Research Commentary from REALTOR.org.

Metro Home Prices Boost Affordability, Sales Improving

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 10:19:19 -0600

Affordability improved in most areas on softer prices and low mortgage interest rates.

How Long Do Owners Stay? Why Do They Sell?

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:12:28 -0600

A look at homeowners' tenures in their home and motivations for moving from the 2011 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Cash Down Payments, Still High

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:12:10 -0600

Realtors® Confidence Index shows that cash down payments are at or above 20 percent in 34 percent of the transactions.

Home Ownership Rates by Age

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:11:55 -0600

Home ownership rates have decreased overall since 2000, but not all age groups had the same experience through the tougher housing market.

Population Projections Around the World

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:11:35 -0600

Most demographers believe that the world population will continue to grow throughout this century, topping out at around 9 to 10 billion people.

Pending Home Sales Decline, Remain Above Year Ago

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:46:41 -0500

After reaching a 19-month high, pending home sales eased in December.

Existing-Home Sales Show Uptrend

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:18:02 -0500

Existing-home sales rose for a third consecutive month, remaining above a year ago.

Pending Home Sales Rise Again in November, Highest in a Year-and-a-Half

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:26:05 -0500

Data shows pending home sales continued to gain in November and reached the highest level in 19 months.

Existing-Home Sales Continue Climb in November

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:37:36 -0500

Data shows existing-home sales rose again and remain above a year ago. Also released, periodic benchmark revisions.

Upcoming EHS Rebenchmarking

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:55:36 -0600

On Dec. 21, NAR will release new existing-home sales (EHS) numbers based on a rebenchmarking of its baseline home-sale calculation. This rebenchmarking, which occurs roughly every 10 years to ensure the continued accuracy of EHS numbers, will have no impact on local MLS home-sale data.

Commercial Markets Remain Weak

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 16:55:20 -0600

With unemployment still high and European issues continuing to weigh on financial markets, economic concerns slowed commercial real estate markets.

Distressed Properties Drop to 28%

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 16:55:00 -0600

According to the latest REALTORS® Confidence Index survey, distressed real estate sales fell to 28% percent of the total market in October.

Pending Home Sales Jump in October

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:20:27 -0500

Last month pending home sales rose strongly to 93.3 and remain above year-ago levels.

3rd Quarter Local Market Reports

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:51:43 -0600

Find out about the factors affecting your local market, including information on the job markets, foreclosure rates, and housing inventory in more than 150 metro areas.

Inflation's Effect Over Next 30 Years

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:54:05 -0600

Will world banks' concern for inflation and its impact on economic expansion help lower inflationary pressure over the next 30 years?

Growth in Commercial Markets Expected in 2012

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:37:39 -0500

Modest economic growth and job creation mean a more positive trend for 2012.

Housing Inventory at Lowest Level in 6 years

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:23:06 -0500

The total homes listed for sale continue to move downward to 3.3 million, the lowest level since 2005.

Existing-Home Sales Rise, Unsold Inventory Declines

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:33:55 -0500

In October, existing-home sales improved while the number of homes on the market continued to decline.

Commercial Market to Improve Next Year

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:04:51 -0600

Depressed conditions in the financial and small-business sectors continue to negatively affect the commercial real estate industry and the nation's economic recovery.

See Research Presentations From Annual

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:04:28 -0600

If you missed them, you can still download and view the presentations for the residential and commercial real estate forums held at the REALTORS® Conference & Expo.

Tap into International Business Reports

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:08:02 -0500

International transactions are of increasing importance, so NAR now provides the state-by-state reports on those transactions.

Is Homeownership Stabilizing?

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:07:31 -0500

Current homeownership figures may indeed indicate the right stabilizing home ownership level for the country.

Good Riddance to 10-Year Market Anomaly

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:07:03 -0500

The past 10 years were an anomaly fueled by easy credit availability. Those days are over--and for the better.

New Loan Limits and Local Markets

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:06:23 -0500

To understand how the change in loan limits would impact local markets, we look at FHA purchase loans originated between Jan. 1, 2011 and Sept. 30, 2011.

3rd Quarter Metro Prices Soften; State Sales Rise Broadly

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 10:25:10 -0500

Although existing-home prices were down, sales rose in every state from a year ago.

How "Social" Are Realtors®?

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:32:22 -0400

Find out what percentage of your fellow Realtors® are actively engaged with social media and professional networking sites.

Highlights from the REALTOR® Confidence Index

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:31:55 -0400

Many REALTORS® report that buyers' economic concerns and limited credit availability continue to contribute to a disappointing housing market.

Why do Buyers Abandon the Home Sale

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:30:50 -0400

Data shows that many consumers have recently faced higher interest rates or have been forced to offer larger down payments due to a change in the way loans are classified.

Pending Home Sales Down, Higher Than September 2010

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:04:23 -0400

In September pending home sales declined, although activity remains above a year ago.

Investors Begin to Ride The Wave

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:07:13 -0500

In his commentary, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the role investors are playing in the current housing market.

Mortgage Delinquency Rate to Fall?

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:06:05 -0500

Despite the continuing high number of homes in foreclosure, we can expect the figures to slide steadily downwards.

Real Estate and Small Business Investment

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:05:37 -0500

Small businesses are major gross domestic product and employment generators in the United States. Find out how real estate affects them.

Existing-Home Sales Down, Higher Than a Year Ago

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:33:50 -0500

On the heels of a strong gain in August, existing-home sales were off in September.

Mortgage Payments Near 30-Year-Ago Levels

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:53:25 -0500

A home buyer purchasing a typical American home at the average mortgage rate today would have a payment of $698 a month.

Car Prices Rising Fast

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:53:07 -0500

After three challenging years, however, vehicle production in the U.S. is making a slow comeback.

Video: Real Estate View

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:52:52 -0500

What the latest housing indicators mean for your business and the housing market.

How Housing Affects the Job Market

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 15:40:27 -0500

The connection is no coincidence as housing and construction play an important role in economic growth and job creation.

Spotlight: Financial Industry's Profits

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 15:40:05 -0500

Despite this trauma, after three years the financial industry has roared back quite strongly.

High Schoolers Fuel Future Housing Demand

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 15:39:41 -0500

Today's high schoolers are the near-future source of housing demand; recent data on the population of those ages 15 to 19 suggest a steady rise in rental demand.

REALTOR® Confidence: Some Hopeful Signs?

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:33:19 -0500

Get a clearer picture of the housing landscape by reading what REALTORS® think about current existing-home sales markets.

What QRM Means for Potential Buyers

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:32:44 -0500

Learn exactly who would be most affected by the proposed down-payment requirement and how it could impact mortgage rates.

Equity Drop Means Business Owners Take Double Hit

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:32:19 -0500

Find out how decreases in home equity values are impacting small business owners in a tough economy, with tight lending.

Lowest Housing Starts Since World War II

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:15:37 -0400

(Sept. 22) Housing starts are on track to be lower than when the U.S. population was only half its current size—more than 50 years ago.

GSEs: Small Share, Big Economic Impact

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:14:43 -0400

(Sept. 22) The credit crisis made it difficult for borrowers to get mortgages not backed by the government, so the government filled the void by raising FHA's and GSEs' loan limits. Now, with loan limits poised to drop, high-priced areas will feel the biggest impact.

The Summer of Our Economic Discontent?

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:14:02 -0400

(Sept. 22) Economic data at the end of the summer hasn't been that encouraging, but there's never a perfect straight-line path in economics—things move in cycles.

Existing-Home Sales Rise, Up Strongly From Year Ago

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:27:44 -0500

In August, existing-home sales increased; even with tight credit, appraisal problems, and weather disruptions.

Investment Properties Draw First-Timers

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:58:32 -0400

With household formation beginning to advance, demand for rental properties has been rising, accompanied by rising rents and declining vacancies.

Not Normal Yet, But Home Inventory Falls

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:57:38 -0400

The housing market is still not yet back to normal, but the inventory component is moving in the right direction.

Number of FSBOs Continues to Decrease

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:56:07 -0400

For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) sellers decreased in 2010, continuing a downward trend, according to the latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Gap Widens between New and Existing Home Prices

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 16:41:31 -0400

Due to stubbornly high new-home prices and lower existing-home prices, the gap between the two has opened up.

Read Highlights: 2011 Member Profile

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 16:40:36 -0400

Most REALTORS® say real estate is a person-to-person business. But technology has revolutionized how real estate professionals communicate.

More First-Time Buyers Paying Cash

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 16:39:43 -0400

The percentage of first-time buyers purchasing with cash has risen from 5.2% in July 2009 to 10.3% in July 2011, according to the Realtors® Confidence Index.

Renters: Owning a Home is a Priority

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 16:38:34 -0400

According to the 2011 Housing Opportunity Pulse Survey, 7 out of 10 renters say owning a home is a top priority.

Pending Home Sales Down In July but Up from 1 Year Ago

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:12:39 -0400

(Aug. 29) Pending home sales declined in July but remain well above year-ago levels, according to NAR research. All regions show monthly declines except for the West, which continues to show the highest level of sales contract activity.

QRM Means Higher Rates in Uneasy Market

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:10:21 -0500

Government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie and Freddie and the FHA are currently exempted from the proposed QRM rule, but as the GSEs leave receivership, the bulk of the housing market will be exposed to the full impact of the QRM regulation.

Learn More About Mortgage Purchase Apps

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:10:00 -0500

The Aug. 17 news on mortgage purchase applications from the Mortgage Bankers Association was disappointing—they fell 8% from the prior week.

Weak Economy Softens Commercial Markets

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:09:37 -0500

Economic activity weakened during the second quarter of 2011. Economic activity, as measured by gross domestic product, advanced a modest 1.3% during the quarter.

Get the Latest Housing Affordability Info

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:09:16 -0500

Rising affordability is a combination of lower home prices, record low mortgage rates, and a slight rise in family income.

Slowdown Impacts Commercial Markets

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:02:51 -0400

(Aug. 25) Weak economic growth and job creation affect growth projections, however modest improvements are expected over the coming year.

Existing-Home Sales Down, Up Strongly from a Year Ago

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:53:40 -0500

In July, monthly gains in the Northeast and Midwest were offset by declines in the West and South.

Home Price Monitor: July 2011

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:43:54 -0500

Get insight into national home price trends, factors that affect those trends, and the likely direction of future prices.

Inflation Watch: July 2011

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:43:35 -0500

Be confident in discussing the effect of inflation with clients and other professionals by reviewing NAR's latest report.

2nd Quarter Metro Prices Mixed, State Sales Down

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:40:55 -0500

Although median prices declined modestly, 27% of metro areas experienced gains from a year ago.

Headline: Recession Redux?

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 14:55:25 -0400

Lawrence Yun discusses the potential impact of government spending cuts on the GDP, consumer confidence, job growth and the economy as a whole.

Home Sweet Home, Getaway Spot or Investment?

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 14:54:13 -0400

Find out what kinds of properties primary, vacation and investment home buyers are purchasing and where.

Video: Economic Wildcards that Could Affect the Market

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:25:00 -0500

Lawrence Yun discusses his forecasts for the remainder of 2011 and into 2012, including a look forward at new homes sales, jobs, and economic "wild cards."

Facts Deflect Recent MID Attacks

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:24:39 -0500

In the debate over the debt ceiling, there has been some talk that the mortgage interest deduction, or some portion of it, could be cut. Check out some facts and figures you should know.

Are You Typical?

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:21:05 -0500

Check out stats on Realtor® business activities from the 2011 Member Profile and find out.

Owning a Home is Priority for Renters

Fri, 8 Jul 2011 15:13:57 -0400

New survey shows that more than three quarters of renters would be less likely to buy if they were required to have a 20 percent down payment.

Existing-Home Sales in 2011 and Beyond

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 12:01:41 -0400

Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses his forecast for existing-homes sales, which will experience a slight increase.

Second Homes: Who's Buying and Why

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:43:00 -0400

Join us July 6 to find out what the latest Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey says about buyer and property characteristics, financing and much more.

Employment: On the Road to Recovery?

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:19:50 -0500

Over the last year, 43 states and the District of Columbia saw a decline in the unemployment rate.

Typical REALTOR® Had 8 Transactions

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:19:17 -0500

According to the 2011 Member Profile, brokers and broker associates typically had 10 transactions in 2010, while sales agents typically had seven.

Pending Home Sales Turn Around

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:06:37 -0400

(June 29) Pending home sales rose strongly in May with all regions experiencing gains from a year ago.

Consumer Confidence and Election Results

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:29:49 -0400

Consumer-confidence measures are often fairly accurate in predicting the next presidential election results. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses why.

House Prices Increased in April According to FHFA

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:28:30 -0400

Home prices increased 0.8 percent from March to April according to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data.

New: Commercial Lending Survey

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:25:32 -0400

More than 70 percent of REALTORS® name lack of available financing as a major obstacle for commercial real estate this year, according to NAR's Commercial Real Estate Lending Survey. Some 87 percent say it has impacted clients' decisions in 2011. See what practitioners say about funding sources, the SBA-loan process, and other lending issues.

Existing-Home Sales Decline with Market Constraints

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:08:59 -0400

Existing-home sales were down in May as temporary factors and financing problems weighed on the market.

Simple Math Shows It's Time to Buy

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:43:47 -0400

The Housing Affordability Index is at its highest reading since it was first released in 1971.

When Will the Economy Settle into Summer?

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:42:09 -0400

In this month's Real Estate Insights, Lawrence Yun discusses how tight credit is affecting the housing market as we transition into summer.

Webinar: Share Insights into Your Local Market

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:40:19 -0400

Join us June 30 and learn how market statistics and analysis can help you become your clients' window into the real local housing picture.

International Sales Approached $82 Billion in 2010-2011

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:18:24 -0500

According to the 2011 Profile of International Home Buying Activity, the of total internationally-oriented home sales rose to $82 billion from $66 billion in 2010.

Mortgage Delinquency News is Mixed

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:18:01 -0500

While the number of seriously delinquent mortgages declined in the first quarter of 2011, levels need to fall further before there is significant improvement.

Home Sales Impact: Qualified Residential Mortgage

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 09:24:14 -0500

NAR research shows the proposed QRM rule would devastate the housing market. REALTOR® Magazine explains the strong impact it would have.

Pending Home Sales Drop after Two Monthly Gains

Fri, 27 May 2011 10:34:16 -0500

Pending home sales fell in April with regional variations following increases in February and March.

Webinar: Highlights from the 2011 Member Profile

Thu, 26 May 2011 14:09:29 -0500

Join us on June 1, 2pm ET and find out what the latest data on REALTORS® and their business activities tells us about our members.

Commercial Markets Stabilizing, Demand Growing

Tue, 24 May 2011 10:39:40 -0500

The improving economy and job creation mean growing demand for commercial real estate.

April Existing-Home Sales Ease

Thu, 19 May 2011 16:12:19 -0400

Existing-home sales slipped in April, although the market has managed six gains in the past nine months.

Profile Shows Focus on Education, Commitment to Profession

Wed, 18 May 2011 08:30:13 -0500

Realtors® have been focusing more on training to help them better meet the needs of clients in a housing market with unique challenges.

U.S. Remains top Destination for Foreign Buyers

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:38:51 -0500

International purchases surged by $16 billion this year, one of the highest increases in recent years.

Surveys of REALTOR® Sentiment

Tue, 17 May 2011 13:47:39 -0500

Get the latest buzz on the street in your local market, including information on foot traffic, distressed sales, down payment percentages, and more.

Commercial Market Sluggish, Outlook Improving

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:27:46 -0400

(May 12)The commercial market continues a slow recovery with occupancy rates rising in office and industrial properties in most major cities.

Forecasts Point to Rising Activity

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:26:46 -0400

(May 12) Existing-home sales have been underperforming by historical standards and will rise gradually but unevenly, according to NAR's chief economist.

Pending Home Sales Rise Again in March

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:18:59 -0500

March saw another increase, with contract activity rising unevenly in six of the past nine months.

How Inflation Affects Purchasing Power

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:10:20 -0500

Consumer price inflation is building and by year's end could easily rise to 4% or 5%, or even more, if there is no retreat in gas and food prices. Find out more about how the change impacts both borrowers and savers.

Home Buyer Traffic Up

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:09:59 -0500

The gap between prospective home buyer traffic and prospective home seller traffic has narrowed, according to the Realtors® Confidence Index. Continued narrowing would be favorable to the strengthening of real estate markets nationwide.

Foreclosures: Is the Worst Behind Us?

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:09:32 -0500

Read about the trends in current and potential foreclosures and understand how they translate into shadow inventory going forward.

Existing-Home Sales Rise

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:47:35 -0500

Sales of existing-home sales rose in March, continuing an uneven recovery that began after sales bottomed last July.

Vacation, Investment-Home Shares Hold Even

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:07:30 -0500

The market share of vacation- and investment-home sales held steady in 2010, although the sales volume declined with the overall market, according to the 2011 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey.

Video: Commercial Real Estate Update for March 2011

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:33:24 -0500

Economist George Ratiu gives an update on the latest Commercial Real Estate Outlook and the forecast for the commercial market.

Pending Home Sales Rise

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:44:36 -0500

Pending home sales increased in February but with notable regional variations.
View data >

Lawrence Yun Answers Members' Questions

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:14:14 -0400

(March 22) NAR's chief economist answers members' questions on the unemployment rate, mortgage credit, foreclosures, and more.

Existing-Home Sales Decline After Gains

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:43:18 -0500

Existing-home sales fell in February following three straight monthly increases.

How Home Ownership Impacts Wealth

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:20:03 -0400

(March 17) How much wealth would a home owner in your area have accumulated if he or she purchased a home 5, 10, 15, or 20 years ago and remained there until 2010? Check out our new housing equity reports to find out.

New: Economist's Podcast

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 14:27:47 -0600

Lawrence Yun explains the latest existing home sales release and looks ahead to 2011.

Home Buyers' Median Age: 2001-2010

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 12:05:38 -0600

Did you that the typical age for home buyers is 39 years-old, and has been since 2007?

Economists' Outlook Gets New Look

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 12:05:10 -0600

Get your daily dose of information on economic data, real estate trends and market conditions in NAR's new Economists' Outlook Blog.

Pending Home Sales Decline

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:12:42 -0600

Pending home sales eased for the second straight month, but remain 20.6 percent above the cyclical low last June.

Video: REALTORS®' Confidence Index Report Update

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:03:25 -0500

(Feb. 25) Economist Jed Smith gives an update on the latest REALTORS®' Confidence Index and the outlook for the housing market.

Commercial Vacancy Rates to Decline, Rent Recovery Delayed

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:39:42 -0600

A stabilization trend is taking place in commercial sectors; rent will remain soft in most markets, except multifamily.

Existing-Home Sales Rise Again in January

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:14:03 -0600

The uptrend in existing-home sales continues; sales rise for the third consecutive month at a pace now above year-ago levels.

Forecast Update: Retail Sales, NAHB/Wells Fargo Market Index, Mortgage Applications, Jobless Claims, and More

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:44:38 -0600

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: retail sales, NAHB/Wells Fargo Market Index, mortgage applications, jobless claims, and more.

Surveys of REALTOR® Sentiment/Regional Vice-Presidential Reports

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:36:53 -0600

Get the latest buzz on the street in your local market, including information on foot traffic, distressed sales, down payment percentages and more.

Forecast Update: Monthly Personal Income, Inflation Rate, ISM Manufacturing Index, and More

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:05:16 -0500

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: : Job Openings and Labor Turnover, Mortgage Applications, Jobless Claims, and More

Most Metro Area Home Prices Stabilize in 4th Quarter

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:38:54 -0500

(Feb. 10) Home sales rebounded in 49 states during the fourth quarter, with 78 markets - just over half of the available metropolitan areas - experiencing price gains from a year ago, according to NAR's recent survey.
View Data

New: Economist's Podcast

Tue, 8 Feb 2011 16:24:33 -0600

Lawrence Yun explains how the unrest in Egypt will impact the U.S. economy and the connection between jobs and a healthy real estate market.

Forecast Update: Monthly Personal Income, Inflation Rate, ISM Manufacturing Index, and More

Fri, 4 Feb 2011 16:21:29 -0600

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Jobless Claims, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Monthly Personal Income, Inflation Rate, Construction Spending, ISM Manufacturing Index

Forecast Update: Mortgage and Treasury Rates, Case-Shiller Index, Consumer Confidence Index Jobless Claims, Mortgage Purchase Applications, GDP

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:39:56 -0600

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Mortgage and Treasury Rates, Case-Shiller Index, Consumer Confidence Index Jobless Claims, Mortgage Purchase Applications, GDP. Link: new page

Pending Home Sales Continue Uptrend

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:23:06 -0500

Pending home sales improved further in December, marking the fifth gain in the past six months.

Forecast Update: Long-Term Interest Rates, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Consumer Price Index

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:29:06 -0500

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Mortgage and Treasury Rates

Video: REALTORS®' Confidence Index Report Update

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:58:29 -0600

Economist Jed Smith gives an update on the latest REALTORS®' Confidence Index and the outlook for the housing market.

December Existing-Home Sales Jump

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:03:07 -0600

Existing-home sales rose sharply in December, when sales increased for the fifth time in the past six months.

Owners, Renters Agree: Owning a Home is a Smart Decision

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:17:59 -0500

A substantial majority of both home owners and current renters agree that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term, according to a recent survey by Harris Interactive.

Forecast Update: Long-Term Interest Rates, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Consumer Price Index

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:40:30 -0600

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Long-Term Interest Rates, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Consumer Price Index.

New: Economist's Podcast

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:46:56 -0600

Lawrence Yun discusses how demographic trends will ultimately drive demand for home ownership, while economic conditions will define sales in 2011.

Forecast Update: Construction Spending, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Jobless Claims, Unemployment

Fri, 7 Jan 2011 15:29:23 -0600

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Construction Spending, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Jobless Claims, Unemployment.

Did You Know: Foot Traffic and Future Home Sales

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 14:21:38 -0600

Did you know that foot traffic can give a strong indication of future home sales?

Commentary: Market on the Mend

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 13:02:22 -0500

Florida was hard-hit by the subprime mess and no city was spared, but the housing market in Cape Coral-Fort Meyers is turning the corner.

Pending Home Sales Continue Recovery

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 09:44:13 -0600

Pending home sales rose again in November; a broad five-month trend indicates a gradual recovery into 2011.

Commentary: The True Market Revealed

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 13:05:04 -0600

Home sales slipped in the 3rd quarter following the end of the federal tax credit. However, the 3rd quarter trend only tells part of the story.

Forecast Update: Homeowner Finances, Oil Prices, GDP, and Jobless Claims

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:16:32 -0600

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tells you what they mean for you and your business.

Commentary: Importance of Energy-Efficient Features to Buyers

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 10:43:14 -0600

Find out which energy efficient home features are important to buyers by region, age group and more.

Existing-Home Sales Resume Uptrend, Prices Stable

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:48:33 -0600

Existing-home sales got back on an upward path in November, resuming a growth trend since bottoming in July.

Economist's Podcast, December 14, 2010

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:26:41 -0600

Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explains how extending the Bush tax cuts and underwriting standards could impact the real estate market in 2011.

Forecast Update: Mortgage Rates, Deficit Commission Report, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Jobless Claims, Consumer Credit

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:31:41 -0600

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business.

Commentary: Mortgage Interest and Real Estate Tax Deduction Facts

Thu, 9 Dec 2010 14:54:06 -0600

If these deductions were eliminated, the loss would not be a one-year event; homeowners lose out on potential savings each and every year.

Commentary: One California Market Sees Stable Prices

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 11:14:49 -0600

The median home price in San Francisco held up stronger than most markets and was up 9.4% in the 3rd quarter of 2010.

Commentary: Help Wanted, 15 Million Workers to Drive Expansion

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:42:51 -0600

Employment growth is the key to a robust recovery; and while last spring provided a reason for optimism, job growth will not be even around the country.

Forecast Update: Case-Shiller Index, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Jobless Claims, Consumer Confidence

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 16:38:10 -0600

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business.

Strong Rebound in Pending Home Sales

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 09:55:03 -0600

Pending home sales jumped in October, showing a positive uptrend since bottoming in June.

Commentary: Seasonality, Home Sales and Home Prices

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 11:46:51 -0600

On average, homes sales are approximately 80% higher during their peak in August than during their January trough.

Did You Know: Interest Rates Impact Your Yearly Payment as a Share of Loan Amount

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:44:02 -0600

This Did You Know explains how interest rates impact your yearly payment as a share of loan amount.

Commercial Market Stabilizing

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:01:23 -0600

Commercial real estate markets are flattening out, with modestly improving fundamentals expected in 2011.

Existing-Home Sales Retreat in October

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:25:27 -0600

Existing-home sales declined on the heels of two strong monthly gains.

About Government Economic Statistics

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:09:25 -0600

Economic statistics are currently a hot topic, but how does the government get this data, and is it reliable?

2010 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers Highlights

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:42:51 -0600

Webinar will cover highlights from the newest report along with information on what consumers want from their real estate agent in the home buying and selling process, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m. ET.

Did You Know: Net Worth, Home Owners vs. Renters

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:10:28 -0600

Did you know that during the last 12 years the typical home owner's net worth has ranged between 31 and 46 times that of the typical renter?

Did You Know: Annual Rent Increases Make Home Ownership a Good Investment

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:33:52 -0600

Did you know that over the past 10 years rents have increased, on average, 3 percent per year?

Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications, Jobless Claims, Consumer Confidence, Foreclosures

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:41:12 -0600

The Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business.

Did You Know: Government-Insured Home Mortgages Have Significantly Increased

Tue, 9 Nov 2010 15:45:23 -0600

Did you know that according to recently released data, home buyers increasingly relied on government-insured loans in 2008 and 2009.

Did You Know: Fewer Mortgages for Vacation and Investment Homes

Thu, 4 Nov 2010 13:22:48 -0500

Did you know that in 2009, vacation and investment home buyers used financing sources other than mortgages to complete their purchases?

Commentary: Mortgage Rates and Affordability

Wed, 3 Nov 2010 13:45:26 -0500

Since the expiration of the tax credit, mortgage rates have dropped precipitously.

Did You Know: Foot Traffic and Future Sales

Tue, 2 Nov 2010 11:36:04 -0500

Did you know that foot traffic for showings is a strong indicator of future home sales?

Did You Know: Foot Traffic and Future Sales

Tue, 2 Nov 2010 11:02:58 -0500

Did you know that the share of federally-insured mortgages jumped to 48% in 2009?

Forecast Update: Existing-Home Sales, Case-Shiller Index, New Home Sales, and more

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:13:24 -0500

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Existing-Home Sales, Case-Shiller Index, New Home Sales, and more.

Commentary: Media Coverage and Housing Data

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:43:50 -0500

EHS media coverage can be perplexing, especially when there are apples and oranges comparisons.

Commentary: Consumer Confidence and Elections

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:47:18 -0500

Find out how how election cycles, presidential and midterm, affect consumer confidence.

Forecast Update: NAHB Housing Market Index, Housing Starts, Mortgage Rates, and More

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:34:24 -0500

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: NAHB Housing Market Index, Housing Starts, Mortgage Rates, and More

Did You Know: Upcoming Events and News to Watch

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:48:08 -0500

Did you know that Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President, Thomas Hoenig, will speak at this year's Annual Conference?

Home Ownership Matters: Home Ownership and Parenting

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:07:04 -0500

Find out how why home ownership matters: how it influences parenting and impacts the lives of children.

Did You Know: A Look at the Jobs Situation

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:59:48 -0500

Did you know that between December 2007 and December 2009 8.4 million jobs were lost in the U.S.?

Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications, Producer Price Index, Jobless Claims, Consumer Price Index

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:34:55 -0500

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Mortgage Purchase Applications, Producer Price Index, Jobless Claims, Consumer Price Index.

New: Real Estate Insights, October

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:40:01 -0500

Over 100,000 members are getting INSIGHTS into the housing market every month. Are you?

Download PDF Version > (PDF: 1.4MB)

Did You Know: National Delinquency Survey and Shadow Inventory

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:52:11 -0500

Did you know that in the 2nd quarter of 2010 around 6.4 million first-lien loans were in delinquency?

Did You Know: Housing Inventory

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:59:39 -0500

Did you know that the inventory of existing single-family homes and condominiums has increased for the last three quarters?

New: Economist's Podcast

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 08:37:26 -0500

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun answers the question, "How low can rates go?"

Did You Know: Commercial Real Estate Space

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:25:24 -0500

Did you know that there are approximately 78 billion square feet of commercial space in the U.S.?

Forecast Update: ISM Non-Manufacturing Index, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Jobless Claims, Employment

Fri, 8 Oct 2010 14:01:54 -0500

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: ISM Non-Manufacturing Index, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Jobless Claims, Employment

Commentary: Home Ownership and Taxes: Buyer/Owner Perspective

Thu, 7 Oct 2010 13:44:35 -0500

Find out how the life cycle of ownership affects the deductions a home owner takes.

Commentary: Tax Filers Claiming Real Estate Tax Deduction

Wed, 6 Oct 2010 10:24:06 -0500

According to IRS data, about 29.3 percent of individual income tax filers claimed a deduction for real estate taxes in 2008.

Did You Know: Housing Equity

Tue, 5 Oct 2010 13:04:58 -0500

Did you know that housing equity rose 17 percent or nearly $1 trillion over the past 5 quarters?

Forecast Update: Consumer Confidence, the Case-Shiller Index, Mortgage Purchase Applications

Fri, 1 Oct 2010 13:39:03 -0500

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Consumer confidence, the Case-Shiller Index, mortgage purchase applications.

Commentary: Homeownership Matters--Homeownership and Social Capital

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:29:45 -0500

According to recent studies, homeowners have greater access to social capital than renters.

Commentary: Homeownership Matters--Homeownership and Civic Engagement

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:11:29 -0500

Homeowners have a vested interest in their communities and tend to be more engaged than renters.

Did You Know: FDIC Watch-List Balloons

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:55:18 -0500

Did you know that the FDIC list of problem financial institutions has grown to over 800?

Forecast Update: NAHB Market Index, Housing Starts, Mortgage Applications, Existing and New Home Sales

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:08:34 -0500

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: NAHB Market Index, housing starts, mortgage applications, Existing and New Home Sales

Existing Home Sales — A Look at the Numbers

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:33:33 -0500

NAR's Existing Home Sales numbers estimate the size of the residential market, providing the annual rate of sales each month.

Existing-Home Sales Move Up in August

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:26:05 -0500

Existing-home sales rose in August following a big correction in July, increasing by 7.6%.

Did You Know: VA-Guaranteed Mortgage Performance

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:55:41 -0500

Did you know that VA-guaranteed loans have performed better than other loans?

Did You Know: Hurricane Property Damage

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:40:26 -0500

Did you know that hurricanes tend to be the most destructive natural disasters in terms of property damage?

Forecast Update: Global Capital Reserves, Retail Sales, Mortgage Purchase Applications, Consumer Price Index

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:55:20 -0500

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week:

Did You Know: Homeownership by Age Group

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:38:15 -0500

Did you know that national homeownership rate peaked in 2004, but has since fallen in every age group?

Did You Know: Labor Participation Among Men and Teens

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:58:05 -0500

Did you know that labor participation among prime-age men and teenagers has steadily decreased over the past several decades?

Did You Know: GAO Initial Report on Home Buyer Tax Credit

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:02:48 -0500

Did you know that Nevada had the most tax credit dollars claimed per resident?

Forecast Update: Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Applications, Jobless Claims, International Rules for Banks

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:16:27 -0500

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Mortgage rates, mortgage applications, jobless claims, international rules for banks.

Employment Makes the Difference in Appleton

Thu, 9 Sep 2010 14:26:45 -0500

Stronger home prices and the stabilizing labor market impact Appleton, WI in late spring 2010.

Did You Know: National Negative Equity Rates

Wed, 8 Sep 2010 10:56:56 -0500

Did you know that national negative equity rates declined for the second consecutive quarter?

Forecast Update: Pending Home Sales, Construction, Unemployment, Consumer Sentiment, Mortgage Applications

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 13:31:28 -0500

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Pending Home Sales, construction, unemployment, consumer sentiment, mortgage applications.

Did You Know: Income-Housing Cost Mismatch

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 11:41:42 -0500

Did you know that in 2006 24 percent of renter households spent half or more of their incomes on housing?

Pending Home Sales Rise

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 09:46:09 -0500

Following a sharp drop after the tax credit expiration, pending home sales rise modestly.

Sept. 1, 2010: Recovery or Respite?

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 16:09:56 -0500

Although the second quarter showed positive signs for the market, a slowdown in the economy could curtail growth.

Forecast Update: Mortgage Applications, GDP, Foreclosure Starts, Jobless Claims, Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:24:21 -0500

In a new weekly format, NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Mortgage Applications, GDP, Foreclosure Starts, Jobless Claims, Consumer Sentiment

Tax Credits Have Strong Impact in Indianapolis

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:45:25 -0500

Employment growth has revived, but the story behind its steady price growth appears unique.

Commercial Real Estate Remains Soft, Favors Expansion

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:44:54 -0500

Commercial real estate sectors, hurt by weak job growth, offer incentives conducive to business expansion.

A Steady Foundation in Knoxville

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:52:50 -0500

Home prices in Knoxville have moved toward stabilization.

July Existing-Home Sales Fall, Prices Rise

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:12:26 -0500

As expected, existing-home sales were sharply lower, but prices continue to gain.

Forecast Update: Mortgage Applications, Producer Price Index, Housing Starts, Unemployment

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:09:29 -0400

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tells you what they mean for you and your business. This week: mortgage applications, producer price index, housing starts, unemployment.

Did You Know: REALTOR® Formal Education Levels

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:15:19 -0500

Did you know 59 percent of members have at least an associate's degree?

Forecast Update: Mortgage Applications, Unemployment, Wholesale Trade, Labor, Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:15:54 -0500

NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: mortgage applications, unemployment, wholesale trade, labor, consumer sentiment.

New: Economist's Podcast

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:22:36 -0500

Businesses must spend more to help stimulate the lagging economy, but low interest rates are a good sign for housing.

Broad Price Stabilization, Strong Sales

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:01:57 -0500

Home prices in more metropolitan areas increased in the 2nd quarter, aided by strong home sales driven by tax credit.

Did You Know: Household Growth

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:58:06 -0500

Did you know that household growth in the 2000s fell from about 1.2-1.4 million annually to less than 1.0 million per year?

Surveys of REALTOR® Sentiment/Regional Vice-Presidential Reports

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 11:05:58 -0500

Each report contains the most recent REALTOR® Confidence Index results and commentary from our Regional Vice Presidents.

Forecast Update: ISM Manufacturing Index, Mortgage Applications, Unemployment, Construction Spending

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 13:18:18 -0500

In a new weekly format, NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: ISM Manufacturing Index, mortgage applications, unemployment, and construction spending.

Commentary: Homeownership, Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates, Metropolitan Statistical Data

Thu, 5 Aug 2010 11:17:53 -0400

Roughly speaking, homeowner vacancy rates have increased since 2005.

Commentary: Homeownership, Rental and Homeowner Vacancy Rates

Wed, 4 Aug 2010 11:53:41 -0400

(Aug. 4) Today's homeownership rate is the same it was in the fourth quarter of 1999.

Pending Home Sales Ease

Tue, 3 Aug 2010 09:43:25 -0500

Pending home sales edged down in the post-tax credit market.

Did You Know: Unemployed Workers per Job Opening

Mon, 2 Aug 2010 13:06:17 -0500

Did you know that at the height of this recession for every job opening there were 6.2 unemployed workers?

Forecast Update:Case-Shiller Price Index, Mortgage Applications, Unemployment, New Home Sales

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:11:50 -0500

In a new weekly format, NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business. This week: Mortgage Applications, FHFA Index, Housing Starts, New Home Sales.

Did You Know: Residential Vacancy Rates

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:25:55 -0400

(July 29) Did you know that 35 percent of the metropolitan areas had falling residential vacancy rate between Q3 2009 and Q1 2010?

Did You Know: Who Worked From Home, by Occupation

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:51:04 -0500

Did you know that in 2009, professional workers were more likely to work from home?

Did You Know: Percent of Home Financed Has Shifted

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:11:37 -0500

Did you know that over the last few years, the portion of the home that's financed has changed?

Did You Know: Who Works From Home, by Income

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:43:38 -0500

Did you know that in 2009, higher earning individuals were more likely to work from home?

Existing-Home Sales Slow, Above Year Ago

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:39:13 -0500

Existing-home sales slowed in June, but remained at relatively elevated levels.

Video: Mean vs. Median in Home Price Data

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:59:46 -0400

(July 21) Economist Danielle Hale discusses means and medians, which one NAR Research prefers to use in home price data, and why.

Did You Know: Reasons People Move, Choose New Location

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:37:15 -0500

Did you know that only 4 percent of consumers surveyed in June moved due to job loss?

Economist's Podcast

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:28:47 -0500

(July 19) Lawrence Yun says that the recent drop in home sales was expected; prices continue to stabilize.

Forecast Update: GDP, Mortgage Applications, Unemployment Claims, Producer Price Index

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:21:23 -0500

In a new weekly format, NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business.

Get Insights, Grow Your Business

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:28:25 -0500

Over 100,000 members are getting INSIGHTS into the housing market every month. Are you?

Commentary: Why Are Loan Modifications So Difficult?

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:47:20 -0500

Underwater homeowners have been in the news lately as the foreclosure crisis looms large.

Did You Know: Top Relocation Cities for Movers

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:36:03 -0500

Did you know that according to a June 2010 survey, Houston ranked as the top destination city for movers?

Profile of International Home Buying Activity

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:41:58 -0400

International home buyers are increasingly attracted to property in the U.S.

Forecast Update: ISM Non-Manufacturing Index, Mortgage Applications, Unemployment

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:41:01 -0400

The NAR Research staff now gives you a weekly analysis of the economic data released during the past week, and how current economic conditions are affecting the real estate market.

Did You Know: Primary Occupation Among Members

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:40:36 -0400

Did you know that for 77 percent of members, real estate is their only occupation?

Economists Commentary: Regional Market Conditions, Q1 2010

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 11:38:02 -0400

Prices showed steady improvement in many markets, but one big issue remains: rising delinquencies on prime mortgages.

Forecast Update: New Home Sales, Housing Starts, Consumer Price Index and much more. . .

Fri, 2 Jul 2010 14:03:56 -0500

In a new weekly format, NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business.

Did You Know: Net Worth of Households

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:49:32 -0500

Did you know that during the recession, the net worth of households and non-profits declined by more than $16 trillion?

Did You Know: Household Real Estate Assets

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:16:46 -0400

Did you know that the value of real estate held by households alone is currently worth 15% more than the entire US economy produces in a year?

Forecast Update: China, New Home Sales, Unemployment, Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:09:28 -0500

In a new weekly format, NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business.

Did You Know: NFIP Flood Insurance Policies, Updated

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:40:38 -0500

Did you know that NFIP policies in force increased from around 2 million in the 1980s to 5.7 million in 2009?

May 2010 REALTORS® Confidence Index

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:08:36 -0500

Find out how your peers are feeling about the current market and prospects for the future.

Columbia, SC Market Conditions

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:09:35 -0500

Like many other markets, Columbia was stymied by both the economy and employment.

Continued Strong Pace for Existing-Home Sales

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:22:27 -0500

Existing-home sales remained elevated in May on buyer response to tax credit, low mortgage rates.

Daily Forecast Update: Consumers and Down-Payment Requirements

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:03:03 -0500

(June 21) Did you know that 49 percent of consumers say they would never be able to save for a down-payment for a home?

Did You Know: National Flood Insurance Program Policies

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:19:34 -0400

Did you know that NFIP policies in force increased from around 2 million in the 1980s to 5.7 million in 2009?

New Economist's Podcast

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:57:18 -0500

Chief Economist Lawrence Yun expects home sales to dive in May and June, but sees a more stable environment in the longer term.

Economist's Commentary: Kennewick-Area Market Conditions

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:31:44 -0500

Kennewick, WA has one of the strongest housing markets in the country--how does your market compare?

Forecast Update: Consumer Credit, Labor Market, Mortgage Applications

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:53:46 -0400

In a new weekly format, NAR Research staff analyzes the week's key data releases and tell you what they mean for you and your business.

Did You Know: Factors Affecting Household Mobility

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:42:46 -0500

Did you know that a wide variety of factors have been shown to affect household mobility?

Did You Know: Homeownership Rates Among Hispanic Americans

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:04:21 -0400

Did you know that the homeownership rate among Hispanic-Americans fell 3% from 2009?

Did You Know: Social Security Beneficiaries, By State

Wed, 9 Jun 2010 09:46:02 -0500

Did you know that Maine, as well as Florida, draws a large number of retirees?

Did You Know: Home Buyer Tax Credit Claims By Region

Tue, 8 Jun 2010 10:07:07 -0500

Did you know that 734,999 buyers have claimed the home buyer tax credit for purchases made in 2009 as of February 20, 2010?

Did You Know: Firm Affiliation, By Firm Size

Mon, 7 Jun 2010 10:05:55 -0500

Did you know that most members work at independent, non-franchised company?

Did You Know: Foreclosure Recourse and Strategic Mortgage Defaults

Fri, 4 Jun 2010 12:28:32 -0400

Did you know that a homeowner's decision to strategically default on a mortgage is influenced by the bank's recourse options?

Daily Forecast Update: Unemployment Insurance, Mortgage Rates

Thu, 3 Jun 2010 13:16:19 -0500

Unemployment insurance filings were down last week, although they remain frustratingly high.

Did You Know: Local Information by Economic Area

Thu, 3 Jun 2010 10:05:13 -0500

Did you know that there are many great sources of economic data about your local market area?

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications

Wed, 2 Jun 2010 17:12:55 -0400

Mortgage purchase applications fell, continuing the post-tax credit declines.

Pending Home Sales Surge Continuing

Tue, 1 Jun 2010 11:05:50 -0500

Pending home sales have risen for three consecutive months, reflecting broad tax credit impact, favorable affordability.

Daily Forecast Update: Personal Income, Consumer Spending

Fri, 28 May 2010 12:00:11 -0500

Personal income increased in April from March consistent with expectations.

Did You Know: Real Estate Firm Size and Function

Fri, 28 May 2010 11:22:44 -0400

Did you know that the typical agent works at a firm with 29 agents and brokers?

Daily Forecast Update: GDP Revision

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:30:09 -0400

Economic growth in the first quarter of 2010 was lower than initially estimated.

Did You Know: Home Remodeling Forecast

Thu, 27 May 2010 11:16:26 -0500

Did you know that, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity, home remodeling will rebound by almost 5 percent in 2010?

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications, New Home Sales

Wed, 26 May 2010 13:41:25 -0500

Mortgage purchase applications continued to fall during week ending May 21.

Did You Know: Realtor® Work Hours and Compensation

Wed, 26 May 2010 09:56:07 -0500

Did you know that the typical member works 40 hours a week and nearly all work on a commission-based compensation structure?

Daily Forecast Update: Case-Shiller and Other Price Data

Tue, 25 May 2010 13:07:54 -0500

California home values are recovering robustly, affirming earlier NAR price trends.

Did You Know: Member Gross vs. Net Incomes

Tue, 25 May 2010 10:34:03 -0500

Did you know that the typical member had a gross income of $35,700 in 2009?

Did You Know: Website Maintenance Expenditure and Business Generated

Mon, 24 May 2010 14:03:51 -0400

Did you know that the typical member spent $220 to maintain his/her website in 2009?

Existing-Home Sales Improve in April

Mon, 24 May 2010 10:03:31 -0500

Existing-home sales rose thanks to the tax credit, improving consumer confidence, favorable affordability.

Did You Know: Business Sources, Repeat Clients

Fri, 21 May 2010 13:27:25 -0500

The typical member had 18 percent of their business in 2009 from repeat consumers and clients.

Daily Forecast Update: 10-Year Treasury, Mortgage Rates

Fri, 21 May 2010 13:26:45 -0500

Mortgage rates follow Treasury rates downward.

Daily Forecast Update: Jobless Claims, Interest Rates

Thu, 20 May 2010 12:40:01 -0500

The number of workers filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly increased last week.

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications, Consumer Price Index

Wed, 19 May 2010 14:48:31 -0400

Mortgage purchase applications fell sharply in the week ending May 14, continuing the post-tax credit decline.

Did You Know: Appraisers

Wed, 19 May 2010 12:04:13 -0500

Did you know that the typical appraiser appraised 200 properties in 2009?

Daily Forecast Update: Housing Completions and Starts, Default Rates

Tue, 18 May 2010 13:04:46 -0500

Today's data show that housing completions have, not surprisingly, surged in April as tax credit buyers move to close.

Did You Know: Property Managers

Tue, 18 May 2010 11:42:40 -0400

Did you known that the typical property manager managed 33 properties in 2009?

Daily Forecast Update: Greece, Europe and U.S.

Mon, 17 May 2010 14:35:15 -0500

If Greece is unable to rollover its debt financing it could lead to slower global economic expansion and hold back job growth.

Did You Know: Ten Reasons People Move

Mon, 17 May 2010 10:35:10 -0500

Do you know the top 10 reasons people move?

Daily Forecast Update: Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:43:13 -0500

Retail sales rose 0.4 percent in April according to today's Commerce Department report.

Did You Know: Home Buyer Behavior and Attitudes

Fri, 14 May 2010 11:04:11 -0400

Did you know that 34 percent of members believe that the primary factor preventing clients from purchasing homes is difficulty obtaining a mortgage?

Did You Know: REALTORS® and Office Staffing

Thu, 13 May 2010 09:52:28 -0500

Did you know the 17 percent of members have a personal assistant?

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications

Wed, 12 May 2010 12:17:34 -0500

Mortgage purchase applications decreased in the week ending May 7, the first week after the homebuyer tax credit expired.

Economist's Podcast: May 2010

Tue, 11 May 2010 13:16:40 -0500

Lawrence Yun discusses his outlook for sales and prices and the impact of credit problems in Greece.

Did You Know: REALTOR® Affiliations, Certifications, Designations

Tue, 11 May 2010 09:32:49 -0500

Did you know that 44 percent of members have a designation and 24 percent have a certification?

Get Insights, Grow Your Business

Fri, 7 May 2010 09:57:08 -0500

Over 100,000 members are getting INSIGHTS into the housing market every month. Are you?

Did You Know: Subprime Mortgage Delinquency and Financial Literacy

Wed, 5 May 2010 09:26:44 -0500

Did you know that subprime borrowers with limited financial literacy are more likely to default on their mortgages?

New Data: March Pending Home Sales

Tue, 4 May 2010 13:38:55 -0500

Pending home sales increased in March, affirming a spring surge in home sales.

Did You Know: House Price Risk

Tue, 4 May 2010 09:55:30 -0500

Did you know that the risk of home prices falling decreased in 42 of the nation's 50 most populated metropolitan statistical areas?

Daily Forecast Update: GDP Increases

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:38:59 -0500

"Increasing GDP should result in increased employment and provide support for home sales."

Daily Forecast Update: Case-Shiller Home Price Index

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:26:06 -0500

The Case-Shiller home price index showed that home prices are stabilizing in many markets.

Did You Know: Commercial Business Revenue

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:25:39 -0500

Did you know that the median gross annual income of commercial members in 2009 was $68,600?

Did You Know: Employment and Unemployment Trends

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:15:17 -0500

Did you know that eight states have recorded their highest rate of unemployment (since 1976) during this current recession?

Did You Know: Commercial Business Activity

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:29:47 -0500

Did you know that the typical commercial member had five transactions in 2009?

Did You Know: About Commercial Members

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:28:04 -0500

Did you know that commercial members have typically been members of NAR for 15 years?

Did You Know: Impact of Recovery Act Programs

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:31:44 -0500

Did you know the U.S. Treasury publishes estimates of the impact of recovery act programs, including information on the homebuyer tax credit?

Daily Forecast Update: International Trade and Import/Export Prices

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:08:23 -0500

The trade deficit increased in February.

Did You Know: Fannie Mae National Housing Survey

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:01:22 -0500

Did you know that nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of survey respondents prefer owning to renting?

Daily Forecast Update: Wholesale Trade

Fri, 9 Apr 2010 12:50:20 -0500

Wholesale trade is gaining ground, with the results from February showing moderate improvement in sales.

Did You Know: Home Buyer "Must-Have" Features

Tue, 6 Apr 2010 10:08:36 -0500

Do you know what features home buyers really look for in a home?

Economist's Commentary: Commercial Real Estate Challenges, Financing

Mon, 5 Apr 2010 13:10:41 -0500

For most commercial Realtors®, the biggest challenge remains the availability of financing to close deals.

Did You Know: U.S. Employment by Foreign Companies

Mon, 5 Apr 2010 09:32:05 -0500

Did you know that affiliates of foreign companies operating in the U.S. employed a lot of U.S. residents?

Did You Know: Homeownership Rates Since 1980

Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:07:17 -0500

Did you know that The homeownership rate peaked in 2004 at 69.4 percent?

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications, ADP Employment Report

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:23:20 -0500

Good News: Mortgage rates are likely to ease following this morning's soft employment report.

Did You Know: Zillow Home Price Estimates

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:06:59 -0500

Did you know that Zillow estimates overvalue property by 10 percent compared to the sale price?

Daily Forecast Update: Consumer Confidence, Case-Shiller Index

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:40:33 -0500

An improvement in consumer confidence indicates a continuation of the weak economic recovery.

Daily Forecast Update: GDP, Corporate Profits, Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:23:39 -0500

Consumer sentiment remains shaky, with consumers worried about their employment situations and incomes.

Did You Know: State Employment Trends

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:32:16 -0500

Did you know Alaska, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C., were the only three states that saw year-over-year increases in employment between January 2009 and January 2010?

Daily Forecast Update: MBA Purchase Applications, Producer Price Index

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:29:39 -0500

Mortgage applications fell last week, with a larger fall in purchase applications than in refinance applications.

Did You Know: Home Purchase Location

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:12:09 -0500

Did you know that there are regional differences in the location (e.g., rural, urban, suburban) of home purchases?

Daily Forecast Update: Housing Market Index, Industrial Production

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:36:31 -0500

The Housing Market Index, which measures home builders' sentiment was down to 15 in March from 17 in February.

Daily Forecast Update: Consumer Sentiment, Retail Sales

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:02:36 -0600

Consumer sentiment is higher than at this time last year, but people continue to be cautious about the future.

Daily Forecast Update: Weekly Mortgage Applications

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:29:20 -0600

Mortgage applications posted a noticeable jump last week--increasing for the second straight week.

Daily Forecast Update: 10-Year Treasury

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:26:48 -0600

The private MBS market appears to be stepping in as the Federal Reserve winds down its MBS purchase program.

Did You Know: Agent Representation and Compensation

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 09:21:35 -0600

Did you know that repeat buyers were more likely than first-time buyers to sign an agent disclosure statement?

Did You Know: Role of Real Estate Professionals

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 11:34:08 -0600

Did you know that eighty-five percent of home sellers sold their home with the assistance of a real estate agent?

Daily Forecast Update: Vehicle Sales

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:24:24 -0600

An increase in sales for two major automakers may mean good things for the housing market.

Did You Know: Foreclosure Rate Trends

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 09:19:45 -0600

Did you know that the states with largest drops in foreclosure starts include California and Nevada?

Housing Units and House Holds

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:08:49 -0600

Did you know that over the last decade, the number of households and housing units increased?

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications, FDIC Quarterly Report

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:08:02 -0600

Both new home sales and mortgage applications tracked downward.

Did You Know: Temporary Staffing Employment

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:05:35 -0600

Did you know that January and February are traditionally slower months for temporary staffing employment?

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications, New Homes, FDIC and First American Reports

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:47:14 -0600

Some less positive news: both new home sales and mortgage applications tracked downward.

Economist's Podcast, February 22, 2010

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:34:12 -0600

Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the latest quarterly state sales and metro median price data release.

Did You Know: Owner Occupancy Rates

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:32:04 -0600

Did you know that 75.0 million housing units were owner-occupied in the fourth quarter of 2009?

Did You Know: Mortgage Loan Type

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:16:15 -0600

Did you know that sixty-four percent of repeat buyers used conventional loans?

Daily Forecast Update: Discount Rate, Consumer Price Index, Real Earnings

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:51:07 -0600

Consumer prices barely rose in January, suggesting there will not be acute pressure for mortgage rates to rise.

Daily Forecast Update: Unemployment Insurance Claims, Producer Price Index

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:50:25 -0600

Consumer prices barely rose in January, suggesting there will not be acute pressure for mortgage rates to rise.

Did You Know: Environmental Efficiency, Commuting Costs

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:49:33 -0600

Did you know that commuting costs were at least "somewhat" important to 78 percent of home buyers?

New: Real Estate INSIGHTS

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:47:42 -0600

The latest issue of Real Estate INSIGHTS is now available. Subscribe now or read it online.

Did You Know: Treasury vs. ARM-FRM Spread

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:53:58 -0600

Did you know that the share of mortgages that are adjustable rate has been dropping significantly?

Home Starts, Mortgage Applications, Industrial Production

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:53:24 -0600

The recovery in home construction will continue to be slow for at least the foreseeable future.

Economists' Commentary: Realtors® Confidence Index

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:51:29 -0600

Current market conditions from the members' perspective: the Realtors® Confidence Index for January 2010.

Daily Forecast Update: Home Builders' Confidence Index

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:14:45 -0600

The Home Builders' Confidence Index rose in February, although it remains low.

Did You Know: Home Ownership Rates

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:35:42 -0500

Did you know that the home ownership rate was 67.2 percent at the end of 2009?

Commentary: First In, Last Out?

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:19:18 -0500

Boston was one of the first markets to witness price declines, will it also be at the forefront of a recovery?

Daily Forecast Update: Retail Sales, Mortgage Rates, Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:18:55 -0500

Good News: Mortgage rates remain low, helping affordability.

Did You Know: Multifamily Vacancies

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:18:34 -0500

Did you know that homeowner vacancy rate hit a record-breaking 2.8 percent in 2008?

New Data: Metro Median Home Prices

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:18:13 -0500

Existing-home sales showed strong gains in most states during the fourth quarter, with many more metro areas seeing prices rise from a year earlier.

Daily Forecast Update: Whole Sale Trade, Job Openings

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:25:45 -0500

Good news: today’s report showed there were slightly more job openings in December than in November.

Did You Know: Home Purchase Method

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 12:10:44 -0500

Did you know that 79 percent of home buyers using the Internet to search still bought their home through an agent?

Daily Forecast Update: Employment Data

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 12:41:10 -0500

There were net payroll job losses in January yet the unemployment rate fell.

Did You Know: Net Household Wealth

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 12:40:51 -0500

Did you know that the median value homeowners' equity was nearly 10 times the median value of stock wealth for stockholders?

Economists' Commentary: Households and Home Ownership Rates in the U.S.

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 16:27:22 -0500

The home ownership rate showed that 67.2 percent of Americans owned their homes at the end of 2009.

Daily Forecast Update: Jobless Claims, Productivity

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 16:26:45 -0500

The number of people out of work and claiming unemployment benefits at the end of January was higher than expected.

Did You Know: Consumer Spending

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 16:26:07 -0500

Did you know that, according to the latest Gallup poll, 48% of Americans say they are feeling better about their financial situation?

Did You Know: Record Foreclosures

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:15:04 -0500

Did you know that almost 3 million homeowners received at least one foreclosure filing during 2009?

Daily Forecast Update: ADP Employment Report, MBA Purchase Applications, etc

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:14:49 -0500

Good News: Job losses slowed significantly in January according to a private sector report.

Economists' Commentary: Jumbos Lumber Back on Track

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:14:15 -0500

The jumbo market is finally breathing a bit easier.

Did You Know: Multifamily Rental Fortunes

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 11:58:53 -0500

Did you know that larger properties anchor the subsidized housing stock?

Economists' Commentary: The Forecast and Pending Home Sales

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 11:58:18 -0500

December pending home sales index rose modestly, after having plunged in November.

Did You Know: Energy Efficiency

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 10:31:44 -0500

Did you know that if homes built before 2000 used as little energy per square foot as those built since, residential consumption would drop by 22.5 percent?

Commentary: Headed in the Right Direction

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 10:31:00 -0500

The latest Local Market Reports are now available. Find out where your market is headed.

Daily Forecast Update: GDP, Consumer Sentiment, Bernanke Confirmation

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:14:16 -0500

Today’s data on the economy have reassured the markets.

Did You Know: Value of Real Estate held by Households

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:12:36 -0500

Did you know that after nine consecutive quarters of decline, the aggregate value of household real estate has increased for the second quarter in a row?

Did You Know: Poverty in Suburbs

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:07:50 -0500

Did you know that, by 2008, suburbs were home to the largest and fastest-growing poor population in the country?

Daily Forecast Update: Unemployment Insurance Claims, Manufacturer's Orders, etc.

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:06:51 -0500

The decline in unemployment insurance claims is welcome news, however, it underscores seasonal volatility in employment trends.

New Data: State-by-State International Business Reports 2009

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:03:58 -0500

Check out theses new reports on international business activity in 2009 by state.

Daily Forecast Update: New Home Sales, Mortgage Applications

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:20:38 -0500

A recent decline in new construction has helped keep additional inventory off the market to the benefit of the existing home sale market.

Did You Know: Unemployment Rate by County

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:45:39 -0500

Did you know that the unemployment rate is 10.0 percent—as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics—but varies considerably by county?

Daily Forecast Update: Case/Shiller Price, FHFA, and Consumer Confidence Indices

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:16:26 -0500

Good news: The Consumer Confidence Index for January showed some modest indications of optimism on the current economic climate.

Did You Know: Short Sales

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:15:35 -0500

Did you know that that 3 percent of sellers reported that their home sale was a short sale, compared with 5 percent in 2008?

Did You Know: FSBO and Agent-Assisted Sales

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:34:50 -0500

Did you know that there was a decrease in for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sales and a corresponding increase in agent-assisted and other sales in 2009?

Daily Forecast Update: Weekly Mortgage Rate Survey

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:36:02 -0500

Good news: mortgage rates have moderated for 2 straight weeks after leaping in early January from record lows.

Did You Know: Older Housing Energy Consumption

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:35:43 -0500

Did you know that the stock of older homes provides a prime market for energy-efficient upgrades?

Economists' Commentary: The Late Slowdown in Salt Lake

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:33:34 -0500

An in-depth look at the local market report for Salt Lake City.

Daily Forecast Update: Weekly Jobless Claims

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:33:11 -0500

Negative news for the weak job market: unemployment claims surprisingly shot up in the past week.

Did You Know: The Remodeling Market

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:32:50 -0500

Did you know that households that relocate spend an average of 20-25 percent more on improvements than otherwise similar households that do not move?

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage applications, Residential Construction, PPI, and FHA Fees

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:06:01 -0500

FHA fee increases may be good protection for taxpayers, but increased fees will keep some buyers from being able to make a purchase.

Economists' Commentary: Statewide Demographic Trends

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:27:04 -0500

Understanding population flows within a state or region can help REALTORS® better understand trends in the housing market.

Did You Know: Equity by Tenure

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:26:33 -0500

Did you know that sellers who owned a home for more than 21 years typically reported a selling price of 203 percent more than the purchase price?

Daily Forecast Update:Shadow Inventory, Tougher FHA Loan Standards, Home Builder Confidence

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:40:05 -0500

HUD is seriously reviewing and preparing to beef up the FHA finances; be prepared for any changes to FHA underwriting criteria.

Did You Know: Distance Moved

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:38:34 -0500

Did you know that, nationally, home buyers moved a median of 12 miles from their previous residence?

Daily Forecast Update: Industrial Production, CPI, Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:04:49 -0500

Good news: Industrial production continued to increase in December.

Did You Know: Foreclosure Roll Rates

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:04:29 -0500

Did you know that one in every 7.5 properties is behind on payments or in foreclosure?

Economists' Commentary: Foot Traffic - Getting a Step Ahead

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:10:34 -0500

NAR Research looks at the strong relationship between the volume of showings and the volume of listings under contract or pending sale.

Did You Know: REO

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:28:27 -0500

Did you know that metro areas in New York and Pennsylvania have the fewest lender-owned properties?

Daily Forecast Update:Mortgage Applications and Home Value Projections

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:13:40 -0500

A majority of economists now say home prices have already bottomed and most REALTORS® agree.

Did You Know: Sources of Downpayment

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:13:12 -0500

Did you know that 54% of buyers who made a down payment relied on their savings, slightly less than in the previous survey?

Economist’s Podcast: January 2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:50:48 -0500

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the key to housing market recovery and sustainability: jobs, jobs, jobs.

Did You Know: Mortgage Application Process

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:09:04 -0500

Did you know that more than 60% of those who financed their homes said that the mortgage application process was no more difficult than expected?

Daily Forecast Update: U.S. Trade Deficit

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:08:41 -0500

International trade is recovering as the global economy steadily expands; although, imports rose much faster than exports.

Daily Forecast Update: Consumer Credit

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:53:03 -0500

The decrease in consumer credit will likely restrain spending in the near term.

Did You Know: Neighborhood Choice

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:52:34 -0500

Did you know that 64 percent of home buyers listed quality of neighborhood as the most important factor influencing their choice?

Economists' Commentary: Back on the Right Track

Fri, 8 Jan 2010 11:41:15 -0500

An in-depth look at the local market report for the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Daily Forecast Update: Employment Data

Fri, 8 Jan 2010 11:40:47 -0500

The job market still struggles despite recent respectable gains in production.

Did You Know: Most Important Factors When Choosing A Real Estate Agent

Fri, 8 Jan 2010 11:40:21 -0500

Did you know that home buyers rate honesty and trustworthiness among the most important factors in choosing an agent?

Daily Forecast Update: Jobless Claims, Fed's OMCM notes, etc

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 14:22:33 -0500

Good News: New jobless claims remain low, a sign of a stabilizing labor markets and improving business expectations.

Did You Know: What Sellers Most Want from Real Estate Agents

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:33:43 -0500

Did you know that to sellers the most important task for a real estate agent is selling the home in a specific time-frame?

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage applications, Employment, ISM-NMI

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 16:18:31 -0500

Mortgage applications waned in late December as mortgage rates ticked up and tax-credit-induced buyers are not yet back in the pipeline.

Did You Know: Distance Moved

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 14:54:30 -0500

Did you know that the distance home sellers move is correlated with their age?

Did You Know: Purchase Transaction

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 14:51:46 -0500

Did you know that in all regions in the country, the purchase transaction tends to involve a professional, either a real estate agent or broker or a builder or builder's agent?

New Data: Pending Home Sales

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 14:53:18 -0500

Pending home sales fell after a surge of activity before the original deadline for the first-time home buyer tax credit, but remain comfortably above a year ago.

Daily Forecast Update: Construction Spending & ISM Manufacturing Index

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 12:10:54 -0500

ISM Manufacturing Index is surprisingly strong and shows evidence of recovery.

Did You Know: Primary Residence and Second Home

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 12:09:34 -0500

Did you know that the median price of second homes was $143,500, compared to $186,000 for primary homes?

Did You Know: Social Networking Websites

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:15:28 -0500

Did you know that thirty-five percent of all Realtors® reported using social or professional networking sites?

Daily Forecast Update: Jobless Claims

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:14:39 -0500

Unemployment claims continue to fall, a positive trend; however, we still have a long road ahead.

Daily Forecast Update: Brokerage Commission & Factory Activity

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:03:02 -0500

Brokerage commission, after taking a tumble for the 4th straight year, will see an increase of 15 percent in 2010.

Did You Know: Satisfaction with Agent

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:37:09 -0500

Did you know that 66 percent of buyers would use their real estate agent again or recommend him/her to a friend?

Daily Forecast Update: Case-Shiller Index, Consumer Confidence

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:27:25 -0500

Increased consumer confidence is a favorable sign of continued recovery from the Great Recession.

Did You Know: Household Income of First-Time and Repeat Buyers

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:29:12 -0500

Did you know that, despite the downturn, incomes didn't change much between 2007 and 2008 among first-time and repeat buyers?

Daily Forecast Update: 10-year Treasury Note

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:28:37 -0500

Mortgage rates have been inching higher, though they still remain favorable.

Did You Know: Size of Home Purchased

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:27:22 -0500

Did you know that the median size of homes purchased was 1,800 square feet. This is down slightly from 1,825 in the previous year’s survey?

Did You Know: Agent Compensation

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:26:36 -0500

Most agents, 81 percent, are paid by the sellers in full, while only a small share of agents, 4 percent, are paid by the buyers.

Daily Forecast Update: New Home Sales, MBA Purchase Applications, Personal Income and Consumer Sentiment

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:17:21 -0500

Despite strong increases in existing home sales reported yesterday by NAR, new home sales continue to be very weak

New Data: Another Gain for Existing-Home Sales

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:16:54 -0500

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.

Did You Know: Tenure in Home

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:16:25 -0500

Did you know that the median estimated tenure in their homes among homeowners is 10 years?

Daily Forecast Update: Snow Storm & Underwriting Standards

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:26:18 -0500

There are indications that banks are now willing to accept lower down payments.

Did You Know: Characteristics of Internet Searchers

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:28:01 -0500

Did you know that home buyers who use the Internet to conduct their searches spend twice as much time looking for a home, and visit three times as many properties?

Daily Forecast Update: 10-year Treasury Note, Foreclosure Moratorium

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:23:01 -0500

Mortgage rates have been inching higher, though they still remain favorable.

Did You Know: The First-Time Buyer

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:06:11 -0500

Did you know that first-time home buyers made up more than 50% of total buyers in October/November 2009?

Local Market Reports Explained

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:57:35 -0500

NAR Economist Ken Fears discusses the local market reports: what data is included and why, and how the reports relate to your market.

Daily Forecast Update: Jobless Claims & Leading Indicators

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:57:01 -0500

The Leading Economic Index continues to show improvement that is in-line with positive growth in the economy for next year.

Did You Know: Wind Energy Facilities and Property Values

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:34:53 -0500

Did you know that proximity to wind energy facilities does not have a significant impact on property values?

Economist's Commentary: Weak Industrial Demand Continues to Drive Up Vacancies

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:15:15 -0500

Weak industrial demand continues to drive up vacancies.

Daily Forecast Update: MBA Purchase Applications & Consumer Price Index

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:14:46 -0500

Mortgage purchase applications remained low last week, even lower than for the same week in 2008.

Did You Know: Market Confidence as Measured by the Realtors® Confidence Index

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:54:57 -0500

Did you know that in recent months Realtor® confidence in the home sales outlook has improved significantly?

Daily Forecast Update: PPI, More Liquidity for Commercial & Jumbo Mortgages, etc

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:21:16 -0500

Interest rates on commercial and jumbo mortgages may begin to inch down.

Did You Know: Owner-Occupied Housing Units

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:45:03 -0500

Did you know that 75.3 million housing units were owner-occupied in the third quarter of 2009?

Did You Know: Household Net Worth

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:43:47 -0500

After seven consecutive quarters of decline, the net worth of households and non-profits increased for the second quarter in a row.

Daily Forecast Update: Census Hiring, Less Maddening Short Sales

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:43:08 -0500

A short-term job boost is on the way, and sales of underwater homes could become less frustrating.

Economist's Commentary: Multi-Family Demand Expected to Soften in Fourth Quarter

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:42:21 -0500

Increased home buying and a fairly steady supply of new apartments this year will contribute to softening in Q4.

Daily Forecast Update: Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:48:59 -0500

Good news: Retail sales in November were up more than had been anticipated.

Did You Know: Foreclosure and Short Sale Home Prices

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:33:00 -0500

Did you know that Realtors® reported that both foreclosures and short sales were selling at prices significantly below the market price?

Economist's Commentary: Retail Demand Improves as Retail Sales Make Modest Gains

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:36:14 -0500

Retail demand improves as retail sales make modest gains.

Daily Forecast Update: Trade Deficit and Unemployment Claims

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:35:45 -0500

Good news: The U.S. trade deficit improved in November to approximately a $33B deficit.

Did You Know: What is the Unemployment Rate?

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:32:04 -0500

Do you know what the unemployment rate actually represents?

Economist's Commentary: Commercial Fundamentals' Increase in New Office Space Drives Vacancy

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 14:52:34 -0500

The main driver of office space demand -- employment --continues to be in negative territory.

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Purchase Applications

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 14:52:07 -0500

Record low mortgage rates and the first-time home buyer tax credit continue to draw demand.

Did You Know: Contingent Closing Costs

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 14:51:38 -0500

Contingent closing cost offers on lower priced homes have not increased home prices in the current market.

Economist's Commentary: Commercial Real Estate Mired in Quicksand despite Signs of Economic Recovery

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 14:42:04 -0500

Commercial real estate mired in quicksand despite signs of economic recovery.

Daily Forecast Update: FHA Solvency

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 14:41:44 -0500

FHA mortgages may become more difficult to get due to possible changes in downpayment requirements, insurance fees, and/or credit scores of borrowers.

Did You Know: Home Value

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 11:31:18 -0500

The characteristics that boost a home’s value the most are size, square footage, age, and the number of bathrooms and bedrooms.

Daily Forecast Update: Consumer Credit

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 11:30:48 -0500

Today’s report highlights a continued contraction in consumer credit.

Research Member Spotlight: Live from San Diego

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 15:32:23 -0500

See how some members we caught up with at the Annual Conference in San Diego are putting NAR research to use in their businesses.

Economists' Commentary: Forecast for 2010

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 15:31:49 -0500

4.4 million Americans look to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit before it expires next year.

Did You Know: Environmental Features

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 15:30:09 -0500

Did you know that commuting costs and environmental efficiency have increasingly factored into home buying decisions due to higher energy costs?

Daily Forecast Update: Employment, Freddie Mac, Construction Spending, etc

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:58:04 -0500

The unemployment rate fell unexpectedly to 10 percent in November.

Economists' Commentary: The Long Road Home

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:57:34 -0500

The latest Local Market Reports are out; this commentary looks in-depth at the Phoenix market.

Did You Know: A Forecasting Technique Focused on Three Numbers

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 12:00:11 -0500

Did you know the three numbers that professional forecasters frequently focus on when analyzing sales trends?

Did You Know: Internet Usage Trends

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 12:02:22 -0500

Did you know that 90% of home buyers use the internet to search for a home?

Did You Know: Purchase Price

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 15:42:49 -0500

Most buyers paid slightly less than the asking price for their homes--the median purchase price being 96 percent of the asking price.

Daily Forecast Update: Pending Home Sales, ISM Index

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 15:42:17 -0500

Good news: consumers are eager to take advantage of the tax credit and historically low mortgage rates.

Realtors®' Confidence Index: What You're Telling Us

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 15:41:36 -0500

Many Realtors® report that, in their pricing expectations, many buyers treat every property as if it were in foreclosure.

Did You Know: Search Process

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:18:25 -0500

The length of the typical home search rose to 12 weeks in 2009, from 10 weeks in 2008.

Daily Forecast Update: Chicago PMI

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:17:38 -0500

Job losses continue in the Midwest, but are lessening in intensity.

Daily Forecast Update: EHS, Case Shiller, and FHFA House Price Index

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:47:42 -0500

For the first time since 2004, the purchase-only index showed better year-over-year appreciation than the all-transaction index.

Did You Know: Price Over Time

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:39:45 -0500

Did you know that the housing price bubble is largely gone at the national level?

Economists' Commentary: Existing Home Sales in October

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:29:50 -0500

Existing home sales increased solidly for the second straight month, and by the largest percentage gain in a decade.

Did You Know: Demographics of Home Buyers

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:22:06 -0500

Did you know that among first-time and repeat buyers there are nearly twice as many single female buyers as single male buyers?

Did You Know: Median Income of Homebuyers Using Mortgage Financing

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:55:26 -0500

Did you know that the median income of home buyers using mortgage financing was $71,600 in 2008?

Daily Forecast Update: Gold Prices, Mortgage Rates

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:55:02 -0500

Low mortgage rates continue to sustain favorable buying opportunities for clients.

Did You Know: Loans to Purchase Vacation and Investment Homes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:49:14 -0500

Did you know that according to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data (HMDA), loans to purchase vacation and investment homes declined 30% in 2008?

Daily Forecast Update: Jobless Claims, Delinquency Data

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:48:55 -0500

The tax credit should continue to help absorb and quickly clear off foreclosed properties.

Commercial Real Estate Forecast Uncertain

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:48:12 -0500

Credit availability is the big unknown that will determine how soon commercial markets recover from the economic downturn.

Did You Know: Median Loan Amount

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:01:20 -0500

Did you know that, with the real estate downturn, the median loan amount decreased 4% in 2008?

Good news: Consumers are willing to spend. The economy is boosted upward for this quarter.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:34:05 -0500

(Nov. 17) According to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data (HMDA), in 2008, only 3% of home buyers used junior lien loans (second mortgages) for home purchases, down from 13% in 2007.

Did You Know: Government Sponsored Enterprises and Mortgage Markets

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:41:05 -0500

Did you know that Government Sponsored Enterprises (Fannie, Freddie, Ginnie, etc.) played increased roles in the mortgage markets in 2008?

Did You Know: VA Loan Usage

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:40:01 -0500

(Nov. 13) Did you know that VA guaranteed loan usage increased nationally from 3% in 2007 to 5% in 2008?

Did You Know: FHA Loan Usage

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:58:39 -0500

Did you know that FHA loan usage increased from 7% in 2007 to 25% in 2008?

Daily Forecast Update: Stocks and Interest Rates

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:54 -0500

U.S. Stocks opened higher today as economic news from China came in better than expected and investors liked the Federal Reserve's announcement of continued low interest rates.

Did You Know: Loan Types Utilized

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:59:25 -0500

Did you know that in 2008 there was a sharp increase in government insured loans and a significant drop in conventional loans?

Daily Forecast Update: State Sales, Quarterly Metro Prices, etc

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:58:28 -0500

Today’s data on home sales is positive in most states.

Did You Know: Number of Mortgage Loan Originations

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:57:06 -0500

Did you know that mortgage originations for home purchases in 2008 dropped by 23% compared to the previous year?

Did You Know: Share of Itemizing Tax Filers Taking the Mortgage Interest Deduction

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 12:55:09 -0500

Did you know that 90.2 percent of itemizing tax filers took the deduction in Alaska compared 22.8 percent of itemizing tax filers in Wyoming?

Daily Forecast Update: 10-Year Treasury, Gas Prices

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 12:54:01 -0500

Good news: the Treasury rate remains near historical lows.

Economist's Podcast: Tax Credit and Market Forecast

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 12:44:52 -0500

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the extended home buyer tax credit, and gives a market update.

Daily Forecast Update: The Tax Credit, Employment

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 14:46:57 -0500

Good news: the home buyer tax credit will be available through the middle of next year and to more potential buyers.

Did You Know: Single Person Households in 2008 vs. 2000

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 14:46:09 -0500

Did you know that, according to recent statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau, living alone is becoming a norm?

Daily Forecast Update: Unemployment Insurance Claims, Employment Productivity

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:45:12 -0500

The decline in unemployment insurance claims provides a bright spot in this week's data.

Did You Know: Number of Taxpayers Taking the Real Estate Tax Deduction

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:44:16 -0500

Did you know that the number of filers claiming a deduction for real estate taxes paid in each state varied from 55,928 in North Dakota to 5,344,121 in California?

Did You Know: Number of Taxpayers Taking the Mortgage Interest Deduction

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:43:07 -0500

Did you know that the number of taxpayers claiming a mortgage interest deduction in each state varied from 50,351 in North Dakota to 5,221,487 in California?

Daily Forecast Update: ADP Employment Survey, Mortgage Purchase Applications, and more

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:42:04 -0500

Mortgage purchase applications slipped for the second straight week despite a moderation in mortgage rates.

Did You Know: Where the High-Income Tax Payers Are Located

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:48:48 -0500

Did you know that the number of tax returns filed with $200,000 or more in adjusted gross income ranges from 6,300 in North Dakota to 691,500 in California?

New Data: September Pending Home Sales

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:51:21 -0500

Pending home sales rose again, marking eight consecutive monthly gains--the longest streak since measurement began in 2001.

Daily Forecast Update: ISM Index, Pending Home Sales

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:45:59 -0500

Home buyers continue to stay in the market and are signing contracts.

Did You Know: Annual Income of REALTORS®, by Firm and Office Size

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:44:56 -0500

Did you know that members who work at smaller firms, those with less than 25 agents and brokers in either the office or the firm typically made below $40,000 in 2008?

Did You Know: Residential Vacancies

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:37:33 -0500

Did you know that national vacancy rates in the third quarter 2009 were 11.1 percent for rental housing and 2.6 percent for homeowner housing?

Daily Forecast Update: Personal Income, Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:36:57 -0500

As expected, the consumer sector was weak in September, with both a drop in spending and no change in income.

Economists' Commentary: Research Spotlight

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:35:16 -0500

This month NAR Research's Member Spotlight features Ohio REALTOR® Carol Murphy.

Daily Forecast Update: GDP and Weekly Jobless Benefit Claims

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:31 -0400

The economy seems to be emerging from the recession. GDP is the broadest measure of economic activity, and the trend is up.

Did You Know: Men's and Women's Earnings

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:59:12 -0400

According to the 2008 American Community Survey, for women, the median earnings were $35,471, or 77.9 percent of men's earnings.

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Applications and New Home Sales

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:58:27 -0400

Mortgage applications for home purchases have been falling the past three weeks in October.

Did You Know: Household Distribution and Housing Costs

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:57:31 -0400

Households in the bottom income quartile are most likely to face affordability problems.

Daily Forecast Update: Consumer Confidence, Case/Shiller Index

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:56:33 -0400

There were many positive indicators in October, most notably the stock markets.

Did You Know: Monthly Mortgage Payments

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:54:51 -0400

Under these assumptions, real monthly payments on a median priced house in 2008 were 20 percent below the 2006 peak.

Did You Know: Cash-Out Refinancing

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:43:08 -0400

Did you know that the collapse of cash-out refinancing has left homeowners with less to spend?

Daily Forecast Update: Weekly Mortgage Rates & Federal Reserve

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:38:52 -0400

Mortgage rates edged higher for the second straight week, but remain at relatively low levels.

New Data: Existing-Home Sales Show Big Rebound

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:35:46 -0400

Existing-home sales bounced back strongly in September with first-time buyers driving much of the activity, marking five gains in six months.

Did You Know: Household Vehicle Travel

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:30:01 -0400

Did you know that center city dwellers used their cars much less than their suburban counterparts?

Economists' Commentary: Existing Home Sales in September

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:28:33 -0400

Sales surged in September.

Did You Know: State Unemployment Rates

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:16:15 -0400

Did you know that Michigan continues to have the highest unemployment rate of any state at 15.3 percent?

Daily Forecast Update: Jobless Claims, FHFA Home Price, Beige Book, Conference Board Indicators

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:15:31 -0400

The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book notes that the real estate sector is one of the few bright spots in the economy.

Did You Know: Median Household Income

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:02:45 -0400

Did you know that the real median household income in the United States fell 1.2% between 2007 and 2008, from $52,673 to $52,029?

Daily Forecast Update: Weekly Mortgage Applications

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:02:07 -0400

Higher mortgage rates and the approaching November 30th deadline for the tax credit seem to impact the market negatively.

Commentary: Retail Properties Struggle with Low Sales, High Distress

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:21:36 -0400

Commercial retail space has been in a decline, following significant contractions in demand.

Did You Know: Refinancing Stats

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:44:11 -0400

Homeowners who refinanced mortgages in the second quarter secured rates that were typically 20% lower than the original rate.

Daily Forecast Update: Housing Starts and PPI Index

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:43:35 -0400

Low inflation allows lenders to loan money at lower rates without much fear of loss in purchasing power.

Economist's Commentary: Industrial Sales Looking for Foothold

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:42:55 -0400

Investors are betting on a resurgence of warehouse space in the wake of low business inventories

Daily Forecast Update: CPI and Jobless Claims

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:45:53 -0400

The Labor Department announces that, for the first time since 1975, social security benefits will not increase based on cost-of-living.

Did You Know: Walkability of Cities

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:49:05 -0400

Did you know that the walkability of cities translates directly into increases in home values?

Economist's Podcast: The Tax Credit and the Economy

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:06:58 -0400

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses reasons for renewing the tax credit and its impact on the economy.

Daily Forecast Update: Retail Sales, Weekly Mortgage Applications

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:05:32 -0400

For stronger and more sustained retail sales, housing has to recover.

Did You Know: Social Security to Pay for Housing

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:04:23 -0400

Did you know that households dependent on lower incomes or solely on social security payments in retirement are more like to spend more than half their income on housing?

Did You Know: Income Gains at Risk

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:02:34 -0400

Did you know that for the first time in decades workers under 55 are on track to end the decade earning less than their predecessors?

Daily Forecast Update: Retail Chain Sales

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:01:53 -0400

Good news! Consumers are opening their wallets at shopping malls.

Economist's Commentary: Office Investments Grow in Third Quarter

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:11:27 -0400

With the number of distressed properties rising and prices falling, there are signs of activity in the office sector.

Did You Know: Housing Construction

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 15:02:33 -0400

Did you know that the downturn in home building is the worst since World War II?

Daily Forecast Update: International Trade

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 15:02:00 -0400

Surprisingly, the trade deficit narrowed in August, for the first time in four months.

Economists' Commentary: Unleashing Pent-Up Housing Demand and Sustainable Economic Recovery

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 15:01:20 -0400

Stabilization of home values is key to sustainable economic recovery; for this to occur, an extension on the home buyer tax credit is critical.

Daily Forecast Update: Unemployment Claims, Consumer Credit

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 09:27:33 -0400

Although unemployment claims are still high, the number of people being added to the rolls continues to decline.

Did You Know: Purchasing Power

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 09:26:56 -0400

Did you know that more than one-third of borrowers took out adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans in 2004?

Did You Know: Property Values by State

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 16:32:32 -0400

Did you know that in 2008 Hawaii recorded the highest median value of owner-occupied homes--$560,200?

Daily Forecast Update: Mortgage Applications

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 16:31:54 -0400

Mortgage rates continue to be near historic lows at less than 5 percent.

Economists' Commentary: Is the Tax Credit Working?

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 16:30:51 -0400

An extension of the current credit through the end of 2010 is expected to yield an additional 350,000 sales.

Daily Forecast Update: 10-Year Treasury and Oil Prices

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 16:30:19 -0400

Good news: the Treasury rate continues to be at historic lows. The low rate bodes well for the cost of borrowing in other financial markets.

Did You Know: Secondary Specialties of Residential Brokerage Specialists

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 15:13:25 -0400

Did you know what the top three secondary specialties among residential specialists are?

Did You Know: Housing Costs

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 15:33:48 -0400

Did you know the average decrease in housing costs for homeowners with mortgages was 0.3 percent between 2007 and 2008?

Daily Forecast Update: ISM Non-Manufacturing Index

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 15:32:45 -0400

Right now, the housing market is being supported by stimulus measures like the tax credit and low mortgage rates.

Commentary: Moving in the Right Direction

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 15:30:02 -0400

New second quarter Metro Price Reports suggest that price stability and even modest growth is emerging.

Daily Forecast Update: Employment

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 15:28:34 -0400

As many key economic indicators are showing improvement, employment is continuing to struggle.

Did You Know: International Commercial Transactions

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 15:27:10 -0400

Did you know that seventy-four percent of all commercial members had no international transactions in 2008?

Did You Know: Work Hours and Time on Commercial Real Estate

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 15:19:32 -0400

Did you know that according to the 2009 Commercial Member Profile, nearly 9 in 10 commercial members work full-time in their career?

Daily Forecast Update: Pending Home Sales, Unemployment Claims

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 15:18:00 -0400

Home buyers are coming to the market to meet the tax credit deadline. Unfortunately, some will not make it because of longer closing processes due to appraisal issues and tighter underwriting standards.

Did You Know: Foreclosures in Low-Income Neighborhoods

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:16:28 -0400

Did you know that while the recession has touched almost all households, minorities have been hit especially hard?

Economists' Commentary: Research's Member Spotlight

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:15:29 -0400

Each month, NAR Research will be spotlighting a member who has gone above and beyond in their use of Research data, surveys, and other products.

Did You Know: Household Budgets

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:14:28 -0400

Did you know that in 2007, nearly three-quarters of severely cost-burdened households had low incomes?

Daily Forecast Update: Case-Shiller Price Index, Consumer Confidence

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:13:55 -0400

Case Shiller data from July are consistent with NAR data showing improvement in house prices in the last few months.

Economist's Commentary: Multi-Family Investments Rise in Second Quarter

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:12:54 -0400

Amid signs of improvement in parts of the economy, commercial real estate continues to face downward pressure.

Daily Forecast Update: Funds for Local Housing Agencies, Global Imbalance

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:12:12 -0400

Federal help to local housing finance agencies will permit more lending. If the borrowers stay well within budget, this will provide permit additional demand support for the housing market.

Did You Know: Commercial Member Property Information Sources

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:10:02 -0400

Did you know that seventy percent of members use LoopNet, a California-based online listing service?

Realtors®' Confidence Index in August

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:09:07 -0400

NAR surveys REALTORS® monthly on market trends and conditions, making the information available in an on-line summary, The Realtors' Confidence Index.

Did You Know: Commercial Member Business Specialties

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:09:51 -0400

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

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:09:19 -0400

We are making progress in emerging from the recession, but the recovery is still somewhat weak.

Economists' Commentary: Existing Home Sales in August

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:24:20 -0400

We are ever so close to reaching that self-propelling housing market recovery.

Did You Know: Commercial Member Income

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:23:42 -0400

Did you know that in 2008 the median gross annual income of commercial members was $99,900?

Did You Know: Commercial Member Experience

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:33:47 -0400

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

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:33:18 -0400

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

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:26:58 -0400

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

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:26:16 -0400

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

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:13:09 -0400

With home values recently showing stabilization signs, gains in housing wealth are likely for 2010 and beyond.

Did You Know: Home Equity Cashed Out

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:11:54 -0400

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

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:58:24 -0400

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"

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:58:23 -0400

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

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:27:05 -0400

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

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:16:47 -0400

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

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:40:03 -0400

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

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:39:05 -0400

In light of rising vacancies in the third quarter, rent growth is expected to decline.

Daily Forecast Update: Retail Sales, Producer Price Index

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:37:31 -0400

The rise in retail sales points to an improvement in consumer confidence.

Did You Know: Energy and Environmental Concerns

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:37:32 -0400

Did you know the residential sector is responsible for about 21 percent of total energy consumption?

Economists' Commentary: Climbing Out of Recession

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:36:13 -0400

The world-wide economic recession is essentially over.

Did You Know: Severely Burdened Households

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:34:38 -0400

Did you know that many severely burdened householders are actually employed, retired or disabled?

Daily Forecast Update: Imports & Exports, Wholesale Prices, Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:33:43 -0400

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

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:32:46 -0400

Did you know that seriously delinquent mortgages are so far concentrated among private label securities?

Daily Forecast Update: Unemployment Claims, Trade Deficit

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:31:14 -0400

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

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 14:26:59 -0400

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

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 14:25:43 -0400

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

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 09:57:06 -0400

Did you know REALTORS® who have a designation make significantly higher salaries?

Did You Know: Percent of Homes Financed

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 15:05:52 -0400

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

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 15:04:46 -0400

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

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 13:31:49 -0400

People continue to struggle unemployment rises, curtailing spending on items large and small.

Did You Know: Foreigner Financing of Purchased Property

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 13:23:59 -0400

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

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 13:19:48 -0400

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

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 13:19:47 -0400

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

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 13:19:46 -0400

The industrial sector underwent further contraction in the second quarter of the year.

Did You Know: Median Price Paid by International Buyers Purchasing

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 13:18:35 -0400

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

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 13:17:23 -0400

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

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 13:16:23 -0400

While the housing market and stock market are showing signs of recovery, unemployment remains high.

Did You Know: Buyer Origin

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 13:15:18 -0400

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

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 13:13:47 -0400

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

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 13:07:40 -0400

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

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:21:30 -0400

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

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:20:29 -0400

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

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:19:12 -0400

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

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:18:12 -0400

People receiving unemployment insurance declined this past week.

Did You Know: Who Worked at Home?

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:16:06 -0400

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

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:16:05 -0400

The releasing of the pent-up demand should help continue to carry the momentum forward.

Did You Know: Home Buyers by Marital Status

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:34:33 -0400

Did you know that married couples who purchased homes typically had a household income of $86,500?

Did You Know: Real House Prices

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:33:05 -0400

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

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:29:33 -0400

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

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:29:32 -0400

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

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:29:32 -0400

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

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:12:38 -0400

Higher unemployment stalls economic growth as consumers are apprehensive about making large purchases.

Did You Know: Home Price-to-Income Ratio

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:42:09 -0400

Did you know that conditions are great for home buyers with a steady job and good financing?

New Economic Data: Commercial Leading Indicator

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:43:22 -0400

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

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:41:11 -0400

Did you know buyers who purchase luxury homes look for longer and at more homes?

Quick Take: MBA Weekly Index

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:40:15 -0400

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

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:38:11 -0400

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

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:36:57 -0400

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

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:36:07 -0400

Overall, low inflationary pressure should mean continuing low mortgage rates, at least through the year's end.

Did You Know: Homeownership by Race

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:31:58 -0400

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?

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:31:58 -0400

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)

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:31:57 -0400

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

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:03:32 -0400

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

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:03:31 -0400

Consumers are still facing challenges of large job losses, weak income growth, falling home prices, and rising energy costs.

Economists' Commentary: Greening Homes

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:26:31 -0400

Energy efficiency in the housing market is of growing interest to REALTORS® and consumers.

Did You Know: Method Used To Find Real Estate Agent

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:51:50 -0400

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

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:51:50 -0400

The recovery in the housing market will lay the foundation for a sustainable economic recovery.

Economists' Commentary: Census Non-employer and NAR Membership Data

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:48:01 -0400

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

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:48:01 -0400

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

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:47:59 -0400

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

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 13:45:38 -0400

Mortgage rates will naturally fluctuate but should remain generally favorable because of an active secondary mortgage market.

Existing Home Sales: Market Remains Bifurcated

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 13:36:49 -0400

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

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 13:36:09 -0400

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

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 13:35:16 -0400

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

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 15:13:17 -0400

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

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 15:12:23 -0400

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

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 15:11:19 -0400

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

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 15:09:40 -0400

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

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 15:09:39 -0400

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

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:01:12 -0400

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

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:00:33 -0400

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

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:59:45 -0400

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

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:58:33 -0400

Did you know that the typical homebuyer moved 15 miles from his or her previous residence?

Quick Take: Case-Shiller Index, Consumer Confidence

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:30:19 -0400

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

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:29:29 -0400

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

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:44:25 -0400

Foreclosures are having a substantial impact in some markets, while unemployment is the primary concern in other locations.

Did You Know: State Fiscal Conditions

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:42:43 -0400

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

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:41:44 -0400

Consumer sentiment remains weak as people across the country are worried about job and income prospects

Did You Know: Homeowner Vacancy Rate

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:39:55 -0400

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

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:38:17 -0400

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

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:36:48 -0400

After four difficult years of a housing recession, the market is clearly healing.

Did You Know: Gross Household Income of REALTORS®

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:35:53 -0400

The median gross household income for members in 2008 was $91,500.

Quick Take: Weekly Mortgage Applications and FHFA Index

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:35:20 -0400

The mortgage applications (for purchase) index is still a trickle compared to just a year ago.

Did You Know: Tenure at Firm

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:33:35 -0400

Did you know that the typical REALTOR® has been at his/her firm for five years?

Quick Take: The Fed's Independence

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:31:10 -0400

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

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:48:08 -0400

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

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:50:24 -0400

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

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:27:26 -0400

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

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:12:59 -0400

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

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:13:00 -0400

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

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:11:44 -0400

The effects of compounding interest can lead a consumer to undersave and underborrow.

Did You Know: Compensation Structure for REALTORS®

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:07:56 -0400

Did you know that the dominant method by which REALTORS® are compensated is by percentage split commission?

Quick Take: CPI, Mortgage Applications, Industrial Production

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:03:44 -0400

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

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:03:45 -0400

Market timing for the cheapest mortgage rate will be tricky.

Did You Know: Buying a Home Through an Agent

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:03:44 -0400

Eighty-one percent of recent home buyers purchased a home through a real estate agent or broker in 2008.

Economists' Commentary: Changing Local Markets

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:56:13 -0400

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

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:56:12 -0400

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

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:56:12 -0400

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

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:58:24 -0400

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

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:57:27 -0400

Did you know that nine percent of REALTORS® were born outside the United States?

Economists' Commentary: The Next Middle Class

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:56:24 -0400

Imagine the prospect of 30 to 50 million more people with disposable income and spending potential.

Did You Know: City Expansion

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 15:05:08 -0400

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

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 15:05:07 -0400

NAR offers a wealth of information to help everyone make sense of the tax credit.

Did You Know: Repeat Business and Referrals

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 14:58:16 -0400

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

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 14:58:16 -0400

The delinquency and foreclosure rates for residential loans continue to register increases.

Did You Know: Size of Home Purchased

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 14:45:16 -0400

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

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 14:45:15 -0400

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

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 14:45:14 -0400

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.

Quick Take: The Job Market

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 12:00:31 -0400

The job market remains weak, but declines are occurring at a slower pace than in previous months.

Did You Know: Interest Rates and Mortgage Pay Off

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 11:59:41 -0400

Did you know that lower mortgage rates enable a borrower to pay off a greater share of the loan much faster?

Economists' Commentary: Going Back to Plain Vanilla Financing

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 11:53:47 -0400

A recent Wall Street Journal article suggests that the new consumer protection agency will bring a return to plain vanilla financial products.

Quick Take: PHS, Employment, Manufacturing, Construction Spending and Mortgage Applications

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:50:27 -0400

NAR’s pending home sales index increased for the fourth consecutive month, a hint that sales may have already reached bottom.

Did You Know: Interest Rates and Yearly Payments

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:48:17 -0400

Did you know that today's mortgage rates, which have been between 5 and 5.5 percent, are generationally low.

Did You Know: FSBO and Agent-Assisted Sales Price

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:44:59 -0400

Did you know that all sellers in the Home Buyer and Seller survey reported a median sales price of $204,900?

Economists' Commentary: Second Quarter Retail Demand Declines

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:43:42 -0400

The retail sector is trying to regain its footing due to the low level of consumer spending.

Economists' Commentary: Office Demand Declines as Unemployment Rises

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:37:59 -0400

Accelerated by the financial crisis of 2008, employment in office-using sectors has been declining.

Did You Know: REALTORS® Staying in the Field

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:37:58 -0400

Did you know that 73 percent of REALTORS® reported they were very certain they would stay active in the field?

Quick Take: Personal Income/Consumption, Consumer Sentiment

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:37:57 -0400

This marks the fourth consecutive monthly increase in consumer sentiment.

Today's Quick Take

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:17:02 -0500

Today’s increase in jobless claims was unexpected as the pace in claims has been slowing.

Did You Know: High End Homes by State

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:13:50 -0500

Did you know Connecticut had the highest percentage of homes valued at over a million dollars?

Distressed Property: Below Market Prices in a Bifurcated Market

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:13:09 -0500

The existing home sales market is currently bifurcated between distressed and non-distressed sales.

Quick Take: Purchase Applications, Durable Goods Orders, New Home Sales

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:59:34 -0500

Overall, today’s economic news shows positive signs yet also indicates that the recovery will be slow.

Did You Know: Homebuyers and Social Media

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:58:19 -0500

Did you know half of recent buyers are on social networking sites?

Economists' Commentary: State Fiscal Conditions and Property Taxes: 2009

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:56:35 -0500

States and local governments spend and raise money in a variety of ways. Understanding how your state raises revenue will help you understand how it might be affected by the down turn.

Did You Know: Long Term Investment by Gender

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:49:39 -0400

Do you know how investors' views of long-term investment vary by gender?

New Economic Data: May Existing-Home Sales

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:49:39 -0400

Existing-home sales showed another gain in May, benefiting from favorable affordability conditions and a first-time buyer tax credit.

Quick Take: Credit Crunch Easing?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:39:25 -0400

The credit market should not be considered back-to-normal until credit returns to all real estate loans.

Did You Know: Long Term Investment Trends

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:39:24 -0400

How do perceptions of stocks, bonds, savings and real-estate vary in terms of long-tern investment?

Did You Know: Different Residential Property Tax Rates

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:38:02 -0400

Property taxes are an important component of state and local government funding.

Quick Take: Appraisal Nightmare

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:34:55 -0400

The bottom line is that consumers today often pay more to order appraisals.

Economists' Commentary: Industrial Vacancy Rate Rises in Second Quarter

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:34:54 -0400

The industrial sector is facing mounting economic pressure, compounding a general decline in demand.

Did You Know: REALTOR® Business Expenses are Declining

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:32:29 -0400

The average total real estate business expenses are declining for all REALTORS®.

Quick Take: Weekly Unemployment Claims and Conference Board's Leading Indicator

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:29:40 -0400

Economic recovery may occur this year according to today’s data.

Economists' Commentary: The Realtors®' Confidence Index: Insight on Market Trends

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:29:39 -0400

The appraisal process has become a major problem, according to many respondents.

Did You Know: Age of First-Time Homebuyers

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:22:24 -0400

Did you know that home affordability is opening the market to younger buyers?

Quick Take: Housing Starts, Producer Prices, Industrial Productivity

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:23:39 -0400

Declines in the producer price index and the capacity utilization rate suggest that deflation, and not inflation, is the immediate threat to the economy.

Did You Know: Member Demographics

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:22:21 -0400

Did you know that as the housing market has changed so have NAR member demographics?

Quick Take: Housing Market Index

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:31:06 -0400

Mortgage rates have risen sharply the past few weeks, going from around 4.8 percent to almost 5.6 percent.

Did You Know: Different Residential Assessment Standard

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:30:24 -0400

Did you know that property taxes are an important component of state and local government funding?

Economists' Commentary: Is the Stimulus Bill Too Small?

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:29:25 -0400

The application of Okun’s law suggests that the current spending bill is having less of an impact than is desirable.

Did You Know: Home Improvement Projects

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:03:27 -0400

Did you know that the typical buyer spent $4,350 on home improvement projects within the first three months of their home purchase?

Quick Take: Mortgage Rates and Expanding Home Buyer Tax Incentives

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:38:11 -0400

It is vital for the Fed to not to lose sight of the importance of housing recovery.

Economists' Commentary: FHA Mortgages vs. Subprime Mortgages

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:34:48 -0400

Both FHA and subprime mortgages have rising incidences delinquencies, but there is a significant difference in the foreclosures rates between the two.

Quick Take: Retail Sales, Jobless Claims

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:57:51 -0400

Today’s news on better-than-expected jobless claims and growth in retail sales pushed stocks higher this morning.

Did You Know: Home Types Purchased

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:57:24 -0400

Did you know that eighty-two percent of home buyers reported purchasing a detached single-family home?

Economists' Commentary: June Market Forecast

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:22:02 -0400

Lawrence Yun gives insight on what we can expect from the economy in June and for the rest of 2009.

Did You Know: Location of Home Purchase

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:23:20 -0400

Did you know that the majority of buyers purchase homes located in suburban areas?

Quick Take: Trade Deficit, Mortgage Applications

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:24:03 -0400

The U.S. economy is currently in recession, and the export outlook does not appear to provide the stimulus it needs.

Quick Take: Wholesale Trade

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 15:24:56 -0400

Wholesale trade continues on a downward trend.

Did You Know: Most Desired Home Features

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 15:24:20 -0400

Did you know that the most desired home feature is central air conditioning?

Quick Take: Rising Mortgage Rates, Future Federal Reserve Chairman

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 15:01:53 -0400

Mortgage rates are almost certain to be higher this time next year, but the path is never a smooth line.

Did You Know: Commercial Real Estate Market Survey

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 14:49:20 -0400

Did you know that in April, 43.79 percent of Commercial Realtors® reported financing as their market’s greatest challenge?

Quick Take: Employment Report

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 15:26:42 -0400

The pace of job losses was nearly cut in half in May in comparison to the prior six months of job losses.

Did You Know: REALTORS® and Websites

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 15:26:41 -0400

Did you know that 60% of all REALTORS® reported having a Web site?

Did You Know: Magnet v. Sticky States

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 11:04:39 -0400

Did you know that Nevada is the top "magnet" state, while Texas is the top "sticky" state?