Positive November Housing Articles

November Housing Starts Article

http://bit.ly/77gW9t

Housing starts rose significantly in November. This is a good sign even with the first time homebuyer credit stimulus. Housing starts have always been a key leading indicator of the economy. If December is a positive gain, I would then think that the economy is starting to recover. The tax credit extension will have an artificial effect but a significant jump in housing starts during in the winter months and especially around the holidays is not typical. This may have everything to do with builders re-tooling their product line to be more competitive with the existing inventory and lower prices. When new homes are a viable alternative to the resale market, buyers will gravitate to new construction especially new homebuyers.



Home Buyer Confidence Article

http://bit.ly/51CUfc

A positive consumer outlook bodes well for the upcoming year in real estate. For many years, California has been the bell weather state for real estate trends, maybe in design but unfortunately in foreclosures as well. This article specifically cites the positive movement in Southern California. Watch the real estate trends in California closely during the first quarter of 2010 – the results will trickle to other markets in the second and third quarters. The pent up demand from new family formations and population growth will soon cause builders to ramp up their operations which in return create jobs, etc. etc. This is a good thing!