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REALTORS® Confidence Index

April Highlights:

The RCI April survey points to a real estate market that is headed for stronger gains in the coming months. The REALTORS® Confidence Index-Current Conditions, the RCI-Six-Month Outlook, and the Buyer Traffic Index all rose strongly in April. Respondents generally reported rising prices and shorter days on the market. However, inventory shortages and tight credit conditions remained as major threats to the broader and sustained recovery of the real estate market.

April Existing-Home Sales Up but Constrained

WASHINGTON (May 22, 2013) – Existing-home sales rose in April but remain below underlying demand because of limited inventory and tight credit, according to the National Association of Realtors ^®. All regions are showing strong price gains from a year ago.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-... Read More

2013 NAR Member Profile Report Infographic

Based on a random sampling of NAR’s membership, the Member Profile strives to answer the question: Who are REALTORS®? It looks at a variety of economic and demographic characteristics, and business practices.

Read the report highlights.

Opportunities Abound in Housing Market but Challenges Remain

WASHINGTON (May 17, 2013) – The shape of homeownership and housing markets has changed dramatically over time and will continue to change in the face of new housing opportunities and challenges. That’s according to panelists at the “Challenges and Opportunities in Housing and Homeownership” session today during the Realtors® 2013 Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo here.

During the session, academics from DePaul University, George Mason University, University of North Carolina and the University of Maryland presented various research and data... Read More

Realtor® Confidence in Commercial Market Growing

Realtors® who specialize in commercial real estate expressed optimism and confidence in the market during a forum at the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Despite a slow turning economy, commercial practitioners believe the market is not only better off than it was a year ago, but also will continue to improve.

National Association of Realtors® chief economist Lawrence Yun joined several Realtor® commercial practitioners on a panel to... Read More

Forecast for Housing and the Economy Solidifying, Future Tax Treatment Important

Growth in home sales and prices is contributing to a broader improvement in the overall economy, aided in part by current homeownership tax treatment, according to presentations at a residential real estate forum during the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said a multiyear housing recovery is likely. “Steady job creation and household formation have been helping to unleash a pent-up demand in the housing market... Read More

Member Profile

Read the news release about the 2013 Member Profile Survey report.

In 2012, many areas of the country started to see both home sales and prices rebounding. Unlike in past years, however, those markets still struggling saw not a shortage of buyers but a shortage of sellers. Inventory dropped from months of supply to just a few weeks in many markets. Survey data from the Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey show that investment buyers remained high, but many primary home... Read More

NAR Member Survey Shows Realtor® Business and Income Continue to Improve

WASHINGTON (May 13, 2013) – The business activity and income of Realtors^® are up for the second year in a row following nine years of decline, according to the 2013 National Association of Realtors^® Member Profile.

The study’s results are representative of the nation’s Realtors^®; Realtors^® are members of NAR and account for about half of the approximately 2 million active real estate licensees in the U.S.* Many non-member licensees are inactive or part time.... Read More

Quiz: REALTOR®, Know Thyself

Read the 2013 Member Profile report for more information about:

Business characteristics of REALTORS®
Business activity of REALTORS®
Income and expenses of REALTORS®
Office and Firm Affiliation of REALTORS®
Demographic characteristics of REALTORS®

2012 REALTOR® Technology Survey

The purpose of this survey report is to provide a broad picture of REALTORS®' technology characteristics and needs. Key topics covered are:

Respondent Profile
Technology in General
Broker-Provided Technology
MLS-Provided Technology
Mobile Use in Business
Technology and REALTOR® Associations
Social Media & Networking
Lead Generation & Listings
Real Estate Websites

Metro Area Home Price Growth Trend Continues in First Quarter

WASHINGTON (May 9, 2013) – Metropolitan area median home prices continued to rise in the first quarter, with the national gain showing the best year-over-year performance in over seven years, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors^®. A companion breakout of income requirements to purchase a median-priced home on a metro basis shows the typical buyer earns roughly double the income needed to buy a home in his or her area.... Read More

Infographic: Figuring Out First-Time Buyers

Real estate Web site Doorsteps has released an infographic that shows demographic and financial data on first-time home buyers, which includes data from the National Association of REALTORS®' 2012 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

March Pending Home Sales Improve but Overall Pace Leveling

WASHINGTON (April 29, 2013) - Pending home sales increased in March and remain above year-ago levels, but contract activity in recent months shows only modest movement, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,^* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 1.5 percent to 105.7 in March from a downwardly revised 104.1 in February, and is 7.0 percent above March 2012 when it was 98.8. Pending sales have been above year-ago levels for the... Read More

Tight Housing Supplies Plague Spring Market

Home sales are mostly "stuck" this spring, due to the limited number of homes available to buy, says NAR's chief economist.

Member Profile: Value of Personal Assistants

Eighteen percent of REALTOR® members have at least one personal assistant working for them. It is most common among managers and broker-owners to have a personal assistant.

What Do Home Buyers Value Most When Looking for a Home Online?

Enough buyers begin their searches on a digital device these days that the information you present online about yourself and the properties you represent will be the first impression you make on potential clients.

Which Home Features Are Buyers Looking For?

Although desired home features vary somewhat according to region, type of home, and buyer demographic, there are certain features that are consistently attractive to today’s buyers. Interestingly, though, the importance of those features to searchers is very different depending on whether the home is new or... Read More

Developers Tweak Designs to Lure Foreign Buyers

Foreign buyers are flocking to the U.S. to snag luxury second-homes, and developers are increasingly looking to cater to the global buyer through the design of their properties.

Happy Earth Day: Information from the Profile of Buyers' Home Feature Preferences

Find out how buyers feel about wooded lots and water views as reported by the Profile of Buyers' Home Feature Preferences.

March Existing-Home Sales Slip Due to Limited Inventory, Prices Maintain Uptrend

WASHINGTON (April 22, 2013) - Existing-home sales eased in March from inventory constraints, which continued to pressure home prices, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, declined 0.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.92 million in March from a downwardly revised... Read More

Local Market Assessment Case Studies

Foreign investment in U.S. real estate is occurring in commercial and residential sectors, in every state, in markets of all sizes - and the perennial increase in these activities tells us it's not just a trend. The key to finding global business, even in unexpected areas, begins with adopting a global mindset.

In 2010, we set out to learn what global business activities were taking place in three "unlikely" markets - Colorado, Alabama, and Kentucky. The case study for those states reveals significant international investment. You don't have to live in these states... Read More

2013 REALTOR® Nationwide Open House

The 2013 REALTOR® Nationwide Open House, the largest-ever international open house campaign, will be held on April 20 and 21. These statistics about open houses are from NAR's 2012 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Where are Global Buyers Searching in the United States?

Realtor.com® recently released data regarding the top countries (outside the U.S.) where consumers are the most engaged on Realtor.com® & Realtor.com® International. The data highlights the markets within the U.S. that are most popular amongst these global consumers throughout March 2013.

• Canada: Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Detroit, Naples
• U.K.: Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, Houston, Las Vegas
• Germany: San Antonio, Los Angeles, Cape Coral, Miami, Las Vegas
• Australia: New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Houston,... Read More

Residential Purchases by Foreign Buyer

According to the Profile of International Home Buying Activity, there are foreign buyers in most areas of the country. However, there are regional patterns connecting some countries with specific states in the U.S.

Quiz: Who Comes to Open Houses?

More About Open Houses

Read NAR's Field Guide to Open Houses for tips for successful open houses
Find out more about Realtor® Nationwide Open House, April 20-21, 2013
For AEs: Get the information and resources you need to promote Realtor® Nationwide Open House

The information in this quiz comes from the... Read More

2012 Vacation Home Sales Up, Investment Dips but Stays Elevated, Prices Rise

WASHINGTON (April 2, 2013) – Vacation home sales improved in 2012, while investment purchases remained elevated for a second consecutive year, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

NAR’s 2013 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey,* covering existing- and new-home transactions in 2012, shows vacation-home sales rose 10.1 percent to 553,000 from 502,000 in 2011. Investment-home sales declined 2.1 percent to 1.21 million from 1.23 million in 2011, but those... Read More

Big Predictions for Housing for Next 2 Years

Home sales are projected to post some notable gains this year and next, according to Fannie Mae's latest economic outlook.

Home Features Twitter Chat Recap

The information for this chat was taken from our recent 2013 Home Features Survey and echoes many of the experiences real estate professionals are having in their own markets. There were too many responses to include them all, but the recap of the major highlights is below.

Report: Hispanics to Shape Future Housing Demand

Hispanics leads the surge in U.S. home ownership and also make up the fastest-growing group of first-time home buyers, according to a new report.

Even in Bad Times, Real Estate's Impact is Big

Even when economic times are tough, real estate activity has a positive impact on state economies. Economic contributions are derived from home construction, real estate brokerage, mortgage lending, title insurance, home appraisal, moving services, remodeling, and other related industries.

Twitter Chat on the Home Features Report

Join NAR economist Jessica Lautz at 2 p.m. EST on March 28, 2013 for a Twitter chat on buyer home feature preferences. Use #HomeFeatures13 to participate.

Pending Home Sales Slip on Constrained Inventory

WASHINGTON (March 27, 2013) - February pending home sales flattened with limited buyer choices, but remained at the second highest level in nearly three years, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,^* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, slipped 0.4 percent to 104.8 in February from a downwardly revised 105.2 in January, but is 8.4 percent higher than February 2012 when it was 96.6. Contract activity has been above year-ago levels... Read More

State-by-State Economic Impact of Real Estate Activity

How is the housing market in your state affecting the local economy? These reports outline the total economic impact of real estate related industries on the state economy, as well as the expenditures that result from a single home sale, including aspects like home construction costs, real estate brokerage, mortgage lending and title insurance. Find out how much the real estate industry is affecting the gross state product for your area.

Read the Economists'... Read More

Home Values Performed 42 Percent Better When Located Near Public Transportation During Last Recession

WASHINGTON (March 21, 2013) - Location, location, location near public transportation may be the new real-estate mantra according to a new study released today by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the National Association of Realtors^® (NAR). Data in the study reveals that during the last recession, residential property values performed 42 percent better on average if they were located near public transportation with high-frequency service.

“When homes are located near public transportation, it is the equivalent of creating housing... Read More

Freddie Has High Expectations for Spring Market

"With the spring home-buying season upon us, the recent highs in the stock market are a welcome signal of better times ahead," says Freddie Mac's chief economist.

Existing-Home Sales and Prices Continue to Rise in February

WASHINGTON (March 21, 2013) - February existing-home sales and prices affirm a healthy recovery is underway in the housing sector, according to the National Association of Realtors^®. Sales have been above year-ago levels for 20 consecutive months, while prices show 12 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes,... Read More

The Market Pulse Survey Retrospect: Part 3

The Market Pulse Survey was created to measure changes in consumers' views towards home buying and home ownership during a period of dramatic change. This Economists' Outlook blog post takes stock of trends in the survey over the last nine years.

The Market Pulse Survey Retrospect: Part 2

After Central Air, Buyers Want Walk-In Closets

That's just one of the important findings in the 2013 Profile of Buyers' Home Feature Preferences, released today by NAR.

Home Feature Preferences

Study Objectives

Purchasing a home is an important life decision, and many factors can influence the home choices buyers make.

The National Association of Realtors® 2013 Profile of Buyers' Home Feature Preferences examines the features buyers prefer when it comes to purchasing a home, as well as the differences in preferences when it comes to factors such as region, demographics and household composition. The survey captures buyers who purchased a home between 2010 and 2012.

Read the... Read More

Buyers Value Storage Space, In-Law Suites, NAR Survey Finds

Purchasing a home is an important life decision, and many factors can influence the home choices buyers make.

The National Association of Realtors® 2013 Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preferences examines the features buyers prefer when it comes to purchasing a home, as well as the differences in preferences when it comes to factors such as region, demographics and household composition. The survey captures buyers who purchased a home between 2010 and 2012.

“Deciding where to live comes with a lot of options, but... Read More

Seller's Market Emerges This Spring: Are You Ready?

"Buyer traffic is 40 percent above a year ago, so there is plenty of demand but insufficient inventory to improve sales more strongly," says NAR's chief economist.

Home Price Changes for Fourth Quarter 2012

Home prices rose in most U.S. markets, some quite sharply. This blog post explains the reasons behind the price gains.

The Market Pulse Survey in Retrospect

Construction Job Gains a Sign of Positive Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its February Employment Report, and the numbers are promising for the housing market.

International Buyers: A Significant Part of Real Estate Sales

NAR has estimated residential sales to foreign buyers at $ 82.5Billion for the 12 months ended March 2012, approximately 8.8 percent of the total residential market by dollar volume.

Map of Existing-Home Sales Regions

Northeast

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

Midwest

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin

South

Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia

West

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,... Read More

January Pending Home Sales Up in All Regions

WASHINGTON (February 27, 2013) - Pending home sales rose in January, and have been above year-ago levels for the past 21 months, according to the National Association of Realtors®. There were healthy monthly gains in all regions but the West, which is constrained by limited inventory but was slightly improved.

The Pending Home Sales Index,^* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, increased 4.5 percent to 105.9 in January from a downwardly revised 101.3 in December and is 9.5 percent... Read More

Economy Advances 2.2 Percent in 2012

Gross domestic product grew at 2.2 percent for the whole year, with a 0.1 percent decline in the fourth quarter, due to large federal defense spending cuts and a negative change in private business inventories.

Just How Big is the FHA?

The FHA's significance varies based on which benchmark you are measuring it next to; the total sales market, the purchase mortgage market, or the mortgage insurance market. By all those measures, however, the FHA's role is on the decline.

Commercial Real Estate Sectors Steadily Improve

WASHINGTON (February 25, 2013) - Major commercial real estate sectors continue to improve, albeit slowly, with gradual economic improvement and job creation driving absorption of space, according to the National Association of Realtors^® quarterly commercial real estate forecast.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said rental housing demand has been exceptionally strong. "Rent increases have been higher in multifamily housing where supply is not matching... Read More

Top 10 Remodeling Projects That Offer the Biggest Returns

The top 10 projects from the 2013 Cost vs. Value report highlight the remodeling jobs that will give home owners the highest returns at resale.

January Existing-Home Sales Hold with Steady Price Gains, Seller’s Market Developing

WASHINGTON (February 21, 2013) - Existing-home sales edged up in January, while a seller's market is developing and home prices continue to rise steadily above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors^®. Sales rose in every region but the West, which is the region most constrained by limited inventory.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed... Read More

REALTORS®' Commercial Markets Gain Steam in Fourth Quarter 2012

Commercial REALTOR® markets posted accelerating growth in sales and leasing activity during the fourth quarter of 2012, according to the January Commercial Real Estate Market Survey.

New Home Search on Mobile Devices

With the increased use of mobile devices for internet searches of all kinds, including real estate, it makes sense for REALTORS® to market to home shoppers online.

Mortgage Finance and the New QM Rule

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has released a much anticipated rule about Qualified Mortgage (QM) that finally gets the ball rolling on mortgage finance reform. Learn about the rule and how it will effect today's real estate market.

Commercial Real Estate Market Survey

The REALTORS® Commercial Real Estate Market Survey measures quarterly activity in the commercial real estate markets. The survey collects data from commercial REALTORS®. The survey is designed to provide an overview of market performance, sales and rental transactions, along with current economic challenges and future expectations.

2012 Q4 Survey Highlights

REALTOR® commercial markets recorded improved sales conditions, with stabilization of fundamentals.
Sixty-eight percent of commercial REALTORS® closed a sales transaction during... Read More

Recession Over, How are Home Buyers Faring?

Habitat for Humanity released its 2013 Shelter Report earlier this week and as part of its release it joined NAR and the REALTOR® University Research Center to host a discussion on how moderate-income households are faring in the housing market now that the recession is behind us.

NAR Research: Home Search Twitter Chat Recap

Read a recap of NAR's Twitter chat on the home search process for recent buyers.

Fourth Quarter Metro Area Home Prices Show Strongest Performance in Seven Years

WASHINGTON (February 11, 2013) - A growing number of metropolitan areas had higher median home prices in the fourth quarter, with the national price showing the strongest year-over-year increase in seven years, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors ^®. A companion report shows record high housing affordability conditions for metro areas in 2012.

The... Read More

Expectation and Market Realities in Real Estate 2013

Commercial real estate investors appear to be ready to put the past behind them and adjust to the current economic realities in order to maximize their investments.

This report gives commercial investors the information they need to make forward-looking changes to the way they approach today's market, focusing on:

Economic outlook
Capital markets
Highlights and expectations for the five major property sector markets
- office
- industrial
- retail
- apartment
- ... Read More

Commercial Real Estate Investors Eager to "Turn the Page," According to New Outlook Report

CHICAGO - Frustrated by continued uncertainty, a sluggish recovery, and a challenging investment environment, investors generally appear eager to put the past behind them and adjust to the new normal, as outlined in Expectations & Market Realities in Real Estate 2013—Turn the Page, a new annual report published jointly by Real Estate Research Corporation (RERC), Deloitte, and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). According to the report, investors appear to realize that this environment will... Read More

Are Home Prices Rising Too Fast?

Every home owner wants to see prices rise, but when prices rise too fast, there may be reason for concern.

Supply Constraints in West Slow Contract Signings

NAR's forward-looking pending home sales index slipped 4.4 percent in December, signaling a loss of momentum in contract signings, but the easing seems to be more about inventory shortages than weak demand, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says.

New-Home Prices Pick Up Strength

Sales of new single-family homes posted the first annual gain in seven years as median prices continued to rise, the Commerce Department reports.

Pending Home Sales Down in December but Remain on Uptrend

WASHINGTON (January 28, 2013) - Pending home sales declined in December but have stayed above year-ago levels for 20 consecutive months, according to the National Association of Realtors ^®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,^* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, fell 4.3 percent to 101.7 in December from 106.3 in November but is 6.9 percent higher than December 2011 when it was 95.1. The data reflect... Read More

Video Increasingly Important in the Home Search

The importance of video in the home search process is growing. Buyers watch videos to help them with many parts of their search, such as viewing house tours, finding out about the surrounding community, and learning general information about buying and selling real estate.

Confidence Index Up For All Property Types

At the end of 2012, REALTORS® generally reported brisker sales, rising home prices, and shorted days on the market, with the confidence index increasing across all property types.

The Future of 55+ Housing

The numbers are looking up for the 55-plus housing market. But there's a question of how long these numbers will be available, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Existing-Home Sales Slip in December, Prices Continue to Rise; 2012 Totals Up

WASHINGTON (January 22, 2013) - Existing-home sales eased in December but are well above a year ago, while limited inventory maintained the upward momentum in home prices, according to the National Association of Realtors^®. Total sales in 2012 were the highest in five years, while the annual price rose the most since 2005.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes,... Read More

Profile of International Home Buying in Miami

In October 2011, NAR Research conducted a survey for the Miami Association of REALTORS®. They received 726 responses to questions that focused on REALTORS®' experiences during past 12 months. The analysis indicates that international sales are an important niche, yet growing, market; are based mostly on referrals; and result in transactions significantly above current median prices.

Profile of International Home Buyers in Florida

To assess the significance of foreign home buyers in Florida, the National Association of REALTORS®, in cooperation with the Florida REALTORS®, conducted a survey of Florida REALTORS®, asking the membership about their experiences in working with non-resident international clients. The survey was similar to last year's survey as reported in the Profile of International Home Buyers in Florida, 2011. This year's survey was conducted in July 2012, requesting information on REALTOR® experience with international buyers over the previous 12 months. Accordingly, the... Read More

Digital House Hunt

Study Objective

To better understand the evolving role of digital media in the consumer home search process.

Google and NAR have collaborated to uncover trends and insights around digital media usage among home shoppers, whether they were looking for an existing home, a newly constructed home, or an apartment. Together, Google and NAR's individual research results tell a cohesive story about today's uber-connected home shopper.

Report Highlights

- 90 percent of home buyers searched online during their home buying process
- Real estate... Read More

Census: Americans Are Moving More

The activity is "one of the many indicators showing that the worst of the recession is probably over and we're starting to inch back," says a demographer on the increase in moves between counties.

Housing Affordability Index to Set Annual Record for 2012

WASHINGTON (January 9, 2013) - With 11 months of data reported, 2012 will clearly go down as a record year for favorable housing affordability conditions, and a great year for buyers who could get a mortgage, according to the National Association of Realtors ^®.

NAR's national Housing Affordability Index stood at 198.2 in November, based on the relationship between median home price, median family income and average mortgage... Read More

U.S. Census, HUD Release American Housing Survey

The U.S. Census Bureau and HUD recently released their biennual comprehensive national housing survey, which provides data on housing inventories, demographics, home improvements, mortgages, and more.

Luxury Home Sales Soared Before End of Year

Wealthy home owners who were trying to beat the fiscal cliff helped send luxury home sales soaring at the end of 2012.

Joint NAR/Google Study Shows More People Use Internet to Research Homes for Sale

WASHINGTON (January 7, 2013) – Real estate-related searches on Google.com have grown 253 percent over the past four years, according to a joint study from the National Association of Realtors^® and Google.

“These results parallel the trends shown in NAR’s economic research reports,” said NAR President Gary Thomas, broker-owner of Evergreen Realty in Villa Park, Calif. “As home sales and prices continue to trend up, more people are regaining... Read More

Home Price Gains Are Expected in All States in the Next 12 Months

Based on responses to the November 2012 REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey, all states are expected to see home price increases in the next 12 months.

November Pending Home Sales Rise Again

WASHINGTON (December 28, 2012) - Pending home sales increased in November for the third straight month and reached the highest level in two-and-a-half years, according to the National Association of Realtors ^®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,^* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 1.7 percent to 106.4 in November from a downwardly revised 104.6 in October and is 9.8 percent above November 2011 when it... Read More

Home Prices Rose in October

U.S. home prices in October were up 4.3 percent from a year ago, according to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index.

NAR Weighs Measure for Buyer Foot Traffic

NAR is working on developing a national index to measure the number of visits to houses for sale from prospective buyers.

Fannie: Housing Market Staying Resilient

Uncertainties over the looming fiscal cliff are restraining consumer and business confidence, but the housing market is staying resilient, Fannie Mae researchers report.

November Existing-Home Sales, Prices Continue Rise

Existing-home sales and home prices continued to rise in November, producing the ninth consecutive monthly year-over-year price gain. Low inventory is responsible for the rising prices.

November Existing-Home Sales and Prices Maintain Uptrend

WASHINGTON (December 20, 2012) - Existing-home sales continued to improve in November with low inventory supply pressuring home prices, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 5.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.04 million in November from a downwardly... Read More

13 Reasons to Look Forward to 2013

When we look back on 2012 a long time from now, it may be viewed as the first year of the recovery, the year in which real estate reversed its course and moved in a more positive direction.

Neighborhood Quality Most Important to Buyers

For the past several years, the top factor influencing where a buyer purchased a home has been the quality of the neighborhood.

Fiscal Cliff: What's at Stake for Real Estate

If Congress doesn't act, foreclosures will rise, home values will drop, and the FHA could get hit with another set of bad loans.

Inventories of Homes Available for Sale Continue to be Tight

REALTORS® reported that the inventory of homes for sale remains very tight, resulting in multi-bidding in some cases.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun Discusses Future of Housing Market

Listen in as Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist, discusses recent trends in the housing market during a Conference Live interview. Hear what the future of the real estate business looks like given the presidential election results, how banks are responding to short sale offers on a more timely basis, and more.

Pending Home Sales Rise in October

WASHINGTON (November 29, 2012) - Pending home sales rose strongly in October with mixed regional results, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,^* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, increased 5.2 percent to 104.8 in October from an upwardly revised 99.6 in September and is 13.2 percent above October 2011 when it was 92.6. The data reflect contracts but not closings.

Lawrence Yun , NAR... Read More

NAR: Job Creation Forecast to Lift Commercial

With multifamily housing back on its feet, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said the more hopeful tone in Washington may pave the way for a full commercial recovery.

Commercial Real Estate Vacancies Slowly Declining, Rents Rising

WASHINGTON (November 26, 2012) - Most of the major commercial real estate sectors show gradually improving fundamentals and are easily absorbing the relatively small amount of new space that is coming online, with a full recovery already in the multifamily market, according to the National Association of Realtors^® quarterly commercial real estate forecast.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said the market has been slowly building momentum. "Job creation... Read More

Housing Starts Soar

The large increase in housing starts to 894,000 indicates progress towards stable overall vacancy rates, but further increase is needed, to 1.3 million, to reach that stability.

Home Owners Add $760B in New Home Equity

Sales are being driven by strengthening fundamentals—the improving jobs picture, rising rental rates, continuing low interest rates and housing affordability—and prices are gaining on reduced supply.

Infographic: Home Buyers and Sellers in 2012

More than they have in the past decade, two-income married couples are fueling today's home buying and selling market, and they are turning to REALTORS® to help them.

Get more data about today's buyers and sellers, including statistics about age, income, household composition of buyers and sellers, and valuable information about the sort of help they want from you in the buying and selling process--read the highlights from NAR's 2012 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, and... Read More

Existing-Home Sales Rise in October with Ongoing Price and Equity Gains

WASHINGTON (November 19, 2012) - Sales of existing homes increased in October, even with some regional impact from Hurricane Sandy, while home prices continued to rise due to lower levels of inventory supply, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-... Read More

Established Households Dominate Market

NAR's 2012 Home Buyer and Home Seller Survey shows a strengthening in the older, married, higher-income, move-up buyer market. Read more to find out why.

Down Payments at Lowest Level Since 2009

The median down payment provided by home buyers dropped this year to its lowest level since 2009.

Real Estate Research: Local, National Trends

National trends don't always show up at the local level, researchers warn practitioners.

An Uneven Commercial Recovery

Even as the fundamentals in the residential real estate market improve, the commercial sector is "hobbling to recovery," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun at the REALTORS® Conference & Expo's Commercial Real Estate Forum.

NAR Survey of Home Buyers and Sellers Shows Dual Income Couples Fueling Market

ORLANDO (November 10, 2012) – Dual income households are comprising a greater portion of the housing market and helping sales recover, according to an annual study released today.

The 2012 National Association of Realtors^® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers continues a long-running series of large national NAR surveys evaluating the demographics, preferences, motivations, plans and experiences of recent home buyers and sellers. The responses are heavily representative of owner-occupants and do not include most investors.... Read More

Highlights From the 2012 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

For most home buyers, the purchase of real estate is one of the largest financial transactions they will make. Buyers purchase a home not only for the desire to own a home of their own, but also because of changes in jobs, family situations, and the need for a smaller or larger living area. This annual survey conducted by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® of recent home buyers and sellers provides insight into detailed information about their experiences with this important transaction. Here you can find highlights from the latest report.

39 percent of recent... Read More

Commercial Market Sluggish, Yet Investment Continues to Improve

ORLANDO (November 9, 2012) – Despite the residential real estate market showing signs of progress and the economy steadily improving, the commercial market continues to recover at a sluggish pace. However, a positive outlook endures as commercial real estate remains a solid investment, according to National Association of Realtors® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun at the 2012 Realtors® Conference and Expo.

“The commercial real estate market was an innocent bystander of the housing crisis, and the broad credit tightening has made it much longer for the market to... Read More

Housing Market Uptrend Expected Through 2014

ORLANDO (November 9, 2012) - The housing market recovery should continue through the coming years, assuming there are no further limitations on the availability of mortgage credit or a "fiscal cliff," according to forecast presentations at a residential forum here at the 2012 Realtors^® Conference and Expo.

Lawrence Yun , chief economist of the National Association of Realtors^®, said the housing market clearly turned around in 2012. "Existing-home sales, new-home sales and... Read More

Metro Area Home Prices Show Stronger Increases in Third Quarter, Sales Up

WASHINGTON (November 7, 2012) - Growth in metropolitan area median home prices increased in the third quarter, and more areas are showing gains, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors®.

The median existing single-family home price rose in 120 out of 149 metropolitan statistical areas¹ (MSAs) based on closings in the third quarter compared with same quarter in 2011, while 29 areas had price... Read More

How Will Sandy's Damage Affect Real Estate?

The damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy will create a market slowdown in the short term, but the areas affected will likely see a big boost in later months.

Home Ownership Rate to Rise Soon?

Another sign of economic recovery: The home ownership rate is no longer falling, and some housing analysts expect it to soon start rising.

What Do Distressed Sales Mean for REALTORS®?

Learn how distressed sales can affect your business.

Who Will Get Future Housing Wealth?

Lawrence Yun looks ahead to future housing wealth distribution and the reasons behind it.

Understanding the Current Employment Rate

Lawrence Yun explains how to understand current employment rate statistics.

Jobs, Rising Rents Help Pending Sales Inch Up

NAR's latest pending home sales release suggests that the underlying factors in the improved market are systemic and not due to just one or two transient factors.

September Pending Home Sales Show Slight Improvement

WASHINGTON (October 25, 2012) - Pending home sales were little changed in September but remain well above a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,^* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, edged up 0.3 percent to 99.5 in September from 99.2 in August and is 14.5 percent above September 2011 when it was 86.9. The data reflect contracts but not closings.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist,... Read More

The 'Fiscal Cliff,' QE3, and the Future of Interest Rates

Economists from the Mortgage Bankers Association sounded an optimistic note at a press conference during the organization's Conference & Expo.

Fannie OK's E-signatures on REO Offers

Starting this week, Fannie Mae is allowing electronic signatures on offer documents for its HomePath REO properties.

Fannie Mae on Housing: The Worst is Behind Us

Fannie Mae economists say they believe home prices "hit bottom" earlier this year and that prices and sales will continue to move up.

Home Prices Up 11%

Home sales dropped a bit over the last month but they remain strong compared to this time last year and price gains remain robust.

Fitch: Homebuilding to Get Boost From Falling Foreclosures

More home buyers may consider purchasing new homes, as the competition from distressed homes falls.

Homes Are Selling Faster

As inventories of for-sale homes drop, the amount of time homes are staying on the market is dropping too, according to the latest Realtor.com data.

September Existing-Home Sales Down but Prices Continue to Improve

WASHINGTON (October 19, 2012) - September existing-home sales declined modestly, but inventory continued to tighten and the national median home price recorded its seventh back-to-back monthly increase from a year earlier, according to the National Association of Realtors ^®.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes,... Read More

Mortgage Rates Hover Near Record Lows

Mortgage rates held steady for the most part this week, remaining near all-time record lows set last week.

9 States Where Foreclosures Are Dropping the Most

Find out which states saw foreclosure activity fall by 20 percent or more in the third quarter.

Low Valuation in Home Appraisals Causing Steady Level of Contract Glitches

WASHINGTON (October 10, 2012) – The real estate market is recovering but still faces hurdles, notably from tight mortgage credit, but problems with a sizeable share of real estate appraisals also are holding back home sales, according to survey findings by the National Association of Realtors®.

Most appraisers are competent and provide good valuations that are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. However, appraisals generally lag market conditions... Read More

More Americans Say Walking Out on Mortgage OK

"If Americans carry on with that mindset, it will continue to cause problems as the economy undergoes a slow recovery," says a senior analyst at JZ Analytics about alarming results from a recent poll on strategic default.

Appraisal Institute to Study Value of 'Green'

The Appraisal Institute is teaming with an energy agency to asses energy efficiency and green features on the value of existing homes.

Shadow Inventory Drops 10%

Predictions that the nation's shadow inventory would rapidly rise have yet to materialize, as the shadow inventory continues to show signs of dropping.

Survey: Americans Upbeat About Housing

The number of Americans expecting home prices to decline reached an all-time low, according to Fannie Mae's monthly housing survey.

NAR: Appraisals Continue to Hamper Sales

Problems with real estate appraisals are still delaying and even derailing home sales, a recent survey of REALTORS® shows.

Sluggish Job Market Stalls Growth in Office Sector?

The office market continues to recover, but at a very slow pace that has some concerned.

Beige Book Cites Real Estate as Bright Spot

The economy is growing at a tepid pace, but real estate is emerging as a bright spot in the recovery, according to the Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book.

Foreclosures Drop to 5-Year Lows

"[Foreclosures are] making little noise in the housing market — at least on a national level," says a spokesman with RealtyTrac, which released their latest foreclosure report today.

The 'Prius Effect' on Home Sales?

More studies are showing the power of green on boosting sales prices.

Falling Foreclosures Mark Big Step in Recovery

Foreclosures continue to show signs of dropping across the country.

Is the Apartment Sector Cooling?

The national vacancy rate fell to 4.6 percent in the third quarter, which is traditionally one of the strongest quarters of the year.

Asking Prices Soar Nationwide

Asking prices posted their largest year-over-year increase since the beginning of the housing slump, a new report shows.

Housing Scorecard: Home Equity on the Rise

More home owners are finding equity once again in their homes, according to the September Housing Scorecard from the Obama administration.

CoreLogic: Home Prices Rise at Accelerated Levels

Home prices rose in August by their largest amount since July 2006, CoreLogic reports in its August Home Price Index, which includes distressed sales.

Fiserv: Home Prices Still Have a Long Way to Climb

Despite recent progress, home prices still have a long way to go to return to the peaks they reached during the housing boom, the analytics firm Fiserv reports.

New-Home Prices Soar to 5-Year High

As inventory remains at record lows, prices of new homes jumped a record-breaking 11.2 percent in August, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

Pending Home Sales Decline in August

WASHINGTON (September 27, 2012) - After reaching a two-year peak, pending home sales fell in August but are at elevated levels compared with a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors ®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,^* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, declined 2.6 percent to 99.2 in August from an upwardly revised 101.9 in July but is 10.7 percent above August 2011 when it was 89.6. The data reflect contracts... Read More

Home Prices Continue to Rise Over Last Year's Levels

More housing reports were released on Tuesday showing home prices on the rise throughout the country.

We Can Do Better Than 12% Mobility

In the past 25 years, the mobility rate in America has steadily declined. Last year only 12 percent of the population moved, a troubling economic indicator.

On-the-Job Fatalities in Real Estate Fall in 2011

There was a 37 percent drop in fatal workplace injuries in real estate last year, new data shows.

Weigh In on Remodeling Pay-Off in Your Market

Every year, REALTORS® in markets across the country judge the effects of remodeling projects on sales prices for the Cost vs. Value Report, done in cooperation with Remodeling magazine. From now until Oct. 5, you could win $500 just for adding your voice to the survey.

Rentals Getting Too Pricey for Many

Rising rents are leading to a swelling number of people who are now spending at least half their income on rental fees.

Homebuilding Bounces Back in August

Construction on new homes is at its fastest pace in more than two years.

Builder Confidence Bounces Back to 2006 Levels

Homebuilders haven't been this confident about sales, future sales, and buyer traffic since June 2006, which is right before the housing crisis took hold, a new index shows.

August Existing-Home Sales and Prices Rise

WASHINGTON (September 19, 2012) - Existing-home sales continued to improve in August and the national median price rose on a year-over-year basis for the sixth straight month, according to the National Association of Realtors^®.

Total existing-home sales ¹ , which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 7.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.82 million in August from 4.47 million in July, and are... Read More

Asking Prices on the Rise in These Metros

Realtor.com data indicates that the housing recovery, which began a year ago in Florida and has since spread to the West, is gaining more traction. Find out which markets have seen the largest increase in list prices.

Home Sales and Job Creation would Rise with Sensible Lending Standards

WASHINGTON (September 17, 2012) – New survey findings, combined with an analysis of historic credit scores and loan performance, show home sales could be notably higher by returning to reasonably safe and sound lending standards, which also would create new jobs, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said there would be enormous benefits to the U.S. economy if mortgage lending conditions return to normal. “Sensible... Read More

Number of Improving Housing Markets Grows

More metro areas have seen an uptick in housing permits, employment, and home prices in the last six consecutive months, according to an improving markets index.

Latest Housing Affordability Index Offers Reassurance

The recent Existing Home Sales release published showed a 5th consecutive month of home prices higher than a year ago. What does this mean for affordability? The answer may surprise you.

More Housing Indexes Point to Pricing Rebound

Several housing indicators in recent months are all revealing something that buyers and sellers can no longer deny: Home prices are rising in most markets.

Housing Market Shows 'Sustainable' Improvement

The rebounding market has economists predicting that housing will likely add to economic growth this year for the first time in seven years.

Homes Selling More Quickly, Time on Market Down with Tighter Supplies

WASHINGTON (September 5, 2012) – A new measure shows the typical amount of time it takes to sell a home is shrinking, and for traditional sellers is now in the range of historic norms for a balanced market, well below the cyclical peak reached in 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The median time a home was listed for sale on the market¹ was 69 days in July, down 29.6 percent from 98 days in July 2011. The median reflects a wide spectrum; one-third of homes purchased in July were on the market for... Read More

July Pending Home Sales Rebound

WASHINGTON (August 29, 2012) - Pending home sales rose in July to the highest level in over two years and remain well above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors ®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,^* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 2.4 percent to 101.7 in July from 99.3 in June and is 12.4 percent above July 2011 when it was 90.5. The data reflect contracts but not closings.... Read More

Home Price Monitor

Highlights:

Case Shiller data showed the first annual increase in June while other data series show a continued 4 to 5 months of annual increases.
NAR data for July show the typical end of summer slowdown as prices dipped somewhat from June.
New home prices continue to fluctuate greatly due to low levels of construction and purchase activity; presently new home prices show some weakness.
Distressed sales, which hold back existing home prices,... Read More

Commercial Real Estate Recovering at a Slower Pace

WASHINGTON (August 27, 2012) – Positive underlying fundamentals continue to support all of the major commercial real estate sectors, but a slowdown in job creation and ongoing tight loan availability has tempered growth in some areas, according to the National Association of Realtors® quarterly commercial real estate forecast.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said there are mixed results among the commercial sectors. “Job creation in the second quarter was... Read More

Buyer Demand Grows for New Homes

While sales of newly built single-family homes is on the rise, buyers are finding much fewer choices as inventory sinks to a new record low.

Where Are the First-time Home Buyers?

With ultra-low mortgage rates and high affordability, first-time home buyers may never have a better time to jump into the housing market. So why aren't there more of them?

Existing-Home Sales Improve in July, Prices Continue to Rise

WASHINGTON (August 22, 2012) – Sales of existing homes rose in July even with constraints of affordable inventory, and the national median price is showing five consecutive months of year-over-year increases, according to the National Association of Realtors ®. Monthly sales rose in every region but the West, where inventory is very tight.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed... Read More

Relocation Reports

About the Reports

NAR Research has produced a total of 3,147 Relocation Reports for U.S. counties. The Relocation Report for each county presents information for that county on county‐to‐county migration flows within the United States, the average incomes of households moving between the specific county and other counties, demographic summaries of homeownership rates, and types of home mortgages (e.g., Conventional, FHA, VA, and FSA/RHS).

Realtors®, as well as businesses engaged in... Read More

Second Quarter Metro Area Home Prices Rise, Limited Inventory Capping Sales

WASHINGTON (August 9, 2012) – Median existing single-family home prices are rising in more metropolitan areas, but a lack of inventory – notably in lower price ranges – is limiting buyer choices in an increasing number of markets around the country, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors®.

The median existing single-family home price rose in 110 out of 147 metropolitan statistical... Read More

June Pending Home Sales

Lawrence Yun discusses the reasons for the slip in Pending Home Sales in June 2012.

Moe Veissi Discusses Encouraging Signs in Housing Market on XM Radio

Listen to an interview with NAR President Moe Veissi on XM radio where he talks about encouraging signs in the housing market, including year-over-year price increases, lower inventory, and even multiple bids in some instances. He provides tips for people considering buying a home and what to do ahead of time before beginning the search for the perfect home.

Pending Home Sales Slip in June, Remain Above a Year Ago

WASHINGTON (July 26, 2012) – Pending home sales declined in June but marked 14 consecutive months of year-over-year gains, according to the National Association of Realtors ^®

The Pending Home Sales Index,^* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, slipped 1.4 percent to 99.3 in June from a downwardly revised 100.7 in May but is 9.5 percent higher than June 2011 when it was 90.7. The data... Read More

Shadow Inventory Falling

Local inventory data from Realtor.com confirms that most markets have a measurably lower inventory now compared to one year ago.

June Existing-Home Prices Rise Again, Sales Down with Constrained Supply

WASHINGTON (July 19, 2012) - Existing-home prices continued to show gains but sales fell in June with tight supplies of affordable homes limiting first-time buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, declined 5.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted... Read More

10 Lessons to Learn as the Housing Market Recovers

In the latest Voices of Real Estate blog post, NAR Immediate Past President Ron Phipps highlights 10 lessons REALTORS® should learn as the housing market recovers.

8 Trends Shaping the Real Estate Industry

What forces will be shaping the real estate industry? NAR’s Association Executives Committee Strategic Issues Work Group and consultant Jerry Matthews held a series of structured discussions in February 2012 with U.S. brokers, sales associates, real estate consultants, economists, and technology experts to determine today’s real estate industry climate.

The research surfaced eight trends that are vital for setting strategic direction for agents, brokers, and associations... Read More

Pending Home Sales Up in May, Continue Pattern of Strong Annual Gains

WASHINGTON (June 27, 2012) – Pending home sales bounced back in May, matching the highest level in the past two years, and are well above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Both monthly and annual gains were seen in every region.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 5.9 percent to 101.1 in May from 95.5 in April and is 13.3 percent above May 2011 when it was 89.2. The data reflect contracts but... Read More

Existing-Home Sales Constrained by Tight Supply in May, Prices Continue to Gain

WASHINGTON (June 21, 2012) - Limited supplies of housing inventory held back existing-home sales in May, but sales maintained a strong lead over year-ago levels and home prices are on a sustained uptrend in all regions, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, declined 1.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.... Read More

Harvard: Home Sales Finally Poised to Improve

The Harvard report, which always does a good job laying out in plain language what's happening with the market, points to the increasingly strong market fundamentals and says home sales really could see serious improvement this year.

Inflation Watch

June Highlights:

The drop off in oil prices coupled with the decline in prices of many consumer staples brought the headline CPI down in May by 0.3 percent. Consumer prices remain 1.7 percent higher than one year ago.
For producers, prices followed a similar pattern; they were down 1 percent in May and up 0.7 percent from May 1 year ago.
Core consumer prices (those excluding food and energy) are just outside the bound of the target range of 1 to 2 percent. Core producer prices are also experiencing higher growth than headline prices.

Highlights from the Profile of International Home Buying Activity 2012

These highlights from the Profile of International Home Buying Activity 2012 report provide charts and graphs that will allow you to quickly scan the main points of the report.

Housing Recovery: The Pieces are There, But the Certainty Isn't

Pieces are in place for housing to continue on its road to recovery but there remain plenty of uncertainties that can derail the market, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said at a conference earlier this week.

Profile of International Home Buying Activity

We live in a global marketplace. While all real estate is local, not all property buyers are. A significant share of home purchases are made by people whose primary residence is outside of the U.S. Find out which are the top five countries of origin for foreign buyers of U.S. homes, and how these buyers are using the services of REALTORS®. This year's Profile examines purchases of real estate in the United States by international clients for the twelve-month period ending in March 2012.

Highlights

Total sales volume to international clients is estimated... Read More

International Home Buying Activity 2012

In this video, NAR Chief of Quantitative Analysis Jed Smith talks about the latest report on international sales, which shows that working with foreign buyers is becoming more and more important to REALTORS®' businesses. Jed says, "It's an increasingly significant market, particularly to REALTORS® who are selling in states such as California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, however, most states around the country do get some international customers."

Read the press... Read More

International Sales Continue to Climb in U.S. Market, Realtors® Report

WASHINGTON (June 11, 2012) – Due to low prices and the relative weakness of the dollar, international buyers continue to identify the U.S. as a desirable place to own property and make a profitable investment.

According to the National Association of Realtors^® 2012 Profile of International Home Buying Activity, total residential international sales in the U.S. for the past year ending March 2012 equaled $82.5 billion, up from $66.4 billion in 2011. Total international sales were evenly... Read More

Pending Home Sales Decline in April but Up Strongly From a Year Ago

WASHINGTON (May 30, 2012) - Pending home sales retrenched in April following three consecutive monthly gains, but are notably higher than a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors® ®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, declined 5.5 percent to 95.5 from a downwardly revised 101.1 in March but is 14.4 percent above April 2011 when it was 83.5. The data reflects contracts but not closings.... Read More

Lawrence Yun's Midyear Presentations

Watch Lawrence Yun's presentations at the Midyear Meetings' Economic Issues & Commercial Business Trends Forum and Economic Issues & Residential Real Estate Business Trends Forum.

All Commercial Real Estate Sectors Continue to Improve, Multifamily Strong

WASHINGTON (May 24, 2012) - Shaking off a prolonged impact from the recession, fundamentals are gradually improving in all of the major commercial real estate sectors, according to the National Association of Realtors® quarterly commercial real estate forecast. The apartment rental sector has fully recovered and is growing.

The findings also are confirmed in NAR's recent quarterly Commercial Real Estate Market Survey, which... Read More

Realtors® Report Increase in Commercial Transactions, Income

WASHINGTON (May 23, 2012) - Realtors® specializing in commercial real estate reported an increase in transactions in 2011, as well as a rise in their median gross annual income, according to the 2012 National Association of Realtors® Commercial Member Profile.

The study's results represent Realtors® who practice commercial real estate; these NAR members conduct all or part of their activity in commercial sales, leasing, brokerage and development for land,... Read More

April Existing-Home Sales Up, Prices Rise Again

WASHINGTON (May 22, 2012) – Existing-home sales rose in April and remain above a year ago, while home prices continued to rise, according to the National Association of Realtors®. The improvements in sales and prices were broad based across all regions.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 3.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted... Read More

Future of U.S. Housing Markets Depends Largely on Echo Boomers

WASHINGTON (May 18, 2012) - The next two decades in housing markets depends largely on the Echo Boomers. That's according to panelists at the "Shifting Demographics and Housing Choice: A Whole New World?" session today during the Realtors® 2012 Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo here.

There are approximately 62 million echo boomers in the U.S. Also called "millennials," echo boomers are currently ages 17-31. According to the 2011 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and... Read More

Lack of Capital Hinders Commercial Market While Modest Improvement Persists

WASHINGTON (May 17, 2012) - National Association of Realtors® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun presented a modest and hopeful outlook for the commercial real estate market during the Economic Issues and Commercial Business Trends Forum at the Realtor® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C. today.

“The commercial market has displayed modest growth lately,” said Yun. “Commercial real estate is the basis for much of the growth in the American economy, however... Read More

Housing Affordability Indices Reach Records in First Quarter

WASHINGTON (May 15, 2012) – Housing affordability conditions for all buyers reached a milestone in the first quarter, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

NAR's composite quarterly Housing Affordability Index* rose to a record high of 205.9 in first quarter, based on the relationship between median home price, median family income and average mortgage interest rate. The higher the index, the greater the household purchasing power. This is the first time the quarterly... Read More

2012 NAR Member Survey Shows Rising Incomes

WASHINGTON (May 14, 2012) – The income and business of Realtors® is growing after many years of decline, according to the 2012 National Association of Realtors® Member Profile.

The study’s results are representative of the nation’s Realtors®, who are members of NAR. Realtors® account for about half of the 2 million active real estate licensees in the U.S.* Realtor® members go beyond state licensing requirements by subscribing to NAR’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, commit to continuing education and... Read More

First Quarter Metro Area Home Prices Stabilizing, Sales Up and Inventory Down

WASHINGTON (May 9, 2012) – Median existing single-family home prices are firming in many metropolitan areas, while improving sales and declining inventory are creating more balanced conditions, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors®.

The median existing single-family home price rose in 74 out of 146 metropolitan statistical areas¹ (MSAs) based on closings in the first quarter from the same quarter in 2011, while 72 areas had price declines. In... Read More

Commercial Real Estate Lending Survey

The Commercial Real Estate Lending Survey is conducted annually and provides an overview of lending conditions that impact commercial transactions nationally, based on responses from commercial real estate members. The 2012 survey shows that while commercial markets turned a corner in 2011, commercial lending standards have tightened in the past year for small businesses and have remained an obstacle to a major portion of contracted transactions for smaller properties.

Report Highlights

Sixty-seven percent of REALTORS® found that the lack of available... Read More

Tight Lending Standards Hindering Commercial Real Estate Recovery

WASHINGTON (May 3, 2012) - Although commercial real estate markets showed signs of recovery in 2011, commercial lending standards have tightened in the past year for small businesses and scuttled a major portion of contracted transactions for smaller properties, according to the National Association of Realtors® annual Commercial Real Estate 2012 Lending Survey.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said there is a significant split in commercial lending depending on value. "This is very much a tale of two markets. There have been notable improvements in capital for large... Read More

Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing

This 16-page paper looks at how homeownership leads to positive social outcomes. It examines not only the ownership of homes, but also the impact of stable housing.

March Pending Home Sales Rise, Market Recovering

WASHINGTON (April 26, 2012) – Pending home sales increased in March and are well above a year ago, another signal the housing market is recovering, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 4.1 percent to 101.4 in March from an upwardly revised 97.4 in February and is 12.8 percent above March 2011 when it was 89.9. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

The index is now at... Read More

Data

From one year ago, affordability is down as lower mortgage rates and higher incomes have not completely offset home price gains.

Calculation assumes 20% down payment at current mortgage rates assuming a qualifying income ratio of 25% for PI; no assessment of buyer credit worthiness or total DTI or cash on hand.

Monthly Index

The Monthly Housing Affordability Index measures whether or not a typical family earns... Read More

Existing-Home Sales Decline in March but Inventory Down, Prices Stabilizing

WASHINGTON (April 19, 2012) – Existing-home sales were down in March but continue to outpace year-ago levels, while inventory tightened and home prices are showing further signs of stabilizing, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, declined 2.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of... Read More

Technology for RSPS Realtors

Presenter: Melanie McLane. During this session, learn how to use resort-specific media sites to help increase your business.

Resort Policy Update/Townhall Meeting

NAR Senior Regulatory Policy Representative Russell Riggs, will update you on the most current issues relevant to your market.

Securing Your Online Assets

Jason Beatty, Sr. Network Systems Administrator at NAR will help you determine your risk exposure and create a plan to secure your digital assets.

2012 Economic and Housing Market Outlook

Keynote speaker: Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, will provide insight to resort and second-home market trends.

Bidding Wars Are Back, Agents Say

Some real estate markets are reporting that home buyers are having to pay more than asking price to get the home they desire, as the supply of for-sale homes has shrunk, Bloomberg News reports.

How Do Men, Women Make Home Buying Decisions?

While the price of a home and its square footage are important factors in judging a home, women and men also base their decision largely on how they “feel” and whether the home fits their lifestyle, according to a new survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

More Americans Pay Car Loans Before Mortgages

Americans are prioritizing their debt payments by opting to pay their car loans before mortgages and credit cards, according to an analysis by credit reporting bureau TransUnion.

Home Owners Planning Remodeling Projects This Year

Seventy percent of home owners surveyed say they intend to take on a home improvement project this year, and they plan to spend about $3,500 on sprucing up their home, according to the survey. That’s an increase of about $100 compared to last year.

Investment and Vacation Home Sales Surge in 2011

WASHINGTON (March 29, 2012) – Sales of investment and vacation homes* jumped in 2011, with the combined market share rising to the highest level since 2005, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

NAR’s 2012 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, covering existing- and new-home transactions in 2011, shows investment-home sales surged an extraordinary 64.5 percent to 1.23 million last year from 749,000 in 2010. Vacation-home sales rose 7.0 percent to 502,000 in 2011 from 469,000 in 2010. Owner-occupied purchases fell 15.5 percent to 2.78 million.... Read More

Next Foreclosure Wave Coming: Reason for Alarm?

Economists have been warning that a flood of foreclosures will soon be hitting the real estate market, likely this summer. Increases in foreclosures traditionally pull down nearby home prices. So should home owners be worried?

Smartphone Adoption Surges

Real estate professionals are tackling more mobile outreach markets efforts to reach clients — making sure their Web site is easy to view and use from a phone, adopting QR codes in marketing, and even creating apps that potential clients can use to access real estate information while on-the-go.

30-Year Mortgage Rates Slide Back Below 4%

Mortgage rates were down across the board this week compared to last week, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage market survey. After posting a big jump last week, 30-year mortgage rates were back below the 4 percent mark this week, offering another boost in home affordability for buyers.

More Americans Pay Car Loans Before Mortgages

Americans are prioritizing their debt payments by opting to pay their car loans before mortgages and credit cards, according to an analysis by credit reporting bureau TransUnion.

6 Metros With the Most New Construction

Construction slowed dramatically in recent years but has been showing signs of picking up in pockets across the country.

Pending Home Sales Ease in February but Solidly Higher Than a Year Ago

WASHINGTON (March 29, 2012) - Pending home sales were down slightly in February but remain notably above the pattern in the first half of last year, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, eased 0.5 percent to 96.5 in February from 97.0 in January but is 9.2 percent above February 2011 when it was 88.4. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said we’re... Read More

Research Data FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Data

Commercial Real Estate

Q: Does NAR have any data on commercial real estate?
A: Yes. All links to commercial data can be found here .

Foreclosures and Short Sales

Q: Does NAR have data on foreclosures and short sales?
A: Information on both foreclosures and short sales can be found in the... Read More

FHA Loan Apps Rise as Borrowers Try to Beat Fee Hikes

Mortgage applications for Federal Housing Administration loans soared 11 percent from the previous week as borrowers try to rush their applications in to beat the higher FHA costs that will start rolling out on Monday, according to the U.S. Mortgage Market Index report released from Mortech Inc. and Mortgage Daily.

Poll: Renters Want to Buy

Americans still believe in home ownership, but they’re spooked about the mortgage process, a survey finds. Two-thirds of renters -- across educational and demographic levels -- say they want to purchase a home in the future, according to a quarterly national housing survey of 3,000 Americans conducted by Fannie Mae.

February Existing-Home Sales Slip But Up Strongly From a Year Ago

WASHINGTON (March 21, 2012) - February existing-home sales declined from an upwardly revised January pace but are well above a year ago, while the median price posted a slight gain, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Sales were up in the Midwest and South, offset by declines in the Northeast and West.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, slipped 0.9 percent to a... Read More

Data

The Existing-Home Sales data measures sales and prices of existing single-family homes for the nation overall, and gives breakdowns for the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast regions of the country. These figures include condos and co-ops, in addition to single-family homes.

Latest News

WASHINGTON (May 22, 2013) –– Existing-home sales rose in April but remain below underlying demand because of limited inventory and tight credit. All regions are showing strong price... Read More

Real Estate Research Centers

Various academic institutions and independent organizations around the U.S. have established research centers to study real estate-related issues and trends. These resources include state and local association library/research sources, as well as Internet sites, to reference in addition to the research and resources NAR and REALTOR® University provide.

If you know of a real estate research resource not listed here, or if your state or local board offer research for use by members, let us know by calling 800-874-6500 so we can add it here.

National,... Read More

Chief Economist Lawrence Yun Discusses Rebenchmarking EHS Data

In this video, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the rebenchmarking of EHS data.

International Home Buying Update

Read the reports in question:

Rich Stay Put Longer When in Foreclosure, Study Says | -A A +A Rich Stay Put Longer When in Foreclosure, Study Says

How pricey your home is may influence how quickly you're evicted from a home in foreclosure, finds a new study.

March/April 2012 Market Pulse

Existing-home sales improved in January from the previous month by 4.3 percent, pointing to improved sales in 2012 if the trend holds. NAR’s forward-looking pending home sales index, with a 2 percent gain in January, also points to sales growth. The latest pending sales level, at 97.0, is at its highest in the last five years, not counting the spikes caused by the home buyer tax credit in 2009 and 2010.

The Importance of Connections

Maybe it’s all the tweeting I’ve been doing (via @realtormag), but 400 words feels like a lot to write about one topic. Instead, a potpourri.

2012 List Issue: Take the Lead

We've compiled 229 tips and trends to help you get where you want to be. Now, the ball's in your court.

7 Secrets to Winning Over More Buyers

What are buyers really thinking, and how can you better assist them? Here’s how to start improving your buyer relationships.

January Pending Home Sales Rise, Market on Uptrend

WASHINGTON (February 27, 2012) - Pending home sales are on an upward trend, which has been uneven but meaningful since reaching a cyclical low last April, and are well above a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 2.0 percent to 97.0 in January from a downwardly revised 95.1 in December and is 8.0 percent higher than January 2011 when it was 89.8. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

The January index is the... Read More

Commercial Real Estate Vacancy Rates Improving, Rents Firming

WASHINGTON (February 24, 2012) - According to the National Association of Realtors® quarterly commercial real estate forecast, all of the major commercial real estate sectors are seeing improved fundamentals, but multifamily housing is becoming a landlord’s market commanding bigger rent increases. These trends also are confirmed in NAR’s recent quarterly Commercial Real Estate Market Survey.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said vacancy rates are improving in... Read More

Existing-Home Sales Rise Again in January, Inventory Down

WASHINGTON (February 22, 2012) - Existing-home sales rose in January, marking three gains in the past four months, while inventories continued to improve, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 4.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.57 million in January from a downwardly revised 4.38 million-unit pace in December and... Read More

Metro Area Unemployment Trends

Highlights

While the unemployment rate is not yet back to normal in most areas, improvement is unmistakable. Pockets of trouble remain in California and Florida.
From one year ago, 26 of the 27 metro areas studied have job gains. Of the 27 areas, Houston had the biggest percent growth in payrolls in the last year while only Milwaukee saw a decline of about 200 jobs.
Among the 27 metro areas reviewed, the Washington, D.C. area had the lowest unemployment rate, below 6 percent in February, while Las Vegas continues to have the highest, at 12.7... Read More

5 Housing Markets Expected to Outshine All the Rest

Inman News released a report highlighting metro areas that are expected to “outshine many other markets in real estate performance this year.” In its report, Inman News scanned metro areas with populations over 150,000 to find where real estate sales volume is rising, job markets are growing, foreclosure activity is low, sales prices are appreciating, and home affordability is at high levels.

Pending Home Sales Decline in December, Remain Above a Year Ago

WASHINGTON (January 25, 2012) - After reaching a 19-month high, pending home sales eased in December but stayed above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, declined 3.5 percent to 96.6 in December from 100.1 in November but is 5.6 percent above December 2010 when it was 91.5. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the trend line remains... Read More

December Existing-Home Sales Show Uptrend

WASHINGTON (January 20, 2012) - Existing-home sales continued on an uptrend in December, rising for three consecutive months and remaining above a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The latest monthly data shows total existing-home sales¹ rose 5.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million in December from a downwardly revised 4.39 million in November, and are 3.6 percent higher than the 4.45 million-unit level in December 2010. The... Read More

Research Reports

The National Association of REALTORS® does research on a wide range of topics of interest to real estate practitioners, including market data, commercial, international, home buying and selling, NAR member information, and technology. Use the data they contain to improve your business through knowledge of the latest trends and statistics.

This list of reports is also available in alphabetical order by report title.

Market Data | Home Buyers and Sellers |... Read More

Housing Statistics

Existing-Home Sales

NAR releases national and regional existing-home sales price and volume statistics on or about the 25th of each month. Each report includes data for 12 months and annual totals going back three years. Reports are available for existing single-family homes, condos, and co-ops. Both median and average prices are included.

Pending Home Sales Index

This leading indicator for housing activity is released during the first week of each month. The index measures... Read More

Surveys of Realtor Sentiment

Local data is critical to understanding local markets, but real time information is best. Each Survey of REALTOR® Sentiment/ Regional Vice-Presidential Report (RVPR) is a collection of results from NAR's most recent REALTOR® Confidence Index along with commentary from NAR's Regional Vice President for that region. These RVPRs—which reflect data available through October 2011—provide insights into the buzz on the street for each of the regional housing markets.

Note: If you do not see information provided for your state, please contact... Read More

Background

Each year, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® surveys home buyers and sellers to gather detailed information about the home buying and selling process. These surveys provide information on demographics, housing characteristics and the experience of consumers in the housing market. Buyers and sellers also share information on the role that real estate professionals play in home sales transactions.

In July 2011, NAR mailed out a questionnaire survey to a random sample of 80,099 recent home buyers. The recent home buyers had to have purchased a home between July of... Read More

Housing Pulse Survey 2010

Americans Still Believe Buying a Home Is a Good Financial Decision

NAR's eighth annual Housing Opportunity Pulse Survey reveals that nearly eight out of 10 respondents believe buying a home is a good financial decision, despite ongoing challenges with the economy and housing market. The survey, which measures how affordable housing issues affect consumers, also found job security concerns to be the highest in eight years of sampling, with 70 percent of Americans saying that job layoffs and unemployment are a big problem in their area; eight in 10 cite these issues as a... Read More

Housing Pulse Surveys

The Housing Pulse Survey is an annual telephone survey of 1000 urban and suburban adults in the top 25 media markets, designed to assist NAR in gaining information on consumers' attitudes and concerns about housing opportunities.

Commercial Leading Indicator

The index is designed to provide early signals of turning points between expansions and slowdowns in commercial real estate. NAR reviewed a wide variety of indicators, examined the relationships of indicators that demonstrated a historical impact on commercial real estate, and modeled a forward looking index based on historic trends.

Quarterly data for 13 selected series were reviewed back through the first quarter of 1990. The modeling demonstrated a change in commercial brokerage activity that could be seen two quarters later as measured by net absorption in the industrial and... Read More

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial Member Profile

This 2012 report describes the business, transaction, and demographic characteristics of commercial members, and defines the property information needs of this segment of NAR membership. The Commercial Member Profile is available for download in our store.

... Read More

Several Housing Markets Head for Appreciation in 2012

A boom in farm prices has caused many Midwest cities to emerge as leaders for some of the strongest predictions for housing appreciation in 2012. Kansas City, Kan., came in the top spot in HousingPredictor’s annual survey, forecasting an appreciation of 5.8 percent for this year.

State Employment Trends

Release date: April 2012

March 2012 Data Highlights

Unemployment:

The US unemployment rate was 8.2 percent in March, down from 8.3 in February and down from 8.9 percent in March 2011.
The majority of states saw an improvement in the employment rate. Thirty states saw the unemployment rate improve in March; an additional 12 states and D.C. saw no increase. From one month ago, Mississippi and Oklahoma had the biggest improvements, seeing a 0.6 percent drop in the unemployment rate.
Since March one year ago,... Read More

Background

After several years of study and data collection, the National Association of REALTORS® developed the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a new leading indicator of housing market activity.

The Pending Home Sales Index measures housing contract activity, and is based on signed real estate contracts for existing single-family homes, condos and co-ops. The PHSI looks at the monthly relationship between existing-home sale contracts and transaction closings over the last four years. A signed contract is not counted as a sale until the transaction closes.

Based on the data... Read More

Expansion and Survey

The National Association of REALTORS® issues Existing-Home Sales (EHS) data on a monthly basis to provide accurate and timely information on the state of the U.S. housing market. The EHS report provides a basis for our membership to understand housing trends and is widely reported by the national press. In addition, the report enhances the effectiveness of NAR's political and representational efforts on behalf of our members on Capitol Hill.

Help Us Expand Coverage: Complete Our Survey or Establish a RETS Connection

Benchmarking

NAR takes its role as a leading source for housing information very seriously, and toward that end, NAR Research announced the results of a year-long rebenchmarking process for existing-home sales on Wednesday, December 21.

All major statistical data series go through periodic reviews and revisions to ensure that sampling and methodology keep up with changes in the market. Factors like population changes in sampled areas, growth in MLS coverage areas, declines in for-sale-by-owner transactions, and some individual sales being recorded in more than one MLS have... Read More

Definitions

In 2005, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® updated its Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Home Price Series based on new information from the U.S. Office of Management (OMB) in 2003. The MSAs in our metro home price report are now based on 2000 Census Data.

The OMB defines an MSA as an area having at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more in population, plus adjacent territory that has a high degree of social and economic integration with the core as measured by commuting ties. Previously, NAR’s MSA Home Price Series was based on the OMB... Read More

Methodology

To interpret the indices, a value of 100 means that a family with the median income has exactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home. An index above 100 signifies that family earning the median income has more than enough income to qualify for a mortgage loan on a median-priced home, assuming a 20 percent down payment. For example, a composite HAI of 120.0 means a family earning the median family income has 120% of the income necessary to qualify for a conventional loan covering 80 percent of a median-priced existing single-family home. An increase in the HAI,... Read More

Commercial Real Estate Market Outlook

The Commercial Real Estate Outlook (CREO) is NAR's flagship commercial research publication. It is produced quarterly and includes the latest market information on five major commercial real estate sectors — industrial, office, multi-family, retail and hospitality real estate.

The publication includes national and metropolitan data from the respected research firms of CBRE Econometric Advisors and Real Capital Analytics, along with in-depth analysis from NAR Research. The full report is available only to NAR members, and the summary report is open to all visitors.

Pending Home Sales Jump in October

WASHINGTON (November 30, 2011) - Pending home sales rose strongly in October and remain above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, surged 10.4 percent to 93.3 in October from 84.5 in September and is 9.2 percent above October 2010 when it stood at 85.5. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said improved contract activity is a hopeful sign... Read More

Field Guide to Quick Real Estate Statistics

(Updated May 2013)

Looking for quick statistics for your sales meeting or a customer brochure? Need a quick fact to make your point? Information Central has compiled some of the most requested statistics for quick and easy access. Find the information that you need, as well as its source, at a glance. (K. Janisch, Information Specialist)

Real Estate and the Economy

A quick list of up-to-date Housing and... Read More

Field Guide to Working with Single Home Buyers

(Updated December 2012)

The real estate market in the United States is comprised of a great diversity of buyers, each with unique needs and concerns. Understanding how to best serve these unique needs will assist you establishing an outstanding service and reputation for your real estate business. Single home buyers represent a sizeable portion of home buyers in the current residential real estate market, and are an audience worth knowing and understanding. This Updated Field Guide will help you to learn about the needs, concerns, and buying... Read More

State-by-State International Business Reports

International transactions are of increasing importance. With the expansion of international trade, the flow of people across borders has also increased rapidly, and, therefore, the demand for real estate in both residential and commercial sectors in conjunction with international transactions has been on the rise. NAR provides the state-by-state reports on international transactions below to give an overview of the real estate markets on a state-by-state basis as well as information on economic activity.

The purpose of the current state-by-state reports is to present recent... Read More

Real Estate Market and Economic Outlook

Presentation at the 2011 Leadership Summit, Chicago, IL

Third Quarter Metro Area Prices Soften but State Sales Broadly Rise

WASHINGTON (November 9, 2011) - Metro area median existing-home prices in the third quarter generally were down from a year ago, while sales rose in every state from the third quarter of 2010, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors®.

The median existing single-family home price rose in 39 out of 150 metropolitan statistical areas¹ (MSAs) in the third quarter from a year earlier; 111 areas showed price declines. In the second quarter, 41 metro areas... Read More

November 7, 2011

In This Issue

Housing Issues Update

NAR Shows Support for HOME Program

VA (Veterans Administration)

VA Funding Fee Update

Housing Issues Update

NAR Shows Support for HOME Program

NAR joined a number of coalition partners to support the HOME program, as the House Financial Services Committee... Read More

September Pending Home Sales Down, Still Higher Than a Year Ago

WASHINGTON (October 27, 2011) - Pending home sales declined in September, although activity remains above a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, fell 4.6 percent to 84.5 in September from 88.6 in August but is 6.4 percent higher than September 2010 when it stood at 79.4. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the housing market is being... Read More

Pending Home Sales Decline in August but Remain Above a Year Ago

WASHINGTON (September 29, 2011) - Pending home sales slipped in August with a mixed regional performance but are higher than a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, declined 1.2 percent to 88.6 in August from 89.7 in July but is 7.7 percent above August 2010 when it stood at 82.3. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the decline reflects an... Read More

August Existing-Home Sales Rise Despite Headwinds, Up Strongly from a Year Ago

WASHINGTON (September 21, 2011) - Existing-home sales increased in August, even with ongoing tight credit and appraisal problems, along with regional disruptions created by Hurricane Irene, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Monthly gains were seen in all regions.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 7.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.03 million in August... Read More

Pending Home Sales Slip in July but Up Strongly From One Year Ago

WASHINGTON (August 29, 2011) - Pending home sales declined in July but remain well above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All regions show monthly declines except for the West, which continues to show the highest level of sales contract activity.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, slipped 1.3 percent to 89.7 in July from 90.9 in June but is 14.4 percent above the 78.4 index in July 2010. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

Second Quarter Metro Area Prices Mixed with Little Change, State Sales Down

WASHINGTON (August 10, 2011) - Median existing-home prices declined modestly in the second quarter with 27 percent of metropolitan areas experiencing price gains from a year ago, while state home sales declined from the second quarter of 2010, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors®.

The median existing single-family home price rose in 41 out of 151 metropolitan statistical areas¹ (MSAs) in the second quarter from the same... Read More

Pending Home Sales Rise in June

WASHINGTON (July 28, 2011) - Pending home sales increased in June following a wide swing down in April and then up in May, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Activity increased in the West and South but declined in the Midwest and Northeast; all regions show strong double-digit gains from a year ago.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 2.4 percent to 90.9 in June from 88.8 in May and is 19.8 percent above the 75.9 reading in June 2010, which was the low point... Read More

June Existing-Home Sales Slip on Contract Cancellations, but Prices Stabilize

WASHINGTON (July 20, 2011) - Existing-home sales eased in June as contract cancellations spiked unexpectedly, although prices were up slightly, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Sales gains in the Midwest and South were offset by declines in the Northeast and West. Single-family home sales were stable while the condo sector weakened.

Total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops... Read More

Pending Home Sales Turn Around in May

WASHINGTON (June 29, 2011) - Pending home sales rose strongly in May with all regions experiencing gains from a year ago, pointing to higher housing activity in the second half of the year, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 8.2 percent to 88.8 in May from an upwardly revised 82.1 in April and is 13.4 percent higher than the 78.3 reading in May 2010. The data reflects contracts but not closings, which normally occur with a lag... Read More

Housing Pulse Survey 2011

Survey Shows Opposition to Down Payment Requirements and Elimination of Mortgage Interest Deduction

NAR’s ninth housing pulse survey reflects that, as the housing market continues to struggle, Americans worry that policy proposals coming out of Washington could drag the market down further or deter potential new homeowners.

There is particular concern surrounding calls for a required down payment of 20 percent on home purchases. Seven-in-ten Americans say requiring a down payment of 20 percent on the cost of a home would have a negative impact on the housing market... Read More

Existing-Home Sales Decline in May with Market Constraints, Temporary Conditions

WASHINGTON (June 21, 2011) - Existing-home sales were down in May as temporary factors and financing problems weighed on the market, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, fell 3.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.81 million in May from a downwardly revised 5.00 million in April, and are 15.3 percent below a... Read More

April Pending Home Sales Drop After Two Monthly Gains

WASHINGTON (May 27, 2011) - Pending home sales fell in April with regional variations following increases in February and March, with unusual weather and economic softness adding to ongoing problems that are hobbling a recovery, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, dropped 11.6 percent to 81.9 in April from a downwardly revised 92.6 in March. The index is 26.5 percent below a cyclical peak of 111.5 in April 2010 when buyers were rushing... Read More

Commercial Real Estate Markets Stabilizing, Demand Growing

WASHINGTON (May 24, 2011) - The improving economy and job creation mean growing demand for commercial real estate, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said job creation will be the biggest factor moving forward. “Job growth creates demand for commercial space, and the economy should be adding between 1.5 million and 2 million jobs annually both this year and in 2012, with the unemployment rate falling to 8.0 percent by the end of next year,” he said. “Given the minimal new... Read More

April Existing-Home Sales Ease

WASHINGTON (May 19, 2011) - Existing-home sales slipped in April, although the market has managed six gains in the past nine months, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, eased 0.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.05 million in April from a downwardly revised 5.09 million in March, and are 12.9 percent below a 5.80 million pace in April... Read More

NAR Member Survey Shows Focus on Training, Commitment to Profession

WASHINGTON (May 17, 2011) - Realtors® have been focusing more on training to help them better meet the needs of clients in a housing market with unique challenges, according to the 2011 National Association of Realtors® Member Profile.

The study’s results are representative of the nation’s Realtors®, who account for more than half of the approximately 2.0 million active real estate licensees in the U.S. The typical NAR member has 12 years of experience; nine out of 10 say they are certain they will remain in... Read More

NAR Chief Economist Sees Sluggish but Improving Commercial Outlook

WASHINGTON (May 13, 2011) - The commercial real estate market continues a slow pace toward recovery with occupancy rates rising in the office and industrial properties in most major cities across the U.S. supported by rising employment and restocking of wholesale inventory, according to National Association of Realtors® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. At the “Economics Issues and Commercial Business Trends Forum,” Yun identified bright spots and challenges within the commercial sector.

The forum took place during the Realtor® Midyear Legislative Meetings... Read More

Housing and Economic Forecast Points to Rising Activity

WASHINGTON (May 12, 2011) - Home sales are expected to stay on an uptrend through 2012, although the performance will be uneven with mortgage constraints weighing on the market, according to experts at a residential real estate forum today at the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo here.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said existing-home sales have been underperforming by historical standards and will rise gradually but unevenly. “If we just hold at the first-quarter sales pace of 5.1 million, sales this year would... Read More

Housing Finance Market Reform Must Ensure Mortgage Affordability, Availability

WASHINGTON (May 10, 2011) - Reforms to America’s housing finance market must ensure a reliable source of affordable mortgage lending for creditworthy consumers. That’s according to Realtors® and other industry insiders who examined the federal government’s future role in the secondary mortgage market at the “Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac: Obama Options and Beyond” session during the National Association of Realtors® 2011 Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, here through May... Read More

Existing-Home Sales Rise in Most States in First Quarter; Metro Area Prices Mixed

WASHINGTON (May 10, 2011) - Existing-home sales continued to recover in the first quarter with gains recorded in 49 states and the District of Columbia, while 22 percent of the available metropolitan areas saw prices rise from a year ago, according to the latest survey by the National Association of Realtors®.

Total state existing-home sales, including single-family and condo, rose 8.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate¹ of 5.14 million in the first quarter from 4.75 million in the... Read More

Pending Home Sales Rise Again in March

WASHINGTON (April 28, 2011) - March saw another increase in pending home sales, with contract activity rising unevenly in six of the past nine months, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 5.1 percent to 94.1 in March from a downwardly revised 89.5 in February. The index is 11.4 percent below 106.2 in March 2010; however, activity was at elevated levels in March and April of 2010 to meet the contract deadline for the home buyer tax... Read More

Existing-Home Sales Rise in March

WASHINGTON (April 20, 2011) - Sales of existing-home sales rose in March, continuing an uneven recovery that began after sales bottomed last July, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 3.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.10 million in March from an upwardly revised 4.92 million in February, but are 6.3 percent below the 5.44... Read More

Vacation- and Investment-Home Shares Hold Even in 2010

WASHINGTON (March 30, 2011) - The market share of vacation- and investment-home sales¹ held steady in 2010, although the sales volume declined with the overall market, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

NAR’s 2011 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, covering existing- and new-home transactions in 2010, shows vacation-home sales accounted for 10 percent of transactions last year while the portion of investment sales was 17 percent, both unchanged from 2009.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun... Read More

February Pending Home Sales Rise

WASHINGTON (March 28, 2011) - Pending home sales increased in February but with notable regional variations, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator, rose 2.1 percent to 90.8, based on contracts signed in February, from 88.9 in January. The index is 8.2 percent below 98.9 recorded in February 2010. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief... Read More

February Existing-Home Sales Decline following Sustained Gains

WASHINGTON (March 21, 2011) - Existing-home sales fell in February following three straight monthly increases, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, dropped 9.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.88 million in February from an upwardly revised 5.40 million in January, and are 2.8 percent below the 5.02 million pace in February 2010.... Read More

2011 Community Preference Survey

NAR's 2011 Community Preference Survey explores Americans' wants regarding neighborhood characteristics such as proximity to parks and shopping, walkability, and commuting time, and the trade-offs in home type and size that people may be willing to accept in order to obtain those neighborhood preferences. The survey reveals that most Americans would like to live in walkable communities where shops, restaurants, and local business are within an easy walk from their homes, as long as those communities can provide detached single-family homes. The survey also shows that most Americans... Read More

Pending Home Sales Decline in January

WASHINGTON (February 28, 2011) - Pending home sales eased moderately in January for the second straight month, but remain 20.6 percent above the cyclical low last June, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator, declined 2.8 percent to 88.9 based on contracts signed in January from a downwardly revised 91.5 in December. The index is 1.5 percent below the 90.3 level in January 2010 when a tax credit stimulus was in place. The data reflects contracts and not closings... Read More

Commercial Real Estate Vacancy Rates to Decline but Rent Recovery Delayed

WASHINGTON (February 25, 2011) - A stabilization trend is taking place in commercial real estate sectors, but in most markets rent will remain soft except for multifamily rentals, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said a pullback in construction is helping stabilize the market. “Very limited construction of new commercial real estate over the past few years has essentially fixed the supply of available space,” he said. “This means vacancy rates could fall quickly from any... Read More

Existing-Home Sales Rise Again in January

WASHINGTON (February 23, 2011) - The uptrend in existing-home sales continues, with January sales rising for the third consecutive month with a pace that is now above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 2.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.36 million in January from a downwardly revised 5.22 million in... Read More

Home Price Stabilization Seen in Most Metro Areas during Fourth Quarter, Sales Up

WASHINGTON (February 10, 2011) - 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, while most of the rest saw price weakness, according to the latest survey by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Total state existing-home sales, including single-family and condo, jumped 15.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate¹ of 4.80 million in the fourth quarter... Read More

Pending Home Sales Continue Uptrend

WASHINGTON (January 27, 2011) - Pending home sales improved further in December, marking the fifth gain in the past six months, according to the National Association of Realtors®

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator, increased 2.0 percent to 93.7 based on contracts signed in December from a downwardly revised 91.9 in November. The index is 4.2 percent below the 97.8 mark in December 2009. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.

December Existing-Home Sales Jump

WASHINGTON (January 20, 2011) - Existing-home sales rose sharply in December, when sales increased for the fifth time in the past six months, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 12.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.28 million in December from an upwardly revised 4.70 million in November, but remain 2.9 percent below the 5.44... Read More

The Impact of Hurricanes on Housing and Economic Activity: A Case Study for Florida

This report, produced by The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Research Division and Commissioned by The Florida Association of REALTORS® in April 2006, examines how the exceptionally strong hurricanes along the Gulf Coast affected home sales and the economy.