters.
Pending Home Sales Down
Pending home sales fell 7.6 percent and additional declines are expected from abnormal weather conditions.
New Data: January Existing-Home Sales
Existing-home sales fell in January but are above year-ago levels, and prices are holding steady.
REALTOR® Magazine?s Good Neighbor Awards Seek Entries, Winners Receive $10,000
Realtors® is now accepting applications for the 11th annual REALTOR® Magazine Good Neighbor Awards.
New Data: Commercial Market Forecast
While the recent recession negatively impacted commercial real estate, there is hope for improvement.
Fourth Quarter Existing-Home Sales Surge in Most States, Prices Up in More Areas
Strong gains in existing-home sales were the predominant pattern in most states during the fourth quarter, with many more metro areas seeing prices rise from a year earlier, according to the latest survey by the National Association of Realtors®.
Pending Home Sales Stabilize, Remain Above Year-Ago Levels
Pending home sales have leveled from a market swing driven by response to the home buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
REALTORS® Donate $550K to Haiti Relief and REALTOR® Good Neighbor Winner
The REALTORS® Relief Foundation of the National Association of Realtors® is contributing $550,000 to the relief of victims of the Haiti earthquake, and is calling upon its 1.2 million members to help.
NAR and Lowe's Donate Relief Aid to Haiti and Good Neighbor Winner
The National Association of Realtors® and Lowe?s, a partner in NAR?s REALTOR Benefit® Program, are coming together to contribute relief to Haiti and the victims of the country?s recent earthquake. Together NAR and Lowe?s are leading the charge as Realtors® spread the awareness of good neighbors to those in desperate need.
NAR Names New Executive Director to the Real Estate Standards Organization
National Association of Realtors® member Travis Wright, a 30-year real estate and technology industry veteran, has been appointed to executive director of the Real Estate Standards Organization.
Realtor® Grant and Mentoring Program Seeks Nominations
REALTOR® Magazine?s Good Neighbor Society is seeking entries for Volunteering Works, a program that matches Realtors® who would like to expand their community service outreach with a mentor and grant money. Mentors are part of the Good Neighbor Society, past recipients of the magazine?s annual Good Neighbor Award for volunteerism.
Pending Home Sales Down
Pending home sales fell after a surge of activity in preceding months to beat the original deadline for the first-time home buyer tax credit but remains comfortably above a year ago.
Another Big Gain in Existing-Home Sales as Buyers Respond to Tax Credit
Existing-home sales rose again in November as first-time buyers rushed to close sales before the original November 30 deadline for the recently extended and expanded tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Exterior Remodeling Proves Best Bang for Your Buck, Realtors® Report
Results from the 2009 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report show that small-scale exterior projects are most profitable at resale.
Employer-Assisted Housing Benefits Work
These forms of benefits have proven effective at helping working individuals purchase and keep their homes.
Nine Consecutive Gains for Pending Home Sales
Pending home sales have risen for nine months in a row, a first for the series of the index since its inception in 2001, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
NAR Grants $50,000 to Fund Local Realtor® Affordable Housing Activities
To help promote and expand local affordable housing opportunities in communities across the country, the National Association of Realtors® has awarded $50,950 to 16 local and state Realtor® associations through the Housing Opportunity Fund grants program.
Existing-Home Sales Record Another Big Gain, Inventories Continue to Shrink
Driven by the first-time buyer tax credit, existing-home sales showed another big gain in October with a strong uptrend established over the past seven months, while inventories continue to decline, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Employer-Assisted Housing Forum Helps Bring Homeownership Within Reach
While reduced home prices and lower mortgage rates have helped increase affordability, homeownership is still out of reach for a large portion of working individuals. To help make homeownership more affordable for working families, the National Association of Realtors® partnered with the National Housing Conference to host a regional forum in Philadelphia today to raise awareness of employer-assisted housing benefits.
NAR Announces Partnership with DocuSign to Deliver Electronic Signature Services to Members
An ability to sign bids and closing documents online will allow Realtors® to respond to buyers and sellers in a more timely manner, as the National Association of Realtors® today announced a business alliance with DocuSign, the leading provider of on-demand electronic signature solutions.
Commercial Real Estate Forecast Uncertain
The recent deep economic downturn has had a pronounced impact on commercial real estate sectors, but credit availability is the big unknown that will determine how soon commercial markets recover, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
NAR Installs 2010 Officers
Vicki Cox Golder, a Realtor® from Tucson, Ariz., was installed today as 2010 president of the National Association of Realtors® at the association?s Board of Directors meeting during the REALTORS® Conference & Expo here. Approximately 20,000 Realtors® and guests from the U.S. and abroad attended the annual meeting this year.
NAR Recognizes Realtor® David M. Peretti of Winchester, Mass., for Distinguished Service
David M. Peretti, a Realtor® from Winchester, Mass., has received the National Association of Realtors® 2009 Distinguished Service Award. Out of 1.2 million Realtors®, no more than two are recognized with this award each year, which is announced during NAR?s annual REALTORS® Conference & Expo.
NAR Recognizes Realtor® Jerry R. Teeson of Coon Rapids, Minn., for Distinguished Service
Jerry R. Teeson, a Realtor® from Coon Rapids, Minn., has received the National Association of Realtors® 2009 Distinguished Service Award. Out of 1.2 million Realtors®, no more than two are recognized with this award each year, which is announced during NAR?s annual REALTORS® Conference & Expo.
Renters Often Unlikely Victims of Foreclosure
When the foreclosure crisis first hit the U.S., many individuals and families living in rental housing were evicted without notice after the property they called home entered foreclosure. Often those tenants, who had been paying their rent on time, had no idea the property was in delinquency or facing foreclosure until they received notice to evict.
Realtors® Help Buyers Attain Short Sales Success
Not all buyers are suited for a short sale. This was one of the messages delivered at ?Short Sales from the Buyer?s Perspective? during the 2009 REALTORS® Conference & Expo today.
Did You Know: Commercial Member Business Specialties
Did you know that land sales were identified by 16 percent of commercial members as their primary business specialty?
Daily Forecast Update: Consumer Confidence, Residential Sales, and Durable Goods
We are making progress in emerging from the recession, but the recovery is still somewhat weak.
Economists' Commentary: Existing Home Sales in August
We are ever so close to reaching that self-propelling housing market recovery.
Did You Know: Commercial Member Income
Did you know that in 2008 the median gross annual income of commercial members was $99,900?
Did You Know: Commercial Member Experience
Did you know that among commercial members, the median years experience in real estate is 24?
Daily Forecast Update: Stock Market, Gold and Oil Prices
The rising stock market assures less cautious consumers, but the bigger boost to consumer spending will come from rising housing wealth.
Did You Know: Commercial Member Demographics
Did you know that according to the 2009 Commercial Member Profile, the average commercial member is 56 years old?
Daily Forecast Update: Interest Rates, Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension
A sustainable economic recovery and changes in forecast will depend upon the extension of the first-time home buyer?s tax credit.
Daily Forecast Update: Consumer Credit
With home values recently showing stabilization signs, gains in housing wealth are likely for 2010 and beyond.
Did You Know: Home Equity Cashed Out
Did you know that home equity fell by $5.9 trillion in 2008, down 43% from the 2005 level?
Daily Forecast Update: Housing Starts & Unemployment Claims
Some restraint in new home construction is needed to allow time for existing housing inventory to be absorbed.
Did You Know: Recession "Very Likely Over"
Did you know that Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke has said that the recession is "very likely over?"
Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications, Consumer Price Index, Industrial Production, Current Account Balance
Home sales continue to chug along at a healthy rate despite this week?s anomalous decline in mortgage applications.
Did You Know: Non-Prime Lending
Did you know that more than 50% of loans originating in San Francisco, San Jose, and San Diego at the height of the housing boom included affordability features?
Did You Know: Household Tenure by Income
Did you know that in 2007 more than 90% of occupied households earning $120,000 or more were occupied by their owners?
Commentary: Multi-Family Vacancy to Rise
In light of rising vacancies in the third quarter, rent growth is expected to decline.
Daily Forecast Update: Retail Sales, Producer Price Index
The rise in retail sales points to an improvement in consumer confidence.
Did You Know: Energy and Environmental Concerns
Did you know the residential sector is responsible for about 21 percent of total energy consumption?
Economists' Commentary: Climbing Out of Recession
The world-wide economic recession is essentially over.
Did You Know: Severely Burdened Households
Did you know that many severely burdened householders are actually employed, retired or disabled?
Daily Forecast Update: Imports & Exports, Wholesale Prices, Consumer Sentiment
he demand for U.S. wholesalers' goods has increased for the 3rd consecutive month and means wholesalers are clearing excess supply.
Did You Know: Seriously Delinquent Mortgages
Did you know that seriously delinquent mortgages are so far concentrated among private label securities?
Daily Forecast Update: Unemployment Claims, Trade Deficit
Unemployment claims are still high but continue to abate in intensity. However, we can expect rising unemployment through the next year or so.
Did You Know: REALTORS® and Designations
Did you know that the median gross personal income REALTORS® with at least one designation was $55,700 based on a 2009 survey?
Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Applications, Beige Book
Buyers are taking advantage of record low interest rates and home prices, which is making homeownership more affordable now than ever.
Did You Know: REALTORS® and Designations
Did you know REALTORS® who have a designation make significantly higher salaries?
Did You Know: Percent of Homes Financed
Did you know that among all buyers, the percentage of homes financed remained stable at 91 percent from 2006-2008?
Economist's Podcast: September 8, 2009
NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares his outlook on jobs and why a shift in consumer perspective is driving a stable housing market.
Daily Forecast Update: Jobless Claims
People continue to struggle unemployment rises, curtailing spending on items large and small.
Did You Know: Foreigner Financing of Purchased Property
Did you know that foreigners frequently pay cash in purchasing U.S. properties, rather than obtaining a mortgage?
Daily Forecast Update: Jobless Claims, ISM Index
Tomorrow's employment situation release will give a fuller picture of conditions, and economists expect the unemployment rate to creep up from its current 9.4 percent.
Did You Know: Where Foreign Buyers Purchased Property
According to NAR?s recently released 2009 Profile of International Home Buying Activity, while foreign buyers purchased U.S. properties throughout the U.S., the two regions most popular were the South and West.
Economist's Commentary: Industrial Rent Expected to Drop 11.4 Percent in 2009
The industrial sector underwent further contraction in the second quarter of the year.
Did You Know: Median Price Paid by International Buyers Purchasing
Did you know that the median price paid for homes purchased by foreign buyers was $247,100 in 2008.
Daily Forecast Update: Employment, Mortgage Applications
Although the economy is expected to show positive growth in the third quarter, unemployment is still expected to increase for approximately the next year
Economists' Commentary: Unemployment Claims- Duration and Exhaustion Rate
While the housing market and stock market are showing signs of recovery, unemployment remains high.
Did You Know: Buyer Origin
According to NAR?s recently released The 2009 Profile of international Home Buying Activity, 31 percent of foreign purchasers of U.S. real estate were from Europe.
Daily Forecast Update: Pending Home Sales, Construction, ISM
Home sales should continue their upward pattern as the real estate market moves into the early fall.
Economist's Commentary: Office Vacancies Rise as Demand Declines
The economy closed the second quarter of the year with negative results, but with a hopeful outlook for the latter half of the year.
Did You Know: Echo Boomers
Did you know that "echo boomers" will help keep demand strong for the next 10 years and beyond, bolstering the markets for rentals and starter homes.
Quick Take: Personal Income & Consumption, Consumer Sentiment
Consumers remain fairly weakened by the economic crisis. The unemployment situation continues to make people more cautious when it comes to spending than usual.
Did You Know: Who Worked at Home, by Income
Did you know that nearly one in three of the highest earners works at home on an average day compared to fewer than one in ten among the lowest earning groups?
Quick Take: Unemployment Insurance Claims, GDP
People receiving unemployment insurance declined this past week.
Did You Know: Who Worked at Home?
Did you know that those who are self-employed were more than 3 times as likely as wage and salary workers to work at home on an average workday.
Quick Take: New Home Sales, Mortgage Applications
The releasing of the pent-up demand should help continue to carry the momentum forward.
Did You Know: Home Buyers by Marital Status
Did you know that married couples who purchased homes typically had a household income of $86,500?
Did You Know: Real House Prices
Home prices in many markets have retreated to pre-boom levels. In the Midwest, where house price appreciation was only modest during the boom, the setbacks have been especially large.
Quick Take: Six Month Bill Auction
Today's auction for 6 month T-Bills produced an investment rate of .259%, compared to a rate of .279% on July 27 and .340% on June 22.
Did You Know: Foreclosures in Once-Booming Markets
Foreclosure rates in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida surged from less than 0.9 percent at the start of 2007 to 5.9 percent by the end of 2008.
Economists' Commentary: July Existing Home Sales
Existing home sales increased 7.2 percent from the prior month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.24 million units.
Quick Take: Unemployment Claims, Leading Indicators
Higher unemployment stalls economic growth as consumers are apprehensive about making large purchases.
Did You Know: Home Price-to-Income Ratio
Did you know that conditions are great for home buyers with a steady job and good financing?
New Economic Data: Commercial Leading Indicator
Although commercial real estate activity has been affected by the credit crunch, job losses and weak consumer spending, the decline appears to be slowing.
Did You Know: Luxury Home Buyers and The Search Process
Did you know buyers who purchase luxury homes look for longer and at more homes?
Quick Take: MBA Weekly Index
Interest rates continue to be at levels that will support a recovery in the existing home sales markets nationwide.
Did You Know: Homeownership by Income
Did you know that in the second quarter of 2009 homeownership rates, among households with income greater or equal to the median income, dropped more than for those with less than median income?
Economists' Commentary: International Property Markets
Like the United States, many world markets have seen increases in their property values and experienced a housing bubble and a subsequent bust in the past half a decade.
Quick Take: Housing Starts and Producer Price Index
Overall, low inflationary pressure should mean continuing low mortgage rates, at least through the year's end.
Did You Know: Homeownership by Race
Did you know that in the second quarter of 2009 homeownership rates dropped among all races?
Economists' Commentary: Months Supply - What's in a Number?
Months supply is one of the most insightful statistics used to describe the housing market. It gives a concise assessment of a market?s condition as of that point in time. What is the current supply figure telling us?
Quick Take: Housing Market Index (HMI)
The increased optimism by home builders is positive news for the economy as it tries to rebound from this deep recession.
Did You Know: Who is Buying Homes More Than $500,000
Did you know that 19% of people who bought homes that were more than $500,000 were first-time buyers?
Quick Take: Consumer Price Index, Consumer Sentiment, Industrial Production
Consumers are still facing challenges of large job losses, weak income growth, falling home prices, and rising energy costs.
Economists' Commentary: Greening Homes
Energy efficiency in the housing market is of growing interest to REALTORS® and consumers.
Did You Know: Method Used To Find Real Estate Agent
Did you know that 38% of sellers were referred to their real estate agent by a friend, neighbor, or relative?
Economists' Commentary: Market Outlook for August
The recovery in the housing market will lay the foundation for a sustainable economic recovery.
Economists' Commentary: Census Non-employer and NAR Membership Data
Being self-employed presents unique challenges to REALTORS®, for instance access to affordable health insurance and potentially volatile earnings.
Quick Take: 10-Year Treasury, Oil Prices, Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate continues to struggle with mortgage debt refinancing. Extending TALF?s availability for CMBS purchases would provide a measure of relief.
Did You Know: Making Compromises When Buying A Home
Did you know that 19% of recent buyers made some compromises or lowered their expectations about the price of the home they purchased?
Quick Take: Unemployment Claims, Fannie & Freddie Restructuring
Mortgage rates will naturally fluctuate but should remain generally favorable because of an active secondary mortgage market.
Existing Home Sales: Market Remains Bifurcated
According to the Realtors® Confidence Index, distressed home sales have made up a smaller percentage of total sales in recent months.
Quick Take: Purchase Apps, Employment Report, ISM Index, Short Sales and Factory Orders
Sizable job cuts suggest that Friday?s unemployment readings may reach up to 9.9 percent.
Did You Know: How FSBO Sellers Will Sell Their Current Home
Did you know that thirty-eight percent of FSBO sellers who knew their buyer say that they would use a real estate agent to sell their current home?
Quick Take: Pending Home Sales, Income and Savings
Although the upturn in housing looks sustainable, the housing market is still far from being back to normal.
New Economic Data: Uptrend Continues in Pending Home Sales
Pending home sales are up for the fifth consecutive month, the first time in six years for such a streak, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Did You Know: Importance of Environmentally Friendly Home Features
Did you know that forty-three percent of recent buyers considered a home?s heating and cooling costs very important?
Economists' Commentary: Commercial Investment Trends: Industrial
Although some businesses are considering production increase, it is likely that the industrial sector will remain relatively weak through 2009.
Quick Take: ISM Manufacturing, Construction Spending
Although the manufacturing sector is still shrinking, there are signs that manufacturing growth may be in store in the months ahead.
Economists' Commentary: Research's Member Spotlight
NAR Research spotlights a member who has used our data to better serve clients and share knowledge with other Realtors®: this month, Maria Wells.
Did You Know: London Market Boosted by International Buyers
A weak pound has led to a massive increase in overseas buyers who are buying largely in central London.
Quick Take: Unemployment Insurance Claims, The Beige Book
The economic decline seems to be slowing, and a few regions show signs of possible stabilization.
Did You Know: Distance of Move to New Residence
Did you know that the typical homebuyer moved 15 miles from his or her previous residence?
Quick Take: Case-Shiller Index, Consumer Confidence
As the fall in housing prices slows, buyers who have been waiting for the right time may finally jump back into the market en masse.
Economists' Commentary: Regional Round Up, Part 2
After nearly a decade-long housing boom, it took almost a year and a half for the pricing power to shift from sellers to buyers.
Economists' Commentary: Regional Round Up, Part 1
Foreclosures are having a substantial impact in some markets, while unemployment is the primary concern in other locations.
Did You Know: State Fiscal Conditions
Did you know that according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 47 states face shortfalls in fiscal year 2009 or 2010?
Quick Take: Consumer Sentiment and Jobless Claims
Consumer sentiment remains weak as people across the country are worried about job and income prospects
Did You Know: Homeowner Vacancy Rate
In 2008 the U.S. the homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8 percent, up from 1.6 percent in 2000.
Did You Know: Home Ownership Rate by State
Did you know that the U.S. homeownership rate of 67.8 in 2008 is down from 69 percent in 2004, but up from 67.4 in 2000.
Economists' Commentary: June Existing Home Sales
After four difficult years of a housing recession, the market is clearly healing.
Did You Know: Gross Household Income of REALTORS®
The median gross household income for members in 2008 was $91,500.
Quick Take: Weekly Mortgage Applications and FHFA Index
The mortgage applications (for purchase) index is still a trickle compared to just a year ago.
Did You Know: Tenure at Firm
Did you know that the typical REALTOR® has been at his/her firm for five years?
Quick Take: The Fed's Independence
Mortgage rates are no longer at the rock-bottom rates of less than 5 percent. However, mortgages rates are still well under 6 percent - which can still be considered as being near 50 year lows.
Economists' Commentary: Commercial Investment Trends--Retail Sector Struggles with Growing Distressed Sales
Consumer spending continues to decline, as rising unemployment and a prolonged recession force consumers to cut back. Against this backdrop, demand for retail space has been contracting.
Did You Know: Sales Price and Urgency
Did you know that the typical home seller sold their home for 96 percent of the listed selling price?
Quick Take: Housing Starts and Bank Profits
While the number of jobs counted in jobless claims is lower, it does not tell the full story. Those who have stopped receiving benefits are no longer counted.
Economists' Commentary: Finance 101--Compounding, Interest, and the Housing Market, Part 2
Home buyers who finance their purchase with a mortgage have options on how to pay the interest and principle borrowed that impacts how much they pay monthly, whether that payment changes, and how long it will take to pay off the mortgage.
Did You Know: Buying a Home is a Good Financial Decision
Did you know Americans in their prime home buying years (ages 25 to 44) are more confident than any other age group that buying a home is a good decision?
Economists' Commentary: Finance 101--Compounding, Interest, and the Housing Market, PT 1
The effects of compounding interest can lead a consumer to undersave and underborrow.
Did You Know: Compensation Structure for REALTORS®
Did you know that the dominant method by which REALTORS® are compensated is by percentage split commission?
Quick Take: CPI, Mortgage Applications, Industrial Production
The decline in the purchase index for mortgage applications is negative news; however, the lower rates and increase in refinances should be good overall for the housing market.
Quick Take: 10-Year Treasury Yields and Mortgage Rates
Market timing for the cheapest mortgage rate will be tricky.
Did You Know: Buying a Home Through an Agent
Eighty-one percent of recent home buyers purchased a home through a real estate agent or broker in 2008.
Economists' Commentary: Changing Local Markets
NAR Research has released new Market Price Reports, which cover sales, price and affordability information for more than 150 markets.
Quick Take: International Trade, Imports and Exports, Consumer Sentiment
In contrast to the positive trade news, consumer confidence is continuing to deteriorate with the sentiment index falling more than 6 points to 64.6 for middle of July.
Did You Know: Level of Service Desired
More than four out of five sellers chose an agent who provided a broad range of services and managed most aspects of the sale.
Quick Take: Unemployment Claims
The increase in continuing claims suggests that the labor market is very slack and that businesses are reluctant to hire new employees.
Did You Know: Realtors® Language Fluency and Country of Birth
Did you know that nine percent of REALTORS® were born outside the United States?
Economists' Commentary: The Next Middle Class
Imagine the prospect of 30 to 50 million more people with disposable income and spending potential.
Did You Know: City Expansion
Did you know that the growth rates of the biggest U.S. cities have increased as unemployment and the real-estate slump have slowed migration to the suburbs?
Economists' Commentary: First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Resources
NAR offers a wealth of information to help everyone make sense of the tax credit.
Did You Know: Repeat Business and Referrals
Did you know that the average REALTOR ® earned 18 percent of his/her business from past clients and customers?
Economists' Commentary: Multi-Family Demand Increases in Second Quarter
The delinquency and foreclosure rates for residential loans continue to register increases.
Did You Know: Size of Home Purchased
The recent American Institute of Architects AIA Home Design Trends Survey shows a shift in buying trends towards small homes.
Quick Take: ISM Index, 10-Year Treasury
The lower 10-year treasury should mean that mortgage rates will remain in the mid-five percent range in the near term, which is historically fairly low.
Economists' Commentary: On Appraisals--The Impact of HVCC
A preliminary analysis indicates that the implementation of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) appears to be having adverse impacts on the housing markets.
