Why rent when you can own? Once again, that is a viable question for prospective home buyers in most of the US. The results of a study covering real estate trends in over 380 markets were released in early August. The analysis was based on the Fiserv Case-Shiller Indexes, which are owned by Fiserv, a global firm that provides solutions within the realm of financial services technology.
Over the last six years, the rate of home ownership has dropped and the demand for rental properties has increased. That phenomenon has made the price of rent go up in most U.S. markets. The Fiserv study revealed that thanks to low mortgage rates and falling home prices, it is now cheaper to buy a house than rent an apartment in much of the nation. Further analysis led to the prediction that as housing markets gain stability, prospective homebuyers will realize the advantages of home ownership and the demand from first time homebuyers will increase. According to Fiserv, “Consequently, even if economic growth remains weak, the relative affordability of buying will push home prices upward.”
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Autumn is undeniably a spectacular time of year. Clear blue skies, cooler temperatures, colorful fall leaves, pumpkins, and apples, plus plenty of gridiron action make it hard to stay indoors. Whether a move is in your future or a fall foliage tour is on your “to-do” list, here are 3 suggestions for places to visit and experience the splendor of the season at its finest.
As one of the youngest regions of the US, many are surprised to discover that the Northwestern corner of the map is filled with quaint historic towns and villages. Many of them came into being during the 1800’s as the fishing and timber industries gained steam. Thankfully, throughout OR, WA, and ID there are still places that remind us of those early times.
A monthly housing market index listed 100 improving markets in the United States, according to a recent press release from the National Association of Home Builders. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) tracks housing markets throughout the United States that are showing signs of improving economic health. To identify the top improving markets, the index measures three sets of independent monthly data: employment growth, house price growth and single-family housing growth.
Sperling’s Best Places in conjunction with Bankers Life and Casualty Company, recently conducted a 
