National
Economy Watch: Washington State Has Healthiest Economy
A recent WalletHub report ranked the 50 states based on economic health, which affects commercial property growth. Washington state took the top spot, followed by California, Utah and Massachusetts.
Economy Watch: Americans Generally Optimistic About Economy
A new Pew Research Center report reveals that nearly six in 10 Americans believe the current economic situation is good, given that the U.S. economy has experienced 80 months of consistent job growth. However, the same participants weren’t as optimistic about future prospects.
Economy Watch: Rents Volatile in Many Markets in May
While nationwide apartment rents are still on the rise, several markets have recently faced spikes in rent, according to a recent ABODO report. Rent decreases going into June, on the other hand, were on the smaller side.
Berkadia: Student Housing Pre-leasing Rates Still Robust
According to the company’s recent report, pre-leasing rates across the country were higher than any year since before 2012 as of the end of April.
Economy Watch: Fitch Report Optimistic About CRE
In its first annual U.S. Equity REITs Handbook, Fitch expects continued positive property-level fundamentals across most asset classes in 2017. Multifamily should again lead the REIT sector, although same-store net operating income growth will be less than 2016 levels, according to the report.
Economy Watch: Construction Spending Takes a Dip in April
Both private and public construction spending declined for the month, according to the Census Bureau, including in the residential category.
Economy Watch: Job Growth Tepid in May
The U.S. economy saw below-average job growth for the month, adding only 138,000 jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. However, segments of the economy that affect commercial space absorption still had reasonably good job creation.
MHN’s Top 5 May 2017 Articles
Miss out on any MHN stories in May? Here are five of our most popular articles for the month, including the top 10 apartment owners in San Francisco and the role of virtual assistants in leasing and property management.
Economy Watch: Americans Earn More, Spend More in April
The month’s increase in personal income was mainly because of a boost in private wages and salaries, the BEA reported. This bodes well for the wider economy, since wages have lagged productivity for so long.
Economy Watch: AIA Predicts More Construction Starts in 2018
The Architecture Billings Index has posted three consecutive months of design revenue growth, according to the AIA, which bodes well for construction spending growth next year.