Eye On Housing
Author Archives
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Existing Home Sales End Year with Solid Gain
After a slight decline last month, existing home sales, released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), surged to near two-year high in December. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 3.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.54 million in December, the highest level since February 2018. On a year-over-year basis, sales were 10.8%… Read More ›
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Two-Story Foyer Less Common in 2018
Information obtained from the US Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) and tabulated by NAHB, shows that the share of new homes with a two-story foyer declined nationally and regionally except the West. According to the Census, a two-story foyer is defined as the entranceway inside the front door of the house and has a ceiling that is at the… Read More ›
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Consumer Confidence Decreases Marginally in December
Consumer confidence fell in December, following a slight improvement last month. This is the fourth decline in five months. The Consumer Confidence Index, reported by the Conference Board, slipped 0.3 points from 126.8 to 126.5 in December, as households are less optimistic about future employment and income. The Present Situation Index rose 3.4 points from 166.6 to 170.0, while the… Read More ›
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Pending Home Sales Rebound in November
Pending home sales in November bounced back from last month’s decline, led by gains in the West. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is a forward-looking indicator based on signed contracts. The PHSI rose 1.2% from 107.2 in October to 108.5 in November. Sales were 7.4% higher than a year ago, the… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Decline in November
After downward revisions made to October data, existing home sales, released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), declined more than expected in November. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, fell 1.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.35 million in November. On a year-over-year basis, sales were 2.7% higher than a year ago, fifth… Read More ›
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Air Conditioning and Heating Systems in New Homes
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. In 2018, 93.7 percent of new single-family homes started had a central AC system, almost the same share as in 2017 (93.5 percent). The trend, going back to 2000, shows a steady rise in the share… Read More ›
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Pending Home Sales Decline in October
After hitting a nearly two-year high last month, pending home sales fell slightly but remained solid in October. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is a forward-looking indicator based on signed contracts. The PHSI declined 1.7% from 108.6 in September to 106.7 in October. However, sales were still 4.4% higher than a… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Rebound in October
Despite the slowdown last month, existing home sales, released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), climbed more than expected in October. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 1.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.46 million in October. On a year-over-year basis, sales were 4.6% higher than a year ago. The first-time buyer… Read More ›
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Pending Home Sales Hit 21-month High in September
Benefitting from lower mortgage rates, pending home sales increased for the second straight month in September. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is a forward-looking indicator based on signed contracts. The PHSI rose 1.5% from 107.1 in August to 108.7 in September, highest level since December 2017. On a year-over-year basis, sales… Read More ›
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Existing Home Sales Disappoint in September
After reaching 17-month high last month, existing home sales, released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), fell more than expected in September despite low mortgage rates. Total existing home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, dropped 2.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.38 million in September. However, sales were still 3.9% higher than a year ago…. Read More ›