Blog
‘The Accidental Economist’ with Jack Kern: Why Frozen New Home Sales are Good for Builders and the Apartment Industry.
While the housing market is going through a painful transition right now, what lies on the other side of that transition is a more balanced, sensible market overall.
‘The Accidental Economist’ with Jack Kern: And the Census Says…
The Census Bureau has released some very interesting statistics from the American Housing Survey. The survey covers characteristics of the housing inventory in most metropolitan areas and there are always some surprises. For example, in 2009 in Seattle, homeowners in the Sea-Tac metro area paid a median monthly housing cost of $1,576, while renters paid $1,019 by comparison. Renters contributed a higher percentage of their incomes to housing costs (30%) than owners did (23%). Looking at Chicago for comparison, homeowners paid a median cost of $1,479 per month while the renter median was $895, also in 2009. Percentages of contributions…
‘The Green Picture’ with Erika Schnitzer: Bringing Sexy Back … to Green
At a two-day brainstorming session about sustainability, it became clear that our industry could be more innovative.
‘On the Ground’ with Eric Brown: When Marketing Becomes Media
How were you spending your marketing budget 10 years ago? Is it really all that different today? It should be.
‘Foong on Finance’: Obama’s Plan Calls for End to Fannie and Freddie within 10 Years
The Obama Administration issued its proposal for the future of Fannie and Freddie today.
‘The Accidental Economist’ with Jack Kern: The Tunnel at the End of the Light?
Inflation might increase at a rapid trajectory, sinking much of what was gained in the past six months.
‘Foong on Finance’: Capitol Hill Opinion Coalescing around MBA’s GSE Framework?
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) proposed plan for the future of the GSEs may be well received by the Obama Administration.
‘On the Ground’ with Eric Brown: Are You Overpaying for Rental Leads?
By expanding your online presence, a lot of your apartment leads can be, and should be, coming to you for free.
‘Foong on Finance’: Affordable Housing Sector Awaits Obama Budget
President Obama’s State of the Union speech does not seem to be a speech that is particularly underpinned by a conservative economic philosophy. One has to watch the President’s actions, and await the release of the Administration’s budget proposal in a few weeks, to see his intentions. At the annual National Housing Conference and New York Housing Conference luncheon in December, speakers were not optimistic about the prospects for funding for affordable housing in the current environment, and were girding themselves for tougher times ahead. More funding cannot be expected; only level funding at best. President Obama, who proposed…
‘The Accidental Economist’ with Jack Kern: NMHC Has Great Parties
I just got back from the National Multi Housing Council’s annual apartment festival, and to tell you the truth, I had a great time. For one thing, I never saw so many ruby slippers on acquisition and development guys, wandering around waiting to click their heels together to end up in Kansas. Apparently off-market and non-core deals are becoming all the rage as yield meets cornfields and the wide-open plains. Being a St. Louis boy (go Cardinal nation), I suppose that it’s only fitting that the Midwest somehow ended up being part of the acquisition binge again. Did I mention…