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Owners, Renters Agree: Owning a Home is a Smart Decision |
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A substantial majority of both home owners and current renters agree that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term. That's according to the results of a National Association of Realtors® survey of 3,793 adults conducted online by Harris Interactive.
The American Attitudes About Homeownership survey found that in today's challenging economy, 95 percent of owners and 72 percent of renters believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home. In addition, an overwhelming majority of home owners are happy with their decision to own a home - 93 percent of owners surveyed would buy again.
The survey results offer some great information you can use! Check them out >> |
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For a good overview of market activity, every month on about the 15th market stats recapping the prior month's activity are posted here on the KCRAR website. Links to many prior months' reports are also posted for reference and comparisons.
Go online for the full report, a brief summary of which (from the most-recently posted stats for December 2010) shows:
- An average combined (new and existing) sales price of $158,120, 3% higher than December 2009.
- Combined home sales of 1,714, 5% higher than the previous month.
- Combined home inventory of 15,238, 9% higher than December 2010.
- Supply of homes on the market (calculated by dividing inventory by the 12-month average of the number of sales) was 8 months for combined new and existing. This represents a market favoring buyers since the supply exceeds 6 months.
Heartland MLS Participants and Subscribers can find additional reports with more detail via the "Heartland Forms & Documents" link on the HMLS Matrix homepage. |
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Best, Worst Real Estate Markets |
More than 15 states are projected to experience housing inflation or appreciation during the year, according to Housing Predictor, which releases an annual report of its choices for best and worst housing markets.
The top housing markets are: 
1. Portland, Maine
2. Kansas City, Kan.
3. Tri-Cities, Wash.
4. Omaha, Neb.
5. Fargo, N.D.
17. Overland Park, Kan.
However, not all markets will fare well in 2011, with the foreclosure crisis particularly still battering some areas as well as high unemployment and overbuilding during the boom era that has led to high home inventories.
View all 25 best and 25 worst markets that made the list in the Housing Predictor report. |
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Housing Industry Stands Ready to Protect MID |
Housing groups are prepared to save the mortgage interest deduction from becoming a target of Congress.
Read more > |
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FHFA Plans Big Moves to Rescue Lending |
Federal officials are considering ways to make more lenders modify loans of struggling home owners and boost the overall housing market to avoid a second financial crisis. Read more > |
KCRAR Events throughout the region |
 Region plans for 2011 started taking shape in December as committees met in all four KCRAR Regions. If you couldn't make it to your meeting but still want to serve on a Region committee, please let Jennifer Dreiling know. Give her a call at 913-266-5909 or drop her an e-mail at jenniferd@kcrar.com.
Watch for announcements about 2011 Region events - you're always invited to all of the events regardless of which Region is serving as host!
Coming up on Wednesday, Feb. 16: Threats to Your Industry, an informational session hosted by the Rivers Region. Find out what real estate-related issues are up for discussion by our government - issues that could impact your business and your bottom line! Get all the details here or sign up online here. |
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 Have a Missouri license?
The real estate commission now requires your fingerprints.
For how-to's and details, see MREC's New Fingerprinting Q & A's. Get yours done pronto! |
