Economics

Edward Glaeser, a new type of urban economist, on real estate

Tuesday, January 19, 2010
By Austin Jaffe, Ph.D.
Edward Glaeser, a new type of urban economist, on real estate

There’s a new kind of urban/regional/real estate economist around these days. Coming from a geographic rather than financial orientation, this movement is changing the way we think about real estate markets. Perhaps the leader of this new school of thinking is Edward Glaeser from Harvard University. »

1 Comment »

Reverse mortgages offer seniors options

Wednesday, January 13, 2010
By Kim Shindle
Reverse mortgages offer seniors options

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, applicants need to be at least 62 years old, own their home or have a mortgage on the home. How much applicants receive is based on their age and the value of the property. »

No Comments »

Real estate, Asian style

Tuesday, January 5, 2010
By Austin Jaffe, Ph.D.
Real estate, Asian style

Last month I had the privilege of visiting three of the most exciting real estate markets in the world. Three of the four “Little Tigers” (Taiwan being the fourth), South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore provide an enormous feast for Western eyes. Though capitalism has been in vogue for a generation in these countries,... »

3 Comments »

Coldwell Banker CEO: Tax credit working, survey says

Tuesday, December 29, 2009
By Kim Shindle
Coldwell Banker CEO: Tax credit working, survey says

The survey of 1,000 homeowners showed that 83 percent said that if they were to purchase a home and qualify for the tax credit, they would engage in “smart spending” -- or put the money toward existing debts, home improvements, savings/investments or household expenses. »

No Comments »

Rendell says $1.2 billion available to help homebuyers

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
By Kim Shindle
Rendell says $1.2 billion available to help homebuyers

Homebuyers in the Commonwealth will benefit from more than $1.2 billion being made available through the PA Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), according to Gov. Ed Rendell. He announced at a press conference Tuesday that Pennsylvania is “fighting back” against the effects of Wall Street greed by helping homebuyers with low-interest, fixed-rate mortgages offered through... »

No Comments »

Women continue to believe in value of homeownership

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
By Kim Shindle
Women continue to believe in value of homeownership

REALTORS® who understand how women look at buying a home can become valuable resources to these homebuyers, said real estate broker Tara-Nicholle Nelson, Esq. »

No Comments »

Commercial real estate to hit bottom in 2010, says expert

Thursday, December 10, 2009
By Thea Hocker
Commercial real estate to hit bottom in 2010, says expert

When it comes to investing in commercial real estate, 2010 promises the opportunity of a lifetime -- but only if you’re dealing in cash, says one expert. Otherwise, the picture looks pretty bleak. »

No Comments »

PHFA offers Tax Credit Advance Loan — again

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
By Kim Shindle
PHFA offers Tax Credit Advance Loan — again

The PA Housing Finance Agency announced that it has allocated another $5 million to fund the TCA program, following the federal government’s extension and expansion of the homebuyer’s tax credit, said Kate Newton, PHFA director of Homeownership Programs. »

No Comments »

Foreclosures continue to rise in Pennsylvania

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
By Kim Shindle
Foreclosures continue to rise in Pennsylvania

Time magazine reported on a shortage of attorneys to manage the avalanche of foreclosures across the country. Rising foreclosure rates continue to add inventory to the real estate market and high unemployment rates and Option-ARM mortgages ready to reset are expected to send foreclosure rates soaring. »

No Comments »

Podcast: Tax credit and seasonality account for increased sales

Monday, November 16, 2009
By Samantha Elliott Krepps
Podcast: Tax credit and seasonality account for increased sales

In the last quarter, sales in Pennsylvania rose 11.8 percent but the median home sale price is still declining. »

No Comments »
PAR PAR