Economics
Economics
November Data: Custom Architects Weigh In, New Construction Trends, Contractor Confidence, and Material Price Changes
We've collected highlights from a number of data reports published throughout the industry in November
Data & Research
October's Data From Around the Industry
In October, we saw reports on remodeling spending, individual septic system installations, and the widespread use of rate buydowns to sell new homes
Business
Guest Column: What I'm Seeing Out There
Industry expert and advisor Mark Richardson shares stories from the field, from what's changing to what's working
Data & Research
Guest Column: External Forces
NAHB's chief economist on what lies ahead for the custom home market?
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Financial
New year opens with more mortgage applications
Home buying activity is on the rise to open the new year. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that the number of applications for home mortgages crept up 2.2 percent last week. However, when the index isn’t adjusted for the New Year’s holiday, the numbers are 47.5 percent higher compared to the previous week.
Business
Survey Defines Custom-Built Home Demographics
New research by Custom Builder magazine provides insights into client profiles, home specifications, and top business challenges. Among the findings: homes are getting smaller, purse strings are tightening, and move-up buyers rule the market. Check out our full report.
Leadership
Snapshot of the custom-home market
Last month, the U.S. Census Bureau released the first batch of the freshly collected 2010 census data of the nation. The big news so far: The official resident population count increased 9.7 percent over the 2000 census to 308.74 million people (the slowest growth rate since the Great Depression), with most growth occurring in the South and West regions, led by Texas.
Financial
Study shows delinquent borrowers don’t always default on second mortgage
A study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia shows that 20 percent of homeowners that go into foreclosure on their first mortgage continue to make payments on a second-lien mortgage. The story was reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Financial
National housing prices corrected to 2003 levels
Real estate prices nationwide have corrected back to first quarter 2003 levels and could wind up near third quarter 2002 prices, according to estimates from John Burns Real Estate Consulting. These prices are a 5 percent correction from the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index.
Financial
6 markets positioned for recovery in 2011
Most experts agree that very few housing markets will experience a full recovery in 2011, but HousingPredictor said six cities, including Denver, Fargo, N.D., and Washington, D.C., should make solid gains next year.
Financial
Stagnant economy fuels market for reverse mortgages
As the economy continues to tread water, the number and popularity of reverse mortgages has skyrocketed 166% over the past few years. The mortgages have been especially popular among older, cash-strapped homeowners. Part of the surge is due lower upfront origination and service fees, since lenders are desperate for new business.
Financial
4 tips for strategic planning in today's market
The mid-term elections are over, but there are still several issues that will have a real impact on home builders. Here are four points for strategic perspective that John Burns Real Estate Consulting says will influence business planning in 2011 and beyond.
Financial
Homes Lost To Foreclosure Jump 25 Percent in August To Recession Record
August is one for the books, as mortgage lenders repossessed more homes in August than in any month since the start of the housing crisis. According to foreclosure listing firm RealtyTrac Inc., the rise occurred as the number of properties entering the foreclosure process slowed for the seventh consecutive month. Banks repossessed 95,364 properties in August, up 3 percent from July and an increase of 25 percent from August 2009.
Financial
70 Percent of Americans Surveyed Tell Fannie Mae It's a Good Time To Buy a Home
Almost three quarters of Americans give home buying the thumbs up, from 64 percent in a Fannie Mae survey conducted in January.