Tag Archives: Home Sales

Economic activity "expanded" in the closing weeks of 2012, the Federal Reserve said in its periodic Beige Book released Wednesday, reflecting a slow but steadily declining unemployment rate and low rates of inflation--conditions the Fed said would have to be met before it raises interest rates. According to the report, "real estate activity has expanded or held steady in 11 Districts for existing home sales and leasing; eight Districts for residential construction; 11 Districts for nonresidential sales and leasing; and nine Districts for nonresidential construction."

Builder confidence stalled in January as the Housing Market Index (HMI) stood at 47, remaining at its highest level since April 2006, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported Wednesday. Economists had expected the index to tick up to 48. With the January report, the index remained below 50--the tipping point between a positive and negative market assessment--for the 81st straight month. The last time the HMI was above 50 was April 2006, when the reading was 51 and falling.

Redfin studied 48 emerging neighborhoods located within 16 major metro areas to determine which neighborhoods showed the most promise this year.

The housing market felt December's chill as home sales, listings, and prices all slipped, according to Redfin's Real-Time Price Tracker. While it's not unusual to see the market cool off in the holiday season, December's decline in listings was considerable compared to the years prior. According to Redfin, listings were down 11.5 percent from November, 33 percent from December 2011, and 44 percent from December 2010. The lack of selection had a hindering effect on sales.

December saw mixed signals in terms of housing demand, according to Redfin's latest Real-Time Demand Pulse.

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) increased for the third straight month in November, improving 1.7 percent to 106.4, the National Association of Realtors reported Friday. Economists had expected a slightly fast, 1.8 percent increase to 106.7. [IMAGE] The index, the NAR said, is at its highest level since April 2010.

New home sales jumped 4.4 percent in November to 377,000, the highest level since April 2010, the Census Bureau and HUD.

Economic indicators are never clear and are not isolated bits of data. The numbers released in the week before Christmas provided another example of that maxim.

No matter how foggy the haze is, economists typically dust off their crystal balls in December. However economic forecasts too often involve driving by looking in a rear-view mirror. Because housing is a unique expenditure--combining elements of investment and a service--it depends on a variety of elements. The biggest question mark over the housing picture, though, is the fiscal cliff and the on-again, off-again negotiations to avoid a national financial calamity.

2012's upward trends in most housing indicators point to continued growth in the new year--but the road to recovery isn't clear yet, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says in its 2013 outlook. NAHB chief economist David Crowe notes the market is transitioning from a very low demand level to a case where supply may be a problem. As new homes are built to address supply concerns, the new stock is expected to take a much more active role in the recovery.