The way in which Americans allocate their finances
The Impact of Consumer Spending on U.S. GDP The Visual Capitalist says consumer spending represents 68% of U.S. GDP, with much of this used for housing, transportation, and healthcare costs. Today’s graphic shows the average annual expenditures of Americans, based on data from the Consumer Expenditures Survey 2023 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Stay safe […]
February saw a 4.2% increase in existing home sales.
NAR Reports Increase in Existing Home Sales The National Association of Realtors is reporting that existing home sales were up 4.2% in February to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.26 million – down 1.2% year over year. Total housing inventory at the end of February was 1.24 million units, up 5.1% from January and up […]
Wealthy home buyers are increasingly embracing the concept of rent-to-own.
Affluent Home Buyers Using Rent-to-Own Deals A recent report in the Wall Street Journal (reposted on Realtor.com) says real-estate agents are reporting that affluent home buyers are using rent-to-own deals to finance their homes. Interestingly, they say rent-to-own transactions offer well-to-do buyers substantial benefits such as (in new construction) the ability to discover construction defects […]
Inflation decreased in February
BLS Reports Inflation Eases in February The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2% in February, 2025. The all items index was up 2.8% for the 12 months ending in February. Interestingly, while the index for shelter increased 4.2% over the last year, […]
The Places with the Highest Property Tax Rates in 2025
The Impact of Property Taxes on Local Government Financing
The states with the fastest growing populations Top 15 states experiencing rapid population growth Fastest growing states in terms of population increase
Top 15 Fastest Growing States We’ve seen a lot of recent posts about where people are moving to & from. Today’s graphic from Realtor.com shows us the top 15 states with the fastest growing populations. They say last year the U.S. saw its population surge at its highest rate since 2001, overwhelmingly driven by an […]
Should you buy or rent in 2025?
Is it Better to Buy or Rent in 2025? Is it better to buy or rent? That’s an age-old question that really depends on a lot of variables – especially an individual’s station in life. According to their 2025 Rental Affordability Report, ATTOM says both owning & renting remain difficult for average U.S. workers, commonly […]
In the fourth quarter of 2024, almost 90% of metropolitan areas experienced an increase in home prices.
Nearly 90% of Metros Registered Home Price Gains in Q4 2024 The National Association of Realtors says nearly 90% of metros experienced home price increases in Q4 2024, as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate ranged from 6.12% to 6.85%. In addition 14% of the 226 tracked metro areas posted double-digit price gains over the same […]
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 2.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
America’s Real GDP Grows by 2.3% in Q4 2024  According to their “advance” estimate, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis is reporting that America’s real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 2.3% in Q4 2024.   Click here to read the full report at the U.S. Bureau of Economic […]
Does a resident of your hometown participate in Super Bowl 59?
Super Bowl 59 Preview: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles This Sunday, February 8th, the highly anticipated Super Bowl 59 will take place in New Orleans, LA. The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will face off in a battle for the top NFL crown. Are you ready for the super deluxe happy fun bowl? […]