Monthly Archives: May 2018

But are we ready to change?

Posted on May 31, 2018 by grim

From the comments the other day, but good enough to get top page billing. From the NY Times: As Office Parks Empty, Towns Turn Vacancies Into Opportunities Perched off a busy road in northern New Jersey with sweeping vistas of … Continue reading →

Posted in Demographics, Economics, Employment, New Development, New Jersey Real Estate | 159 Comments

Another month, another jump in prices

Posted on May 30, 2018 by grim

From MarketWatch: Home prices are still on a tear, Case-Shiller says The numbers: The S&P/Case-Shiller national index rose a seasonally adjusted 0.4% and was up 6.5% compared to a year ago in March. The 20-city index rose a seasonally adjusted … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing Bubble, Housing Recovery, National Real Estate | 137 Comments

Up Up Up Up Up

Posted on May 29, 2018 by grim

From Mortgage Professional: Mortgage rates keep climbing Mortgage rates continued their steady climb through the week ending May 24 to reach their highest level since May 5, 2011, according to the Primary Mortgage Market Survey released by Freddie Mac. Rates … Continue reading →

Posted in Mortgages, National Real Estate | 74 Comments

Fix it, Sell it, or Get Out

Posted on May 28, 2018 by grim

From the APP: A tool for targeting the ‘zombie houses’ of Toms River, throughout the Shore They’re called “zombie houses,” and they can suck the life out of any neighborhood. Zombie homes are properties whose owners have walked away from … Continue reading →

Posted in New Development, New Jersey Real Estate, Politics | 21 Comments

Hey Democrats, where’s our pot?

Posted on May 26, 2018 by grim

From the Washington Post: N.J. Democrats loved the idea of taxing the rich — until they actually could do it Democrats in the New Jersey state legislature approved a tax hike on millionaires five separate times under then-Gov. Chris Christie … Continue reading →

Posted in New Jersey Real Estate, Politics | 59 Comments

Fed not taking the juice away … yet

Posted on May 25, 2018 by grim

From HousingWire: Fed changes tune on raising interest rates this year The Federal Reserve has been forecasting an average two to four rate hikes in 2018, however the minutes from its latest meeting reveal a more dovish approach. Many experts … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Mortgages, National Real Estate | 124 Comments

Start looking to sell?

Posted on May 24, 2018 by grim

From MarketWatch: Thinking of selling your home? Do it before 2020, economists say Prospective home buyers these days are probably feeling pressure to lock in a deal quickly given skyrocketing home prices across most of the country. But those who … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Employment, National Real Estate | 188 Comments

If you thought the Russians were sneaky…

Posted on May 22, 2018 by grim

From NJ101.5: If you’re looking to buy a house in New Jersey be forewarned – the people selling the house may have you under secret surveillance. As the price of video security systems like nanny cams continues to drop and … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, New Jersey Real Estate | 246 Comments

Hot or Not

Posted on May 21, 2018 by grim

From the Star Ledger: These 15 N.J. real estate markets are sizzling hot right now, spring edition 15. Hoboken Current home value: $788,190 Yearly growth: 8.16 Hoboken is a strong city for working millennials. It’s is a little younger than … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing Bubble, Housing Recovery, New Jersey Real Estate | 142 Comments

You buyin’ this?

Posted on May 16, 2018 by grim

From the Star Ledger: Murphy’s state bank would help working families, boost local economy New Jersey has an investment problem. The Garden State’s numerous credit downgrades, budget shortfalls, crumbling infrastructure, chronic underfunding of critical programs and priorities are well known. … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, New Jersey Real Estate, Politics | 262 Comments

“This time it’s different”

Posted on May 12, 2018 by grim

Podcast from NPR: Rising Home Prices Lead To Worries Of Another Housing Market Bubble GOLDING: Is the area affordable? The bubbles are when you’re getting away from the fundamentals – when the demand is sort of outstripping the supply, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing Recovery, National Real Estate | 122 Comments

Are mortgages finally back to a solid level?

Posted on May 10, 2018 by grim

From National Mortgage News: Mortgage delinquency rates down annually, a sign of a healthy economy Despite an especially strong hurricane season last year, the national mortgage delinquency rate fell on an annual basis, signaling a healthier economy, according to CoreLogic’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Foreclosures, Mortgages, National Real Estate | 157 Comments

No tax doomsday? Yet?

Posted on May 9, 2018 by grim

From Bloomberg: Million-Dollar Home Values Gain Even as Tax Deductions Shrink Adam Blaylock was pretty sure he overpriced his Santa Clara, California, home by offering it in February for $1.48 million, since tax deduction changes would keep buyers away. But … Continue reading →

Posted in National Real Estate, Politics, Property Taxes | 166 Comments

The puff piece returns … oh how I missed you

Posted on May 8, 2018 by grim

Warning, make sure you’ve got your boots on, the bullshit is deep in here. From the Record: High demand will spark bidding wars for houses in North Jersey this summer Prospective home buyers can expect to go to war this … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing Bubble, Humor | 169 Comments

Feeling Hot Hot Hot

Posted on May 7, 2018 by grim

From MarketWatch: Americans haven’t been this optimistic about house prices since just before the crash House prices are soaring and, despite warnings from some analysts, most Americans believe they will continue to soar. A majority of U.S. adults (64%) continue … Continue reading →

Posted in Demographics, Economics, Housing Bubble, National Real Estate | 75 Comments