Americans still want to own a home

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/  239-357-1844

Americans still want to own a home


WASHINGTON – Dec. 10, 2010 – A new study released by Fannie Mae finds that most Americans – both those who currently own their homes and those who rent – strongly aspire to own a home and to maintain homeownership, despite ongoing turmoil in the housing market. However, demographic trends, such as fewer married couples and less families with children resulting in shrinking households – combined with financial caution among consumers –contribute to an increased willingness to rent.
The Fannie Mae 2010 Own-Rent Analysis is based on extensive primary research with homeowners and renters, including focus groups and a quantitative survey. It incorporates U.S. Census Bureau data, micro- and macro-economic parameters, and explores the factors influencing consumers’ decisions to buy or rent a home. The latest release highlights two of four major themes of the analysis in reports titled, Persistence of the Homeownership Aspiration and Housing Choices Throughout the Lifecycle and the Impact of Changing Demographics.
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Why do Americans want a smaller home in the suburbs

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/  239-357-1844 CALL ME FOR THE HOUSE YOU WANT

More Americans want a smaller home in the suburbs


NEW YORK – Dec. 6, 2010 – McMansions are rapidly becoming the housing equivalent of harvest gold appliances as more Americans opt for smaller residential footprints, according to a consumer lifestyle survey.
In the Relocation.com lifestyle survey, homeowners and buyers were asked to weigh in on what they considered the ideal home size. Forty-eight percent of the respondents indicated that their ideal home size would range from 1,000 to 1,999 square feet, while 29 percent prefer homes that are 2,000 to 2,999 square feet. By comparison, five years ago, according to NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders) the average home’s square footage was 2,400 square feet, nearly 400 square feet bigger than what many homebuyers desire today.

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Homeowners insurance: four tips to keeping costs down

Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/  239-357-1844

ST. LOUIS – Dec. 2, 2010 – In today’s economic climate, people want to save money wherever they can. Here are four ways to reduce homeowners insurance rates compiled by HomeownersInsurance.net.

1. Shop around. Some insurance companies have raised house insurance costs to recoup losses from the financial crisis. Others are competing for new customers by offering lower rates. By shopping around, people can find better deals on homeowners insurance.
2. Re-evaluate coverage amounts. Many policies have inflation protection provisions, which automatically increase coverage amounts. This was a good item in the years leading up to the crash, but today they should be looked at more closely.
3. Check personal credit reports. Homeowners insurance companies check credit history before figuring rates, similar to how lenders do. This is done to help them assess the risk of payment and likely individual responsibility.
4. Avoid small claims that can become expensive. Homeowners should have the highest deductible they can comfortably afford and repair minor items out of pocket rather than filing a claim. Filing a claim for every broken window or leaky pipe can increase premiums by 10-15 percent.



Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/  239-357-1844

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Consumer Confidence increases again

Cape Coral Century 21 Birchwood Realty Rick Swift Realtor "Where your new home begins" http://www.rickswift.com/  239-357-1844

Consumer Confidence increases again


NEW YORK – Nov. 30, 2010 – The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had improved in October, increased even more in November. The Index now stands at 54.1, up from 49.9 in October. The Present Situation Index that measures current attitudes about the economy rose to 24.0 from 23.5. The Expectations Index that measures attitudes about the future increased to 74.2 from 67.5 last month.

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