Michael Crist

Homeownership has been associated with positive social outcomes[1], and is also the largest source of wealth among homeowning households. In 2016, the median net worth among homeowners was $231,400, with housing wealth making up 85 percent of wealth (average net housing wealth was $197,500).[2] Housing wealth contributes positively to the homeowner’s and children’s economic condition,… Continue Reading Wealth Gains from Homeownership across Metro Areas in 2018

At the national level, housing affordability is up from last month but down from a year ago. Mortgage rates were up from last month at 4.76 percent this January, and up 11.5 percent compared to 4.27 percent a year ago. Housing affordability declined from a year ago in January moving the index down 5.3 percent… Continue Reading January 2019 Housing Affordability Index

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine Great lighting is definitely stealing more of the spotlight in kitchen design lately. Pendant lights that hang from the ceiling above your kitchen island—usually in a row of two or three–is really a place to show off lighting to dress up your kitchen. Some designers refer to pendant lights as… Continue Reading The Jewelry in Your Kitchen Design

 A very expensive car, a very small purse, stroke information, beautiful gardens and much more, compiled by Anne-Marie Siudzinski, Senior Library Information Specialist. Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend, for most of the United States. One researcher has several reasons for abolishing it. A teeny tiny purse–why? Decluttering your closet by asking 17 questions. m01229/flickr/2013… Continue Reading What We’re Reading: March 4-8

International Women’s Day is celebrated internationally on March 8th each year. It is a day to acknowledge the economic, political, and social achievements of women. In recognition of this day we can examine the profile of women REALTORS® using the 2018 Member Profile. Women in Real Estate: Women make up 63% of all REALTORS®, with 57% licensed… Continue Reading International Women’s Day 2019

Financial literacy is the “ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial well-being.”[1]  Yet despite its importance, financial literacy can often seem like the elephant in the room of many households. The topic of money and wealth is addressed in a variety of ways for different cultures.… Continue Reading The Impact of Financial Literacy on Homeownership: Enhancing Financial Literacy Skills

Financial literacy is the “ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial well-being.”[1]  Yet despite its importance, financial literacy can often seem like the elephant in the room of many households. The topic of money and wealth is addressed in a variety of ways for different cultures.… Continue Reading The Impact of Financial Literacy on Homeownership: Student Loan Impact

The U.S. rental vacancy rate edged slightly higher to 7.1 percent in 2018 Q3, but this is still below the 7.5 percent vacancy rate in 2017 Q3.  The U.S. rental vacancy rate averaged 9.6 percent from 2000 Q1 through 2011 Q4, so rental vacancy rates are still trending below historical levels. Low vacancy rates indicate… Continue Reading Multi-family Rental Market Still Strong in Many Metros in 2019