As the summer draws to a close, multiple opposing factors and trends are
competing to define the direction of the real estate market. After the Federal
Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate on July 31, 30-year mortgage rates
continued to decline, approaching all-time lows last seen in 2016 …
In July, the U.S. economic expansion that began in June 2009 became the longest in
the nation's history, marking 121 straight months of gross domestic product growth
and surpassing the 120-month expansion from 1991 to 2001. The average rate of
growth during this expansion has been …
As was widely expected, the Federal Reserve did not change the target range for
the federal funds rate – currently set at 2.25 to 2.5 percent – during their June
meeting. Although the economy is still performing well due to factors such as low
unemployment and …
At this point in the year, we are getting a good sense for how the housing market is
likely to perform for the foreseeable future. And although it is not a particularly
exciting forecast, it is a desirable one. Markets across the country are regulating
toward a middle …
It’s no secret that South Carolina is a retiree paradise, but you should be zeroing in on Columbia, the state’s capital, as your top destination for your Golden Years. The city offers all the modernities and amenities or city living, while still keeping a southern sensibility. Columbia is small …
View MoreFor much of the country, the first quarter of 2019 provided several disruptive
weather patterns that contributed to less foot traffic toward potential home sales.
Coupled with low affordability, higher prices and an inventory situation in its infancy
of recovering from record lows – not to mention several …
In addition to the quandary of ongoing housing price increases and affordability
concerns in many U.S. markets, the first quarter of 2019 saw a fair share of adverse
weather as well. Sales totals were mixed across the nation and sometimes
dependent on what was a persistent wintry …
It is worthwhile to mention the weather when discussing residential real estate for
large portions of the U.S. for February 2019, because this month has turned in some
impressively cold, rainy and snowy days that have stalled some buying and selling
actions. Nevertheless, housing markets have proven …
Despite a strong U.S. economy, historically low unemployment and steady wage
growth, home sales began to slow across the nation late last year. Blame was given
to a combination of high prices and a steady stream of interest rate hikes by the
Federal Reserve. This month, the …
Home prices were consistently up again in most markets in 2018 but at reduced
levels compared to recent years. High demand for few homes for sale fueled price
increases, but evidence is mounting that inventory will finally improve in 2019. This
may apply some downward pressure on prices …
