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The Original Source
I frequently review media reports on the changes in the economic indicators relating to the contstruction and real estate industries. Occasionally, these reviews are frustratingly incomplete or unclear. So, it helps to review the source data. Here are links to primary sources so you can do the same and come to your own conclusions.
Data from the census bureau on housing permits, starts, and completions is available here.
The NAHB's web site provides a wealth of other data from its research here.
The monthly S&P/Case Shiller Housing Price Indices are available here. Its downloadable spreadsheet shows that our market's prices are at November 1999 levels. Even more vibrant markets (like San Francisco) are only at May 2002. To feel better, look at Detroit, which is back to August 1994.
Data from the census bureau on construction spending is available here.
Still interested in some expert interpretation of the data? Try this article from an economics professor at the University of Chicago. His conclusions: "Predicting the future is difficult," and housing figures for 2011 will look like 2010. |
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Upcoming Seminars
My colleagues and I frequently lecture on various legal topics. Often, this is through a company that organizes continuing education courses. However, we also present lectures in house for clients and others who will benefit from the information provided. If you are interested in setting up such a seminar, please let me know. Here are seminars on schedule in the near future:
April 4, 2011 Toledo, Ohio Commercial Collection Strategies
My colleague Melissa Jones will be discussing litigation basics in a seminar dedicated to Commercial Collection Strategies sponsored by NBI. Follow this link to learn more.
April 12, 2011 Independence, Ohio Construction Lien Law
My lecture on public project lien law is both entertaining and educational. Honest. If you do not think that's possible, come find out at this seminar sponsored by Lorman. If you do not want to pay full price to test me on that, then follow this link to get 20% off. Enter priority code 15800 and discount code F2716129. |
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Mike Nagle of WJE Leads Church of the Saviour Restoration Project I have had the pleasure of working with Mike Nagle of Wiss Janney & Elstner Associates, Inc. on a number of water intrusion projects. So, it was nice to see his work featured in a recent edition of Builders Exchange Magazine. The article notes that, like many such problems, the Church had a difficult time determining how the water was entering the building. Masonry and gutter repairs followed Mike's assessment, and leaded glass window repairs remain for a future date. Review this link for more information. |
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The Incredible Shrinking Law Firm
Frantz Ward is shrinking. No, I am not referring to staffing cuts like those implemented by many firms. Waistlines are shrinking due to a wellness program that has made the national news. Last year, the staff shed 400 pounds. The results have been so dramatic that I have signed up in order to improve my "plate discipline" (a baseball term that applies just as well to a dinner plate). I'll let you know if my discipline improves throughout the year. In the meantime, let me know if you would like to learn about how to implement such a program at your place of work. |
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The Big Bang: An Impact Victory for FW
Imagine a legal victory that immediately impacts the value of the stocks of the two companies involved. A team of lawyers from Frantz Ward's Labor & Employment Group recently achieved such a result. Read this alert to learn more. |
