1.Home-Price Gains Decelerate in Many Metro Areas during Second Quarter
“WASHINGTON (August 12, 2014) – Home-price growth continued to moderate in many metropolitan areas in the second quarter and national year-over-year price appreciation is now at its slowest pace since 2012, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors®.”
2.Orange County is 3rd-priciest housing market in U.S.; L.A. is 9th
“Orange County is the third-most-expensive housing market in the country, with two other chunks of the Southland ranking in the top 10.”
3.First-Time Buyers Shut Out of Expanding U.S. Home Supply
“The four-bedroom house that Ilia Nielsen-Dembe purchased in west Denver earlier this year wasn’t her top choice. The first-time buyer had to settle on a home in a neighborhood with a high crime rate after losing out on bids for five properties in more desirable areas. ”
4.US Job Openings in June Hit 13-Year-Plus High
“U.S. employers in June advertised the most monthly job openings in more than 13 years.”
5.Landing a great real estate deal can be a humbling experience
“Justin Pierce is a real estate investor who regularly writes about his experiences buying, renovating and selling houses in the Washington area.”
6.Home Price Growth Slowdown a Mixed Trend for Economy
“Home-price appreciation is slowing, a trend that could be good for potential buyers looking for an opportunity to jump into the market, but bad for homeowners still looking for relief for underwater mortgages.”
7.Home sales slow
“CNBC’s Diana Olick reports home sales in Q2 are up from Q1, but down 4.5 percent from a year ago. ”