Last week's economic news included readings from the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index and July readings on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on initial jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. NAHB: Home Builder Sentiment Remains High According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence in housing market conditions rose one point to an index reading of 66 for August. Housing Market Index readings showed that builder sentiment has held steady with readings of 64 to 66; any reading over 50 indicates … [Read More...]
The average size of an American home has been increasing since the 1970s. The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) reports that, in 1973, the median size for a new home in the United States was 1,660 square feet. Over the past 45 years or so, this increased by more than 1,000 square feet. The median size of a new home is now 2,687 square feet. The Problem With Big Houses At first, a big house is appealing until one tries to clean it or pay the utility bills. Many baby boomers, who are now nearing retirement age, are downsizing, especially if their children have all moved away. Moreover, … [Read More...]
What can be done with a house that is just perfect but it is in a bad neighborhood or a dangerous spot? Think about homes that are in decent condition; yet, too close to the water. America is experiencing flooding now that is not supposed to happen in 500 years. That cute little beach bungalow could easily get wiped out in the next hurricane. It might be time to think about moving those homes to a safer area or higher ground. The International Association of Structural Movers says that around 8,000 homes are moved each year in America. Relocation may be due to hazards, such as the erosion of … [Read More...]
It's often harder to make friends as an adult than it is when you're a child. It's even more challenging to make adult friends when you move into a new neighborhood. You may feel like people already have their own group of friends and aren't looking to include newcomers. Of course, that's just an illusion. Here are some easy ways to implement tips for making friends in your new neighborhood. Put Out The Welcome Mat Make your front door inviting to the neighbors. Place some cheery flower pots near the porch and buy a nice welcome mat for the front door. Be sure to put fresh light bulbs in the … [Read More...]
Many baby boomers are reaching retirement age. If they set up their financial planning well, while younger, they should have accumulated enough wealth to have some discretionary money available for making investments. Others, who may be just starting out, have some investment capital but not necessarily enough to buy a piece of commercial real estate on their own. These investors might enjoy a real estate investment pool, also called an investors' club. Pooling Resources One way to get some investment participation in real estate is to pool investment funds needed to have enough for the down … [Read More...]
Last week's economic releases included readings on consumer credit, job openings and weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims. Consumer Credit Use, Job Openings Slow in June Consumer credit use slowed in June as credit card use lost ground. Non-revolving credit, which typically includes education and auto loans, grew at its slowest pace in three months. Mortgage loans are not included in the Federal Reserve's report on consumer credit. Consumer credit use grew by $14.6 billion year-over-year in June as compared to May's year-over-year reading of $16.0 billion. … [Read More...]
