Blog – Page 722 of 759

30 Aug 2013

7 Simple Steps To Finish Your Basement This Holiday Weekend

Around The Home

Not only does the Labor Day weekend signal a little time off work, but it also indicates a close to the summer season, which means it's time to get ready for colder weather. So get in the spirit of the long weekend and put the labor of love into your home by creating a cozy hideaway that your family can retreat to once the outdoors become too chilly. One of the best places to create this snug space is to mimic hibernating animals and go under ground — to the basement. Whether your lowest level needs a facelift or is…

29 Aug 2013

By Mark Feder

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Pending Home Sales Indicates That The Housing Recovery Is Progressing

Housing Analysis

The National Association of REALTORS reported Wednesday that pending sales of existing homes fell by 1.30 percent in July. According to the organization's Pending Home Sales Index, this was the second straight month that pending home sales dropped. July's Pending Home Sales Index reading was 109.50. Signed Purchase Contracts For Existing Homes Tracked In The U.S. ·Northeast: - 6.60 percent ·Midwest: - 1.00 percent ·West: - 4.90 percent ·South: + 2.60 percent Pending home sales were 6.70 percent higher year-over-year on a national basis. This indicates that the housing recovery is progressing, but at…

28 Aug 2013

By Mark Feder

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Case Shiller Price Index Shows Home Prices Are Still Increasing

Housing Analysis

Home prices are still rising, but at a slower pace according to the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices for June. Home prices for the cities surveyed in the HPI rose by 12.10 percent on an annual basis as compared to May's reading of 12.20 percent. This is the highest rate of monthly growth for home prices since the peak of the housing bubble in 2006. June's home prices remained approximately 23 percent lower than peak prices, but economists consider the bubble peak an anomaly and caution against comparing current home prices to the peak prices seen in 2006. Overall Housing…

27 Aug 2013

By Mark Feder

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Existing Home Sales Report Shows Highest New Home Inventory Since January 2012

FHFA

The National Association of REALTORS reported that existing home sales for July came in at 5.39 million on a seasonally adjusted annual basis. July's reading exceeded both expectations of 5.21 million existing homes sold and June's reading of 5.06 million homes sold. This suggests good news for home buyers who've been constrained by limited supplies of homes for sale. As home prices continue increasing in many areas, more homeowners are likely to list their homes for sale. Existing home sales for July rose by 6.80 percent year-over-year. The Federal Housing Finance Agency Home Price Index reported a 7.70 percent year…