– NAR: Investment, vacation home sales up in 2011 NAR: Investment home sales up 64.5%, vacation home sales up 7% – combined market share at highest level since 2005.
– Survey: Buyers’ decision based on ‘feelings’ Buyers may create a list of want-to-see homes based on size and price, but they submit offers based on a home’s “feel.” Census Bureau releases county-to-county relocation stats Where are buyers going? Where are they coming from? Census Bureau releases first round...
– 70% of renters think owning makes more sense Fannie Mae 4Q survey: Money holds back renters, but 2/3 expect to buy some day. Perceived investment value declines. Confidence dips but recovery still a ‘go’ After spiking in Feb., March consumer confidence dropped back slightly after a slight pullback...
– Census Bureau: Urban growth outpaces nation More people moved close to cities from 2000 to 2010 than to rural areas; 80.7% of U.S. population now urban. Pending home sales ease in Feb. but higher than last year But overall, winter pending sales are the best in five years....
– VA contest to help homeless find homes The VA, HUD and Jon Bon Jovi foundation offer $25K prize to creator of easy-to-use resource guide for vets, others. FHFA House Price Index unchanged in January The Index, which tracks same-property sales, seems to indicate stability in the selling price...
– New ADA rules in effect for commercial Disabled access guidelines affect renovations and construction; announced in 2010, rule officially took effect March 15. Florida economy focus of White House talks Florida Realtors Pres. Summer Greene and VP Sebree discussed Fla. real estate market, jobs, visas with Obama officials....
– Mortgage settlement could lead to more scams Most people read about the $25B settlement, so homeowners can expect a new wave of scams offering to help them collect. Realtors in Fla., across U.S. prepare for Nationwide Open House Realtors in Fla. and across U.S. will open doors to...
– CoreLogic encouraged by drop in foreclosures Analysts saw 69K foreclosures completed in Jan. 2012 compared to 80K in Jan. 2011; 3.3% of mortgaged homes at risk. Home improvement trends Repairs that boost curb appeal continue to lead the list of improvements that return value when a home is...
– Seniors and young adults will influence U.S. housing markets 30M baby boomers to join senior ranks over next 20 years; it’s likely to increase housing supply for their echo boomer kids.
– Fla. ranked first in 2011 home sales to Canada NAR: Canadians made up largest group (23%) of foreign buyers in 2011; in 2010, 8% of Fla. resales went to Canadians.
