Eye On Housing
Author Archives
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GDP Back to Pre-Pandemic Level
In the second quarter of 2021, real GDP surged and returned its pre-pandemic level as the economy continued to reopen. This quarter’s growth reflected strong gains for consumer and state and local government spending. However, the second quarter gain did come in below consensus estimates. According to the “advance” estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), real gross… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Stabilizing in June
After four months of declines, existing home sales stabilized in June as housing inventory modestly improved, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). However, the median existing home price in June remained elevated and was the second-highest on record. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 1.4% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of… Read More ›
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Consumer Confidence Rises to Highest Level since March 2020
Consumer confidence continued its upward trend and approached to pre-pandemic level in May, as consumers became more upbeat about the current and future economic conditions and job market. Though short-term inflation expectations increased, it had little impact on consumer confidence or spending intentions. The share of consumers planning to buy homes, cars, and major appliances all increased, suggesting consumers will… Read More ›
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Half of New Single-Family Homes: Single-Story in 2020
Information obtained from the US Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) and tabulated by NAHB, shows that the share of two-story homes continued to decrease and the share of two or more stories homes started was equal to one story homes in 2020. The Mountain division was the only region for which the number of stories changed in 2020, though… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Fall Again Amid Soaring Home Prices
As low inventory continues to push home prices higher and squeeze out some buyers, existing home sales dropped to a eleven-month low in May, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The median existing home price in May surged to an all-time high; the largest annual pace on record. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Fall for the Third Straight Month
After reaching a record high in October, existing home sales, as reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), dropped to a ten-month low in April, as tight inventory continues to limit sales and fuel home price growth. The median existing home price in April surged to an all-time high and was the largest annual pace on record. Total existing… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Decline As Low Inventory Continues to Push Prices Higher
After reaching a record high in October, existing home sales, as reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), dropped to a seven-month low in March, as tight inventory continues to limit sales and fuel home price growth. The median existing home price in March surged to an all-time high and was the fastest pace on record. Total existing home… Read More ›
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Consumer Confidence Surges to One-Year High
After a modest increase in February, consumer confidence surged to the highest level in a year, as consumers reporting a significantly more positive view of the job market and the economic growth. However, concerns about inflation may cause consumers to temper their spending in the coming months. The Consumer Confidence Index, reported by the Conference Board, rose 19.3 points from… Read More ›
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More Consumers Expect to Buy a House over Next 4 Months
The December Household Spending Survey, published by the New York Federal Reserve Bank, showed a modest increase in household spending over the past four months, and a surge in the median expectation for year-ahead household spending to highest level since August 2015. Only 2.2% of households bought house or apartment over the past four months, lower than the 3.8% in… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Drop to Six-Month Low Amid Low Inventory
Following two months of gains, existing home sales, as reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), dropped to a six-month low in February, as tight inventory continues to strain sales and fuel home prices. Storm effects due to a Southern winter storm also had an effect. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, fell 6.6%… Read More ›