It’s out! RE/MAX agents again claim the title of most productive among the national real estate brands. An analysis of the data contained in the 29th annual 2016 REAL Trends 500 survey shows that RE/MAX agents are more than twice as productive as the average of all other agents in the report. Productive agents, an unmatched global presence and the premier real estate brand. It all adds up to another banner year for RE/MAX agents and their clients!
Officials from mortgage giant Freddie Mac have made a bold prediction: This year housing starts and home prices will reach their highest levels since 2006.
The main reasons behind its bullish forecast is low mortgage rates, an improving job market, and a gradual increase in housing supply.
“Housing markets are poised for their best year in a decade,” says Sean Becketti, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “In our latest forecast, total home sales, housing starts, and home prices will reach their highest levels since 2006.”
Certain features near a home — like cemeteries and power plants — could drag down a home’s price. By analyzing home prices and appreciation rates in the 100 largest metro areas with a “drag-me-down facility,” realtor.com® recently identified which could have the biggest impact.
The South and West score big in a new Forbes list of the fastest-growing cities. Factors in the Forbes analysis include population, economic and job growth, and median pay for college-educated workers. Find out where Seattle lands and who rocks the top 10!
Patios are winning. In 2014, a majority of all new homes – 56 percent – were constructed with a patio. On the other hand, 23 percent of the new homes had a deck, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction.
While patios or decks both let you enjoy the outdoors, the differences matter. Patios are like courtyards and can be attached to or separate from a house. They can take any shape and can be built using any type of material. They’re always at ground level so they do not require railings, as decks do. Decks, typically made of wood or composite wood material, are not usually built at ground level so they can be used to enjoy a great view.
Home buyers are demanding more home features that help them save energy and keep the home organized, a new study released by the National Association of Home Builders, “Housing Preferences of the Boomer Generation: How They Compare to Other Home Buyers” reveals.
However, the generations – millennials (born 1980 or later); Gen X’ers (born 1965-1979); baby boomers (born 1946-1964); and seniors (born 1945 or earlier) – do show some differences in what home features they value the most. In a nationwide survey of more than 4,300 home buyers, NAHB pinpointed those differences and which features each generation most desires.
The following are the home features most wanted by each generation…
About 16.5 million households – or 38.7 million Americans – move annually. But Americans need to carefully screen those who help them move to make sure all goes smoothly in relocating their belongings.
U.S. News & World Report recently highlighted these three warning signs when choosing a moving company.
Select the photo above to read about one of the latest trends.
With tax burdens on the minds of many Americans as tax season approaches and election issues gain steam, one analysis of property taxes in the 50 states finds a wide spread of rates, including some surprising results.
24/7 Wall St. recently analyzed data from the Tax Foundation to review property taxes paid in each state as a percentage of home values to find which state’s home owners pay the most and least in property taxes.
Managing The Real Estate Details 