2020’s Fastest-Growing Cities in America
Experts might not agree on the “best” or the “right” recipe for rapid economic growth, but some cities know the key ingredients for long-term prosperity better than others. Patterns emerge within those cities, allowing us to identify what factors contribute to a lasting cycle of growth.
https://wallethub.com/edu/fastest-growing-cities/7010/#city
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Seattle 2nd fastest-growing large US city, according to new study
Seattle remains one of the most popular large U.S. cities to buy a home, according to WalletHub, despite the pandemic and economic uncertainty.
https://www.king5.com/article/money/markets/real-estate/wallethub-names-seattle-second-fastest-growing-large-city/281-8c14128c-23a1-4b6d-9f00-368901118cbb
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NAR 2020 Community and Transportation Preference Survey
A national poll conducted in July of 2,000 adults in the fifty-largest metro areas found that the Coronavirus pandemic has caused some shift regarding where families with children would like to live, specifically an increased preference to a setting where they can have a detached home with a large yard.
https://www.nar.realtor/reports/nar-community-and-transportation-preferences-surveys
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Seattle’s Suburban Exodus: Myth or Reality?
What the latest real estate numbers and some less-conventional data tell us.
https://www.seattlemet.com/home-and-real-estate/2020/10/seattle-suburban-exodus-myth-reality-real-estate-homes
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A ‘pandemic pod’ could help you get through winter. Here’s how to form one.
One method that has gained popularity in recent months is forming a pandemic pod or bubble. Also known as a “quaranteam,” the strategy has been adopted by a number of families — especially those with young children — and close-knit friend groups.
https://www.seattletimes.com/life/a-pandemic-pod-could-help-you-get-through-winter-heres-how-to-form-one/
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The Disillusionment Phase of the Pandemic Is Upon Us
THIS MAY COME as a surprise, but the coronavirus pandemic had a “honeymoon phase.” At least according to a recent forecast published by the Washington State Department of Health.
https://www.seattlemet.com/health-and-wellness/2020/10/the-disillusionment-phase-of-the-pandemic-is-upon-us
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Today’s Mortgage Interest Rates: Oct. 15, 2020—Rates Break Another Record
For the 10th time in 2020, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage made history. Rates this week fell to their lowest level on record, hitting 2.81%.
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/mortgage-interest-rates-10-15-20/
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Microsoft’s new ‘hybrid workplace’ policy will make working from home a permanent part of the mix
Microsoft has released new “hybrid workplace” guidance that lays out how employees can have a more flexible remote work schedule and even relocate elsewhere in the country as the tech giant continues to adjust to changing needs during the ongoing pandemic.
https://www.geekwire.com/2020/microsofts-new-hybrid-workplace-policy-will-make-working-home-permanent-part-mix/
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Work from home options impacting Seattle's landscape downtown, South Lake Union
Microsoft is giving employees the flexibility to work from home half the time even after it's safe to return to offices.
https://komonews.com/news/local/work-from-home-options-impacting-seattles-landscape-downtown-south-lake-union
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Here Are The Hottest Housing Markets, Real Estate Stocks In Surprise Covid Boom
Just six months ago, the idea of a housing boom would have seemed ridiculous as millions of Americans were losing their jobs. But low interest rates and the work-from-home trend are stoking real estate stocks and home sales in smaller housing markets.
https://www.investors.com/news/real-estate-stocks-housing-markets-watch-surprise-covid-boom/
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Nation’s Stock of Second Homes
According to NAHB estimates, the total count of second homes was 7.5 million, accounting for 5.5% of the total housing stock in 2018, the most recent data available.
http://eyeonhousing.org/2020/10/nations-stock-of-second-homes-2/
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Sales Outpacing Starts by a Historic Margin
After a sharp decline in the spring, home building has staged a dramatic rebound. In fact, supported by low mortgage rates, an evolving geography of housing preferences, and favorable demographic tailwinds, housing demand has improved so quickly that the current difference between the pace of newly-built single-family home sales and for-sale single-family construction starts has reached a historic level.
http://eyeonhousing.org/2020/10/sales_outpacing_starts/
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In COVID's Wake, Millennials Driving Nation's Desire for Bigger Homes, Outdoor Space
A study from the National Association of Realtors® is confirming many of the migration trends that had been anticipated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/in-covids-wake-millennials-driving-nations-desire-for-bigger-homes-outdoor-space
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In U.S. College Towns, Vacant Student Housing Poses New Opportunities for Buyers
The coronavirus pandemic disrupted back-to-school plans for millions of students this fall, including university students who normally pour into college towns in late August and generate major revenue for landlords who own off-campus housing.
https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/in-u-s-college-towns-vacant-student-housing-poses-new-opportunities-for-buyers-220305
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U.S. Homebuyers Fuel Market, Pushing Median Listing Prices to a Record of More than $350K
Report also finds that properties are selling faster than the same time last year
https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/u-s-homebuyers-fuel-market-pushing-median-listing-prices-to-a-record-of-more-than-350k-220358
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When Relocating, New Technology and In-the-Know Brokers Are Key to Finding the Right Spot
More Americans, looking to move to greener pastures, are doing it all remotely
https://www.mansionglobal.com/sponsored/when-relocating-new-technology-and-in-the-know-brokers-are-key-to-finding-the-right-spot-143294?mod=shorthand
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Follow Your Heart: It Will Lead You to Success, As You Define It
Since COVID, the terms success and luxury have both taken on a new meaning for me. It is no longer about having material ‘things’, but rather having safety, comfort and choices as to how one spends their time. It truly means being happy, being with your family and friends
https://www.jetsetmag.com/real-estate/follow-your-heart-it-will-lead-you-to-success-as-you-define-it/
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Full steam ahead as Fred Hutch moves into historic building and expands Seattle campus
It’s full steam ahead for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as the Seattle institution is now fully occupying the historic Steam Plant building as part of an expansion of its South Lake Union campus.
https://www.geekwire.com/2020/full-steam-ahead-fred-hutch-moves-historic-building-expands-seattle-campus/
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Weekly Housing Market Monitor
NAR Research compiles the latest housing market data in this weekly monitor, based on what REALTORS® are seeing in their market, mortgage data, jobless claims, foot traffic, and the latest home sales numbers.
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/weekly-housing-market-monitor
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Market Hotness Index
Metro Hotness - Zip Code and County Hotness
https://www.realtor.com/research/reports/hottest-markets/
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HOUSING STATISTICS
Housing Statistics offers 43 different sets of data, downloadable either as Excel or PDF files (updated weekly). Housing data and primary indicators of the industry are housed in one easy-to navigate location containing historical and current sets of statistics such as: Housing Starts (by Region & Structure Type), Homes Sold by Region, Producer Price Indexes (for Building Materials), Manufactured Homes, New Home Characteristics, Residential Vacancy & Absorption Rates, Units Under Construction, Value of New Construction, and many more.
http://www.nahbclassic.org/reference_list.aspx?sectionID=819&channelID=311
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Economic Indicators
U.S. Census Bureau Economic Indicators
https://www.census.gov/economic-indicators/
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Local Market Reports
All real estate is local and every market is unique. To help REALTORS® and other housing market analysts get the most out of the plethora of data that is available, NAR Research produces a series of Local Market Reports (LMRs) which provide insights into the fundamentals and direction of the nation's largest metropolitan housing markets. Each report evaluates a number of factors affecting home prices, including:
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/local-market-reports
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CoreLogic Home Price Insights
The most geographically comprehensive and current home price index.
http://www.corelogic.com/about-us/researchtrends/corelogic-home-price-insights.aspx?WT.mc_id=crlg_151103_aHqc0&elq=d6379903117d41bcbe7b9f6a82f2189a&elqCampaignId=2692&elqaid=7659&elqat=1&elqTrackId=097f671c98fc48249757d8ddbd229326#.Vj1WlvnnuUl
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Bureau of Economic Analysis
U.S. Economy at a Glance
http://www.bea.gov/index.htm
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Mortgage Market Survey Archive
Compilation of Weekly Survey Data for 2015
http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/archive.html
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Housing Economics
NAHB produces in-depth economic analyses of the home building industry based on private and government data. Our economics group surveys builders, home buyers, and renters to gain insight into the issues and trends driving the industry.
https://www.nahb.org/en/research/housing-economics.aspx