Tag Archives: Chief Economist

Already Time to Throw Up Caution Signs on Housing?

Fitch contends that home prices remain overvalued and that price growth is not being driven by fundamentals but by technical factors that could easily change. As more homes move more quickly to final foreclosure, especially in states that require a … Continue reading

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Bay Area rents, home prices up sharply

If you’re seeking a new pad in the Bay Area, you can expect to pay more than a year ago whether you’re buying or renting, according to a report released Wednesday. Asking prices for homes for sale around the Bay … Continue reading

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Bay Area economy looking bright for 2013

If the Bay Area economy were considered a stock, analysts would definitely rate it a “strong buy” for 2013. “You folks will continue to outperform the U.S. economy and all of California,” predicts Wells Fargo’s chief economist, John Silvia. Of … Continue reading

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McMansions Return: Big Houses Are Coming Back

The average size of a newly built home increased 3.7 percent in 2011 from 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That was the first annual increase since 2007 and indicates that home builders are seeing demand for larger spaces. … Continue reading

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Best US Housing Markets for Buyers and Sellers

“Much of that strength is driven by investor interest, as many distressed and non-distressed homes are purchased and transformed into rentals,” says Stan Humphries, Zillow’s chief economist, in the report. “This investor activity is contributing to very low inventory levels, … Continue reading

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