June Pending Home Sales Up 5.3%
The number of pending homes for sale rose in June, a rebound from the previous month.
The National Association of Realtors' Pending Home Sales Index rose 5.3% in June to 89 from a downwardly revised reading of 84.5 in May.
The index remains 12.3% below its level in June 2007, when it stood at 101.4, but it's at its highest point since October 2007, when it was at 89.9.
The number of homes under contract for sale fell more than expected in May, after a surprising spike in April.
Do you think these numbers reflect a possible end to the housing dive? We'd love to hear your comments and feedback. Just use the comment link below and tell us what you think. Your email address will never be published at this site to protect your privacy, even though it is needed in order for you to post a comment. We look forward to hearing from you.
Real Estate Market: Will a New President Help?
Nearly half of all home buyers (44%) believe the housing market will improve once a new President takes office in January, 2009, according to a new survey conducted by Harris Interactive® and commissioned by Move, Inc., operator of Realtor.com®.
Forty-eight percent of women and 41 percent of men who plan to buy a home in the current market said they think the housing market will get better once the new President is in office.
According to the survey, 81% of home buyers are still nervous about the current housing market and report the existence of barriers between them and home ownership. Despite these reservations, the survey indicates underlying demand for homeownership is healthy. While nearly half (41%) of current homeowners do plan to purchase a home again, 80% of all renters plan to purchase a home someday with 47% planning to purchase a home within the next five years.
What do yo think? Do you think having a new President in office is what the real estate market needs to get back on track? Or do you think it won't really make any difference? We'd love to hear your comments. Click the comment link below and sound off on this question.
Reappraising Appraisers
While our nation's real estate downturn is still unfolding, there's been lots of talk about how to prevent a repeat in the future.
Part of the fix to the problem involves better regulation of appraisers. Money Editor Stacy Johnson looks at some of the changes that are in the works. Video runs 1:25…
Home Energy Audits
Free energy audits from your utility company are a popular way to save up to 30% on your energy bill… but you can always do it yourself!
Money Editor Stacy Johnson explains some of the areas you need to look at if you decide to go the do-it-yourself route, and just what you might expect to pay to have a professional do it for you. (Video runs 1:21)…
Housing: Finally Some Positive News
Housing is getting some good news as the markets keep fighting on despite the front running economists saying its all but dead.
First off, any good news needs a narrative and it starts with Donald Trumps record sale of his Florida Mansion.
Meanwhile U.S. Housing starts unexpectedly surged 9.1% in June, the most in more than two years. Barron's Magazine is asking if the market is ready for the "giddy days again", stating a recovery may well be on its way, while affordability of many real estate markets are being sung across the Country.
Of course, as always, just like when markets started tanking… trends are very much market by market. We believe things are turning around. We're seeing an uptick in people wanting to buy homes again.
What do you think? We'd love to get your feedback. Just give us your comment by clicking the comment link below and sounding off. Your email address will never be published on our site here.
