INDUSTRY NEWS
Some recent positive signs for homebuyers and sellers:
- The real estate industry is expected to strengthen this year and continue to get stronger through 2017, according to the Urban Land Institute Center for Capital Markets and Real Estate.
- The monthly payment on a median priced home is more affordable than the monthly fair market rent on a three-bedroom property in 76 percent of U.S. counties. (RealtyTrac)
- Existing-home sales rose 1.2 percent in February, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales are 4.7 percent higher than a year ago and above year-over-year totals for the fifth consecutive month.
- According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Census Bureau, sales of new homes rose 7.8 percent in February, reaching a seven-year high.
What’s for Sale?