Eye On Housing
Author Archives
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Auto Loans and Mortgages for Younger Households
Homeownership continues to be a primary driver of household wealth, according to the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). Though homeownership rates increase with age, young households, those under the age of 35, experienced the largest gains for homeownership in 2019. Additionally, the share of young households with home mortgage debt and auto loans increased, while share with education loans… Read More ›
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Homeownership Rates by Race and Ethnicity
The Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) provides detailed information on the finances of U.S. families, including income, net worth, balance sheet components, credit use, and other financial outcomes. A previous analysis indicated that the primary residence continued to be the largest asset category on the balance sheets of households in 2019 and it accounted for about one quarter of all… Read More ›
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Consumer Confidence Falls to 7-month Low in September
Consumer confidence fell for a third consecutive month in September, as concerns about the Delta variant and higher prices continued to dampen optimism. Spending intentions for homes, cars, and major appliances all retreated. However, consumer confidence was still at a high level and the consumer price index has shown signs of easing inflation. The Consumer Confidence Index, reported by the… Read More ›
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Two-Story Foyer Sees an Opposite Trend in 2020
Information obtained from the US Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) and tabulated by NAHB, shows the share of new homes with a two-story foyer increased in regions where we saw a decline in 2019. However, most new single-family homes were still built without a two-story foyer nationally and regionally. According to the Census, a two-story foyer is defined as… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Fall in August
As tight inventory continued to push up prices, existing home sales fell in August but remain above pre-pandemic levels, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Though the median existing home prices has increased 34% since January 2020, housing demand remains strong thanks to low mortgage rates and buyers are waiting for more inventory. Total existing home sales, including… Read More ›
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More New Homes Built with Air Conditioning
The Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) provides valuable information on the characteristics of new homes started construction, such as air conditioning and heating system installations. Air Conditioning In 2020, 95.4 percent of new single-family homes started had a central AC system, slightly higher than 95.0 percent in 2019. The trend, going back to 2000, shows a steady rise in the share… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Rise in July as Inventory Improves
After four months of declines, existing home sales increased for the second consecutive month in July as housing inventory continued to improve, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Though the median existing home price in July remained elevated, home prices may level off if inventory gradually increases in the coming months. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes,… Read More ›
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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 ›