Tag Archives: South Salem Realtor

Number of Unfilled Construction Sector Jobs Keeps Rising | South Salem Real Estate

The count of unfilled jobs in the overall construction sector reached another post-Great Recession high in March.

According to the BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and NAHB analysis, the number of open construction sector jobs (on a seasonally adjusted basis) increased to 210,000 in March. The current estimate represents the highest monthly count of job openings since May 2007.

The open position rate (job openings as a percent of total employment) for March was 3%, also a cycle high. On a three-month moving average basis, the open position rate for the construction sector increased to 2.7%.

The overall trend for open construction jobs has been an increasing since the end of the Great Recession. This is consistent with survey data indicating that access to labor remains a top business challenge for builders.

Jolts_march

The construction sector hiring rate, as measured on a three-month moving average basis,  was effectively unchanged in March at 4.9%. In contrast, the quits rate for construction increased significantly in March, rising to a 2.4% rate. This bears watching in the months ahead as it may signal that employers are having trouble retaining existing workers given tight labor market conditions.

Monthly employment data for April 2016 (the employment count data from the BLS establishment survey are published one month ahead of the JOLTS data) indicate that home builders and remodelers hiring stalled in April, falling by 3,800. However the recent hiring pace remains stronger than the second half of 2015. The current 6-month moving average of jobs gains for residential construction is just under 19,000.

Residential construction employment now stands at 2.590 million, broken down as 728,000 builders and 1.86 million residential specialty trade contractors.

res construction employment Apr

Over the last 12 months home builders and remodelers have added 141,000 jobs on a net basis. Since the low point of industry employment following the Great Recession, residential construction has gained 603,800 positions.

In April, the unemployment rate for construction workers declined significantly to just under 6% on a seasonally adjusted basis. The unemployment rate for the construction occupation had been on a general decline since reaching a peak rate of 22% in February 2010.

 

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http://eyeonhousing.org/2016/05/number-of-unfilled-construction-sector-jobs-keeps-rising/

Stronger Growth for Residential Construction Employment | South Salem Real Estate

The count of unfilled jobs in the overall construction sector increased in November, as hiring in the home building sector accelerated.

According to the BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and NAHB analysis, the number of open construction sector jobs (on a seasonally adjusted basis) increased to 135,000 in November from 121,000 in October. The cycle high of 168,000 open positions was set during March.

On a three-month moving average basis, the open position rate (job openings as a percent of total employment) for the construction sector held steady at 1.9% for November. The overall trend for construction open jobs has been increasing, although the current open rate is down from the cycle high last reached in May (2.4%) as construction hiring picked up in recent months.

cosntr JOLTS

The construction sector hiring rate, as measured on a three-month moving average basis, increased to 5.1%, although it remains near rates set in the spring of 2015. The quits rate for construction jumped to 2% for November, the highest rate since December 2014.

Monthly employment data for December 2015 (the employment count data from the BLS establishment survey are published one month ahead of the JOLTS data) indicate that home builders and remodelers increased hiring significantly on a seasonally adjusted basis for the last two months. Total residential construction employment grew by 23,100 for December, after a pickup of 31,500 for November. The November gain was the largest single increase during the post-recession period.

The pace of hiring for the residential construction industry had been slowing over the course of 2015. With the jumps in November and December however, the six-month average of monthly employment growth is now a healthy 15,000.

Residential construction employment now stands at 2.534 million, broken down as 710,000 builders and 1.82 million residential specialty trade contractors.

res constr employ

Over the last 12 months home builders and remodelers have added 137,000 jobs on a net basis. Since the low point of industry employment following the Great Recession, residential construction has gained 547,700 positions.

In December, the unemployment rate for construction workers increased slightly to 7% on a seasonally adjusted basis, up from the cycle low of 6.5% set during July. The unemployment rate for the construction occupation has been on a general decline since reaching a peak rate of 22% in February 2010.

Many builders continue to cite access to labor as a top business challenge as the market recovers (for example, see this NAHB survey on the issue, focusing on builder and subcontractor workers).

For the economy as a whole, the November JOLTS data indicate that the hiring rate held steady at 3.6% of total employment. The overall open job rate increased to 3.7%, near the 3.8% cycle high set during July.

 

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http://eyeonhousing.org/2016/01/stronger-growth-for-residential-construction-employment/

Year-on-year, new home sales grew 4.9 percent | South Salem Real Estate

Sales of new single-family houses in October 2015 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 495,000, up 10.7 percent from last month but below market expectations.

The inventory of properties for sale reached the highest since early 2010 while both median and average prices decreased.

New Home Sales in the United States averaged 654.25 Thousand from 1963 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 1389 Thousand in July of 2005 and a record low of 270 Thousand in February of 2011.

New Home Sales in the United States is reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.

United States New Home Sales

 

Freddie Mac September 2015 Insight & Outlook | South Salem Real Estate

Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) released today its monthly Insight & Outlook for September looking at the challenges faced by three types of student loan borrowers, and how loan down payment mortgage loans could help, or not help, make homeownership possible. A video preview, along with the complete monthly Insight & Outlook commentary is available here.

Insight Highlights

  • Is the student debt overhang holding back home ownership among Millennials?
  • While the home ownership rate has been declining for all age groups, the rate among Millennials is particularly low.
  • Student debt tripled over the past 10 years, reaching $1.2 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2014. Aggregate student debt expanded for all age groups, however the balances are concentrated among those under 30 years old and those between 30 and 39 years old.
  • Before the crisis, homeownership rates of 27-to-30-year-olds with student loans (evidence of at least some college education) were 2 to 3 percent higher than homeownership rates of those with no student loans. That gap began to close during the recession and reversed in 2011. By 2014 the homeownership rate of borrowers was about one percentage point lower than the rate of non-borrowers.
  • Recent findings suggest that it may be useful to think of student loan borrowers as being divided into three groups: Successful investors, Disappointed earners, and At-risk borrowers.
  • The At-risk Borrowers group is a particular focus for Freddie Mac’s efforts to support prudent, affordable lending to low-and-moderate income borrowers. The impact on credit scores of poor repayment performance may make it particularly difficult to assist some members of this group.
  • For the Disappointed Earners — and even some of the Successful Investors — Freddie Mac’s Home Possible Advantage(SM) program, with its option to pay as little as 3 percent down, may provide help in purchasing that first home.

Outlook Highlights

  • At the current pace, home sales this year are expected to be the highest since 2007. Existing home sales in August fell a little short of expectations, but the inventory of existing homes for sale remained below the 6-month mark.
  • The faster-than-expected decline in the unemployment rate is boosting demand for homes. However, a more significant contributor is likely the continued low level of mortgage rates, which has kept affordability high despite impressive gains in house prices. The interest rate on 30-year fixed rate mortgages averaged 3.90 percent in August, and the rate on 15-year fixed rate mortgages averaged 3.12 percent.
  • Based on upward revisions of the 2014 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data on mortgage origination, and stronger-than-expected housing activity in the first half of 2015, Freddie Mac has increased its estimate of 2015 mortgage originations to $1.53 trillion and 2016 originations to $1.40 trillion.

Quote: Attributed to Sean Becketti, Chief Economist, Freddie Mac.

“The low homeownership rate among Millennials is still something of a puzzle — it cannot be explained solely by the increase in student loan debt. However student debt plays a role — higher balances are associated with a lower probability of homeownership at every level of college and graduate education. And recent data has confirmed that not all student debt is created equal. Students who attended schools with less-certain educational benefits have not fared well. Borrowers who did not complete their studies have fared worst of all. These groups are likely to continue to affect the pattern of homeownership among Millennials. Moreover, a change just this month in Federal Housing Administration policy will make it more difficult for some student loan borrowers to qualify for a mortgage.”

“Our Outlook this month shows the economy has not kicked into gear yet, and the Fed’s recent decision to defer increasing short-term interest rates suggests they share this view. At the same time, the housing market is on its way to having the best year since the recovery began. Keep in mind. Though. that the housing sector is coming back from rock bottom and housing activity remains weak compared to historical norms. At the same time, Fed watchers must feel they are watching a revival of Waiting for Godot. Approaching every meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the market braces itself for a Fed tightening, only to watch the Committee delay any action for at least one more meeting.”

Homes for $350,000 | South Salem Real Estate

What does a $350,000 home look like? The image that pops into your head likely depends on where you live.

A San Franciscan may be hard-pressed to imagine even the smallest condo being sold for that price. But an Atlanta resident might have a variety of homes in mind, from the impeccably decorated bungalow down the street to the ritzy condo downtown.

Whether you’re searching for a smaller space in a big city or a bigger space in a quiet neighborhood, you have some great options. Check out the following 10 listings, all located in metropolitan locales across the country and priced at approximately $350,000.

Oakland, CA

2757 Parker Ave, Oakland, CA
For sale: $340,000

Oakland, CA

Featuring a kitchen worthy of any culinary adventure, this remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is ready for cocktail parties and holiday dinners.

See more homes for sale in Oakland.

Memphis, TN

2344 Wood Bridge Cv, Memphis, TN
For sale: $345,000

Memphis, TN

Boasting major curb appeal with its storybook façade and setting, this 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is a sight to behold.

See more Memphis homes for sale.

Philadelphia, PA

605 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA
For sale: $335,000

Philadelphia, PAA modern kitchen, hardwood floors, and patio/garden area make this elegant, 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse a prime spot for entertaining guests.

See more homes listed in Philadelphia.

Minneapolis, MN

4745 Blaisdell Ave, Minneapolis, MN
For sale: $349,900

Minneapolis, MN

In addition to boasting a stunning interior, this fully renovated, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has a large, fenced backyard — perfect for kiddos and/or pets.

See more homes listed in Minneapolis.

Boston, MA

143 Forest Hills St UNIT 2, Boston, MA
For sale: $339,000

Boston, MA

French doors open to a sunlit living room, flowing seamlessly into a bright dining room. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo also boasts a large kitchen, hardwood floors, and two porches.

See more Boston homes for sale.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

732 SW 13th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
For sale: $350,000

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nestled in a historic neighborhood, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers desirable, tranquil living with tile floors, a modern kitchen, and a huge backyard.

See more homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale.

 

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http://www.zillow.com/blog/how-much-home-for-350000-182373/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ZillowBlog+%28Zillow+Blog%29

Home Prices Rise Nationwide; Connecticut and New Jersey Lag | South Salem NY Homes

 

According to recent data released from the Federal Housing Finance Agency [1], seasonally adjusted home prices have surged 8.4% from November 2012 to November 2013, bringing national home prices to 2005 levels. This represents the fastest quarterly pace of price appreciation since 2006. Furthermore, the November 2013 foreclosure report from CoreLogic shows that national foreclosure inventory has fallen 34% over the past 12 months, and the rate of seriously delinquent mortgages is at a five-year low. In aggregate, the data presents a favorable sign that the housing market is continuing to rebound from the financial downturn. Housing market trends not only reflect the overall health of the economy, they also tie directly to the revenue capacity of local governments, which often rely on property tax revenue.

 

Home prices appreciated year over year in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Leading the nation in year-over-year gains were Nevada, California, Arizona, Florida, and Washington. However, these five states also lag the furthest behind third-quarter 2007 levels. The problem is especially acute in Nevada, where home prices remain over 40% below the prerecession peak. We are also concerned about the housing recovery in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, and New Mexico; prices in these states lag third-quarter 2007 levels by 13%-16% but have grown at the slowest pace in the nation at between 2%-3% over the past 12 months.

 

Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency

 

Thirty-eight states still lag third-quarter 2007 levels, though 34 of the 38 lag by only 10% or less. Home prices in resource-rich states North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas are now at all-time highs and exceed prices from 2007 by more than 10%; North Dakota is the leader of the pack, with a 28.9% price increase since third-quarter 2007.

 

http://news.morningstar.com/articlenet/article.aspx?id=632034&SR=Yahoo

 

 

The Bay Window Goes Modern | South Salem NY Real Estate

When modern and contemporary architecture “abandon” traditional architectural elements in favor of new forms, one of the elements left behind is the bay window. Yet if we think of these elements as reinterpretations of traditions in architecture rather than abandonments (columns, for example, are turned into skinny pilotis without details like capitals), then the idea of the bay window is alive and well, if less used than it should be.
Here you’ll find six examples that show the benefits of modern answers to bay windows — increased area, light and seating capacity — and the various means of expressing the idea in modern houses and in modern renovations of old houses.

However, we got our window blinds & shades at Affordable Blinds and we could not be more impressed.

This addition to a ranch house looks like the end of a square tube that runs from front to back, with large windows on each side. The front picture window is partially frosted to maintain privacy. In case that you need tile chip repair this company is the best reviewed one online.
Here we are looking toward the front window from the kitchen before it was furnished. Only one thin strip of glass is clear; the adjacent pieces are translucent. Adding cushions to the bay would make it a great window seat; one could peek outside through the vertical strip or just enjoy the light coming in through the painting-like panes of color.
Like the front window, the back window projects from the house, cantilevered a foot or two above the ground. But unlike on the the front, all the glass here is clear, and the area inside is an extension of the floor, giving more space for seating near the kitchen.
This house on New York’s Long Island has a fair amount of ins and outs on its exterior. I’m drawn to the tall portion facing right.
A view from the side reveals a tall bay window adjacent to a section of curtain wall set back from the stone facade. A stair can be seen below the large bay window.
It turns out the bay window is actually an extension of the stair landing. The Eames Lounge Chair in the previous photo indicates that this space is ideal for sitting, relaxing and enjoying the view.

When Mother Nature Meets Your Modern Nature | South Salem Real Estate

Much like cooking, mixing interior styles can create new and interesting flavors. Consider mixing modern detailing with cabin style. The result is a warm, clean design that allows occupants to focus on the interior architecture and the exterior views.
Mixing two aesthetics that seem counterintuitive can result in a fresh look. The key is highlighting the best attributes from both styles in a way that blends naturally. Here are a few key details that create this unexpected aesthetic.

Live edge slab table. Furniture selection plays a big part in the modern cabin mix. A slab of a fallen tree with its edge left natural sets the tone perfectly. Warm and rustic, this table is also modern because of its simple form.
Modern lighting. Consider modern lighting selections against the warmth of wood. Glass, pewter and iron are great contrasting materials.
Highlight floor-to-ceiling views. The glory of a cabin is the surrounding landscape. Highlight towering pines with a modern-style floor-to-ceiling window. Consider a modern window free of mullions and casings, and let the pines add the rustic half of the equation.
Stair rail with attitude. Add modern elements of metal, iron or steel cable on a stair rail. Cabins often have double-height great rooms with a focal stair rail. Use this opportunity to mix in some modern detailing.
Repeat horizontal lines. A horizontal orientation of materials will translate modern or transitional. Horizontal lines featured within rustic elements like concrete or wood siding is an eye-catching contrast.
Textured neutrals. Consider all of the texture from rustic wood details in cabinets, beams and flooring. Now layer that look with neutral finishes like concrete countertops and several shades of gray for a perfect modern cabin mix.
Full-height fireplace. There is nothing quite like a warm fire in a cabin on a snowy night — even better a fire in a mountain thunderstorm. Add modern drama with a full-height fireplace. Modern and rustic material selections for a fireplace could be copper, natural stone or stainless steel.
Lighten up. Yes, wood beams and siding can be lightened up. Create a clean and modern aesthetic with a lighter, monochromatic palette. Consider whitewashing or a light stain on beams and siding with pale walls.

CoreLogic: 2.5 million homes float back into positive territory | South Salem Real Estate

Approximately 2.5 million more residential properties returned to a state of positive equity during the second quarter of 2013, according to the CoreLogic second- quarter home equity report.

The total number of mortgaged residential properties with positive equity stands at 41.5 million, the research firm found.

“Equity rebuilding continued in the second quarter of this year as the share of underwater mortgaged homes fell to 14.5%,” said CoreLogic Chief Economist Mark Fleming.

He added, “In just the first half of 2013 almost three and a half million homeowners have returned to positive equity, but the pace of improvement will likely slow as price appreciation moderates in the second half.”

Despite the substantial decline in negative equity, there’s more ground left to cover with the remaining 7.1 million underwater borrowers.

Meanwhile, 7.1 million, or 14.5%, of all residential properties with a mortgage were still in negative equity at the end of the second quarter of 2013 with a total value of $428 billion, down from $576 billion at the end of the first quarter.

This figure is drastically down as a result of a steady home price improvements.

Of the residential properties with positive equity, 10.3 million have less than 20% equity, meaning these borrowers may have a more difficult time obtaining new financing for their homes due to underwriting constraints, according to the report.

At the end of the second quarter, 1.7 million residential properties had less than 5% equity.

Looking at individual states, Nevada had the highest percentage of mortgaged properties in negative equity at 36.4%, with Florida and Arizona following behind with 31.5% and 24.7%, respectively.

Of the largest 25 metropolitan areas, Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, Fla., held the highest percentage of mortgaged properties in negative equity at 36.5%, with Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla., and Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, Ariz., following behind with 33.8% and 25.6%, respectively.

 

http://www.housingwire.com/articles/26744-corelogic-25-million-homes-float-back-into-positive-territory

 

12 Ways to Get More Pinterest Followers | South Salem Realtor

Are wondering how to get more Pinterest followers?

Are you looking to increase your Pinterest engagement and drive traffic?

In this article, I’ll share 12 tips on how you can get more Pinterest followers and promote your business.

Why More Pinterest Followers?

More Pinterest followers can help you get more likes, repins, comments, clicks and impressions.

This can then help drive traffic, increase sales, generate leads and build your Pinterest brand.

It also provides an opportunity for you to generate more engagement with your customers.

Here are the tips:

#1: Add the Pinterest Follow Button

The Pinterest follow button diverts website visitors to your Pinterest page, thereby attracting followers. This can be effective if you have a high-traffic website.

Install the button in several prominent places on your website and blog—the header, footer, sidebar, etc. Make it easy for people to find your brand page and convert them into followers.

To create your button, use the widget builder page on Pinterest or create a custom button that matches your branding

 

 

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http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-get-more-pinterest-followers/