Monthly Archive:: July 2012
Case-Shiller Index
In each Economic Update, the Research staff analyzes recently released economic indicators and addresses what these indicators mean for REALTORS® and their clients. Today’s update discusses the Case-Shiller home price index....
July 31, 2012
Low Rates, But Who Can Get Them?
The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage hit another all-time low last week according to Freddie Mac. Last week’s average rate was 3.49 percent, breaking the 3.5 percent threshold and more than a full point below the...
July 31, 2012
Price Inflation of Everyday Items
When the government reports that the inflation rate is such and such, price changes are based on hundreds of items. Everything from the price of spices and condiments to the prices of bedroom furniture and indoor plants are included...
July 30, 2012
REALTORS® Confidence Index: First Time Buyers
First time home buyers accounted for 32 percent of total buyers in the latest Realtors® Confidence Index, slightly lower than the May figure of 34 percent. Normally first time buyers are in the neighborhood of 40 percent of total residential...
July 30, 2012
Olympic Predictions
Which country will take home the most medals? That is an easy call because medal count and economic power go hand-in-hand. China is ascending while Russia is slipping. Despite sluggish economic growth, the United State maintains an indisputable top...
July 27, 2012