Real estate blog entries tagged with consumer confidence

Blog entries tagged with "consumer confidence":

consumer confidence: We've given "Our kingdom for a horse!"...bad trade? - 08/15/08 11:34 AM

I have a theory that says: As soon as the Presidential election is over and done with, [regardless of who wins] our overall economic and housing market will "magically" return and be great all of a sudden...The last time this theory worked in practice was 2000. The "doom and gloom" crowd … (2 comments)

consumer confidence: Economic Round Up! - 08/03/08 01:56 AM

Of Note:
Consumer Confidence-came in at 51.9 Higher than last month, but still showing lots of pessimism and reduced spending plans. MBA Purchase Applications came in at 309.5 indicating continued weakness in the housing market. Jobless Claims , came in higher at 448k. GDP-final was revised up to 1% … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Positive Industry News: Consumer Confidence, Sales - 07/30/08 08:39 AM

National news tends to be full of bad news these days, it seems. I thought that these items od good news ought to be passed along to the general public -- to provide a more accurate representation of the facts.

Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
According to … (2 comments)

consumer confidence: Consumer Confidence Up Slightly in July 2008 - 07/29/08 02:49 PM

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined in June, held steady in July. The Index now stands at 51.9 (1985=100), up slightly from 51.0 in June. The Present Situation Index was virtually unchanged at 65.3 versus 65.4 last month. The Expectations Index increased moderately to 43.0 from 41.4 in … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Unhappy America - 07/26/08 11:03 AM

I read an interesting article this morning in the Economist titled "Unhappy America". In fact, it was the cover story. Eight out of ten Americans think our country is headed in the wrong direction. George Bush has approval ratings lower than Nixon at his worst. House prices are falling, gas prices … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Things To Come In the Banking Industry: Small Local Bank's "Statement of Condition" - 07/23/08 03:32 PM

In what may become a defense mechanism brought on by the IndyMac Bank failure and "run" lines reminicent of the stockmarket crash of 1929, local small bank Luther Burbank Savings of Northern California has gone on a reputation management campaign in local print media. The campaign has a simple message--we are … (2 comments)

consumer confidence: Should the banks listen early to avoid costing themselves thousands? - 07/21/08 10:04 AM

Many of us have taken vitamin c when we feel a cold coming on and why do we do that? Because we know if we don't we could be missing a lot more work and money during the down time while we try to get better.
But, why don't the banks … (10 comments)

consumer confidence: Kinks in the Water Hose - One Man's Opinion on the Economy and Current Real Estate Market - 07/18/08 01:20 PM

When I was a kid, I used to spend a lot of time at my grandparents' house in east Dallas. Actually, it was a smallish duplex with an enormous lot and a detached garage. My grandfather had a large garden out back, along with some peach trees in the … (27 comments)

consumer confidence: Is Real Estate Still a Sound Investment? Perceptions of Affluent Consumers Point to Yes - 07/13/08 02:58 PM

Most headlines you read these days about the US real estate market are negative but two consumer research studies have recently turned up evidence that affluent consumers are still confident. According to studies undertaken by Architectural Digest with Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC, consumers are confident in both the housing market … (4 comments)

consumer confidence: Florida Consumer Confidence Index Falls to Lowest Rate in Its History - 06/25/08 01:55 PM

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Higher gas and food prices, continued declines in housing prices and last month's large increase in unemployment caused Florida's consumer confidence to plummet six points in June to 57, its all-time low record in the index's 25-year history, a new University of Florida study finds.
The index for May … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Commercial real estate suffers from "Bad News" despite health of the market - 06/14/08 06:50 PM

Two nationally renowned experts in economic forecasting recently spoke in Atlanta at an annual meeting of the CCIM Institute, a group of recognized experts in commercial and investment real estate from across the nation. The event was attended by members of the group from over thirty states. Rajeev Dhawan, director of … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Fannie Mae Loosens Down Payment Knot - 06/05/08 11:08 PM

Fannie Mae, the largest home loan funding source, has announced that they are changing their down payment requirements for all homes in the US market, even those where home values have steadily declined in recent months. This comes after the December 07 announcement that a tighter restriction was to … (5 comments)

consumer confidence: Consumer Confidence at Lowest Point Since 1980 - 05/31/08 04:32 PM

I just read an article that is pointing out the obvious, yet doing so with quantitative measurement results. Consumers are NOT spending money and they're very worried about the current state of the economy. Most consumers believe that a recession is either here already or will "officially" be underway as of … (5 comments)

consumer confidence: The Small Statistic Within Consumer Confidence That Didn't Show Up On The News - 05/12/08 03:27 PM

Consumer Confidence fell to its lowest point in three years and anybody who watches the evening news can understand why. Each day, news programs barrage Americans with tales of economic woe and American Opinion is largely shaped by the media. After enough time, the reporting becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But, … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: The Economic Stimulus Plan Has Begun To Work In Greenville, SC! - 05/05/08 09:19 PM

As I sat on the park bench with my wife and watched our kids play at the park in our subdivision this evening, a neighbor came over grabbed me so I could do some "manly man's work" for her.
She needed me and another neighbor she recruited to lift the top … (3 comments)

consumer confidence: The Economic Week In Review - 05/02/08 06:31 PM

Consumer Confidence fell from 65.9 to 62.3, lowest level since early 90’s.(Tuesday) FOMC Announcement-Fed lowered interest rates by .25%, to 2%. ,NAPM Chicago Index came in at 48.3. The report also showed that increasing costs of raw … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: The Evers & Co Real Estate Report for March 2008 - 04/18/08 08:14 PM

The average month's supply of housing inventory in the close-in Metro area continued to decline in March, from a 7.6 month's supply (number of active listings divided by number of listings sold during the period) in January, to a 6.9 month's supply in February, to a 6.6 month's supply in March. … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Where are the consumers??? - 04/16/08 09:54 PM

I am throwing a big party for my step-daughter Saturday. She is recently engaged and we are having a get together to meet her soon to be in-laws. Needless to say, I have been shopping A LOT this past two weeks. All kinds of stores- party, craft, housewares, hardware, grocery, and big-box … (7 comments)

consumer confidence: The Small Statistic Within Consumer Confidence That Didn't Show Up On The News - 04/15/08 02:12 PM

Consumer Confidence fell to its lowest point in three years and anybody who watches the evening news can understand why.
Each day, news programs barrage Americans with tales of economic woe and American Opinion is largely shaped by the media.
After enough time, the reporting becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
But, in the Consumer Confidence … (5 comments)

consumer confidence: Delaware County Pennsylvania housing trend update, or should I say downdate. - 04/07/08 08:42 AM

March Housing Market Update for Delaware County Pennsylvania
Consumer confidence is at an all time low. Job losses in March were the highest is years, topping 80,000. And this means is that the housing market is also feeling the lack of confidence as home buying in Delaware County Pennsylvania is feeling the … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: The Mortgage Adviser - 04/06/08 07:06 PM

The Mortgage Adviser
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How Mortgage Rates Benefit From 3 Months Of Worsening Employment Data
For the third month in a row, the economy shed jobs, suggesting that … (2 comments)

consumer confidence: Consumer Confidence...More Not So Good News!!! - 02/26/08 10:02 AM

Here's just what we need...more not so good news!
I'm beginning today with this post to alter my way of thinking and the way I express the term 'BAD NEWS'...from now on I will refer to the term as 'not so good news'...same thing, but doesn't it sound so much better?
'Perception Is … (42 comments)

consumer confidence: Ownership Society - Explain that to Me Once Again? - 02/22/08 06:24 AM

We all remember the wise words that were spoken about the "Ownership Society" and the gentleman who reminded us of this was President Bush. He is correct, an ownership society that owns their own real estate is indeed a much better society and makes for a much better civilization. Why? Simple, … (2 comments)

consumer confidence: Do you have an answer at the tip of your tounge? - 02/19/08 03:30 PM

I got put on the spot yesterday by a reader of my Portland Real Estate Blog:So Charles, what do you tell your potential buyers when they ask about the state of our local housing market?None of us has a crystal ball. If everyone was able to buy low and sell high, … (1 comments)

consumer confidence: Consumer or Media Confidence - 02/15/08 12:39 PM

Consumer Confidence was at its lowest since 1992!Why?My question is what is bring Consumer Confidence down, it is not like everyone is loosing their jobs or interest rates are so high that people can not afford to buy anything. My opinion is that confidence is low because that is all you hear about … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: It's A Dimmer Switch, But Things Are Getting Brighter! - 01/27/08 06:10 PM

It was a Tuesday Morning in April 1990 when the phones stopped ringing. I had entered the industry on the tail end of the super-fast, frenzied Seller's market which, by all accounts, was driven by California buyers. I had enjoyed the bustle for all of two weeks before the phones quit ringing. Literally. … (26 comments)

consumer confidence: Open Letter to the CEO and President of Coldwell Bankers Group: - 01/18/08 07:04 PM

My Dear Sir,
I was very pleased with your strength of character in your CNBC interview on Friday, January 18, 2008. Indeed, your comments on "Consumer Confidence" and the reality of the real estate home values across the country were spot on. You handled the hard-hitting questions with expert precision. You have … (25 comments)

consumer confidence: Tampa & Lutz Realtor Talks | So you helped your client out of a Foreclosure via short sale now what? - 01/18/08 07:53 AM

So you helped your client out of a Foreclosure via short sale now what? Here is where you have the chance to really SHINE and differentiate yourself from other agents. There are so MANY opportunities out there for your client, even after just being in foreclosure! Help your client out of a … (3 comments)

consumer confidence: How You and I Can Turn the Economy Around in 2008 - 01/17/08 06:21 PM

We, you and I, and the small business man on the street cannot control many things when it comes to turning around an economy the size of the US. But, we are folks who are "influencers" and the consumer seems to be undecided, but leaning towards the "Empty" line, all fumes … (5 comments)

consumer confidence: The Tide is Turning... - 01/17/08 04:23 PM

The latest market data report has been released from the South Carolina Association of REALTORS, indicating that not only was 2007 another record year for South Carolina, but that pending sales activity (especially on the coast) has already increased.
The one challenge that the SCAR mentioned will be our biggest obstacle... consumer … (4 comments)

consumer confidence: Falling Mortgage rates. - 01/17/08 11:57 AM

Inman News reports today that Freddie Mac has reported interest rates are at their lowest levels since July of 2005.
30-year fixed are down from 5.87% last week to 5.69% this week. 15-year fixed rate from 5.43% to 5.21%.
I am sure that tis doesn't do much to help the value of the … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Franchised Service Stations Should be Given Incentives to Sell Flex Fuels and Bio Fuels - 01/07/08 06:37 AM

Can we give gas stations and incentive of $40,000 one time tax credit to convert 2 or more pumps to Bio Diesel, Flex Fuel or Bio Fuel? Would that provide the catalyst to help get these fuels at most of our gas stations in the United States?
Some say it is not … (4 comments)

consumer confidence: $100 Per Barrel - The Barrier Has Been Busted Your Gas Guzzler Will Get Rusted - 01/03/08 07:40 AM

Well, it finally happened didn't it, Oil is now $100 per barrel, think it doesn't matter then think again. Everything you buy every where you go was delivered by truck, train or plane and with prices up that means there is a hidden wholesale tax and that means inflation on the … (25 comments)

consumer confidence: Outlook for 2008 is More Cloudy Than Ever! - 12/27/07 09:35 PM

I always like to be as optimistic as possible, and nobody would deny that 2007 has been a difficult year in the mortgage industry. However it does leave a lot of opportunity for dedicated loan officers that refuse to simply quit when the financial winds change. A huge chuck of my … (3 comments)

consumer confidence: WHEN DOES THE WHISTLE BLOW? - 11/28/07 05:03 PM

After many hours of discussions with clients and fellow agents it is becoming more and more clear that we are setting up for a market reversal that will be leaving many of us (and our clients) at the starting gate and not at the closing table. The Fed is poised to … (2 comments)

consumer confidence: 400,000 Agents This Year per NAR Have Had No Sales and No Listings: - 11/08/07 10:34 AM

I just received my consumer confidence survey from NAR(National Association of Realtors) and it states that the year 2008 should be better for real estate, my question is how can that be when in the same report, almost half a million agents this year did not have a sale or a … (3 comments)

consumer confidence: Treasuries Little Changed as Consumer Confidence Decreases - 10/30/07 09:43 AM

Treasuries were little changed after a private report showed consumer confidence fell more than forecast in October.
The Conference Board's index of confidence declined to 95.6, the lowest since October 2005, from a revised 99.5 the prior month. The index averaged 105.9 last year.
It looks like we are in for a weak … (2 comments)

consumer confidence: Guide to Major U.S. Economic Reports - 10/28/07 05:59 PM

Here is a quick guide to the Major US Economic Reports we hear so much about. If you aren't aware of the basic functions and trends that these reports capture, and the impact on our overall economy, and real estate markets in general, you are doing yourself and your clients a … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Declines Again - 09/25/07 03:18 PM

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Declines Again September 25, 2007
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined in August, fell further in September. The Index now stands at 99.8 (1985=100), down from 105.6 in August. The Present Situation Index decreased to 121.7 from 130.1. The Expectations Index declined to … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Measure Tiwce...Cut Once - 09/22/07 10:33 PM

… (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Florida’s Housing Market Shows Surprising Resilience Despite Pessimism - 09/05/07 07:51 PM

GAINESVILLE, Fla. 9/4/07 — Despite the bleak real estate outlook nationwide, Florida’s new home market appears for now to be stabilizing as a result of persistent demand for homes and lack of overbuilding, according to a University of Florida study released today.
“There’s a growing feeling of apprehension or caution, … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Will FHA Policy Changes Save Our Market? - 09/05/07 07:10 AM

After reading the recent article on realtor.org http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2007083101?OpenDocument on the modernization of FHA, I'm left wondering. Will it be enough? Will buyers be ready to, well... BUY?
Of course, this initiative will help owners of existing homes that are on the brink of foreclosure, but what about the buyers who are … (4 comments)

consumer confidence: The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Retreats - 08/29/07 07:00 PM

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had surged in July, gave back all of the gain in August. The Index now stands at 105.0 (1985=100), down from 111.9 in July. The Present Situation Index decreased to 130.3 from 138.3 in July. The Expectations Index declined to 88.2 from 94.4.
… (0 comments)

consumer confidence: GREAT economic news! SO why is no one reporting it? - 08/06/07 11:02 AM

I was a journalist for 20 years before moving to the United States. I know how I conducted myself when I was in the Fourth Estate and I know I never had an agenda.
It would appear however that there are a lot of journalists and more importantly, news organisations, that … (2 comments)

consumer confidence: University of Florida: Florida’s Housing Downturn Stymies Consumer Confidence Turnaround - 08/01/07 04:56 PM

Tuesday, July 31, 2007.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The weak housing market is to blame for Florida’s one-point drop in consumer confidence to 81 in July at a time when the national index is on the rise, a new University of Florida study finds.
The dip was fueled by declines in three … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Consumer Confidence of Floridians Rises Slightly According to The University of Florida - 06/27/07 05:00 PM

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer confidence in Florida rose one point to 83 in June, one month after dropping to its lowest level in 19 months, a new University of Florida study finds. The small increase was due to increased optimism over future economic conditions in the United States. Expectations about U.S. … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Consumer confidence (or lack of) - 06/12/07 10:46 PM

Just about the time you think you have found your buyer the best house out there, (and you've been trying to find it for months), they decide to offer way too little to make it happen. You've shown them the comps and what the market has to offer and yet, they … (1 comments)

consumer confidence: Consumer confidence improves - 05/29/07 02:51 PM

Tuesday, May 29, 2007Inman News
Despite record-high gas prices, consumer confidence brightened in May, The Conference Board reported today.
The Consumer Confidence Index rose to 108 this month from 106.3 in April, mostly because current-day business conditions seem better, but the outlook for the rest of the year is still uncertain.
"The bounce-back in … (0 comments)

consumer confidence: Finally some good news - 02/06/07 02:11 AM

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IMPROVES IN JANUARYAmerican consumers continued to indicate a higher level of confidence in the nation's economy this month, due in part to a more favorable job market, The Conference Board recently reported. The organization's Consumer Confidence Index increased for the second consecutive month in January, rising to 110.3 (1985=100). … (7 comments)

consumer confidence: Chicagoland Chamber Survey Reports Economic Confidence Higher in Chicagoland Than Nation - 01/15/07 03:19 PM

Chicagoland Chamber Survey Reports Economic Confidence Higher in Chicagoland Than Nation The economic confidence of consumers in Chicagoland rose significantly during the fourth quarter of 2006, according to the Rasmussen Consumer Index for the region released today by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. The quarterly reading stood at 121.2 at the end … (0 comments)