FED LOWERS KEY INTEREST RATE 0.25 PERCENT
(April 30th, 2008) - The Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate by one-quarter percent today, pushing the federal funds rate down to 2 percent, its lowest level since 2004, in an effort to ease economic pressure coming from higher food and energy costs, a weakened dollar, and the ongoing housing slowdown and credit liquidity crunch.

U.S. LEADING INDEX UP SLIGHTLY AFTER FIVE CONSECUTIVE MONTHLY DECLINES
(April 17th, 2008) - The U.S. leading index rose 1 percent in March following five straight months of declines, due largely to the ongoing credit crisis and a slumping housing market, according to the latest data released by the Conference Board Tuesday.

HOME PRICES ROSE 0.6 PERCENT IN FEBRUARY ACCORDING TO MONTHLY HOUSING INDEX
(April 22nd, 2008) - U.S. home prices rose by roughly 0.6 percent between January and February according to the latest monthly House Price Index from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO)

BUSH ADMINISTRATION EXPANDS MORTGAGE RELIEF PLANS FOR HOMEOWNERS
(April 9th, 2008) - The Bush Administration today announced it is expanding federal mortgage assistance for subprime borrowers who are at risk of losing their homes, giving the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) increased flexibility to insure more mortgages.

Existing-Home Sales to Stablize Before Upturn in Second Half of 2008
(April 8th, 2008) - Little change is expected in existing-home sales over the next few months, before improving notably during the second half of the year, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors.

FED EASES CAPITAL RESTRICTIONS FOR FANNIE AND FREDDIE
(March 19th, 2008) - The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) on Wednesday said it would permit Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to reduce the capital the two mortgage giants are required to keep on hand in a move that is anticipated to pump some $200 billion into the mortgage market.

FED CUTS KEY INTEREST RATE IN AN EFFORT TO FURTHER BOOST ECONOMY
(March 18th, 2008) - The Federal Reserve on Tuesday lowered the federal funds rate 75 basis points to 2.25 percent citing continued concerns about the country's softening labor market, stalled consumer spending, and turmoil on the financial markets over the mortgage credit crisis.rdability Index (FTB-HAI) released Tuesday.

C.A.R. REPORTS ENTRY-LEVEL HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AT 33 PERCENT
(Feb 19th, 2008) - The percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home in California stood at 33 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007, compared with 25 percent for the same period a year ago, according C.A.R.'s First-time buyer Housing Affordability Index (FTB-HAI) released Tuesday.

PRESIDENT SIGNS $168 BILLION ECONOMIC STIMULUS BILL
(Feb 13th, 2008) - President Bush today signed off on the $168 billion stimulus package approved by Congress last week, which, in addition to tax rebates for millions of working Americans and business owners, includes a vital, but temporary increase in the conforming loan limit.

Recession unlikely to hit Bay Area in '08
(Jan 25th, 2008) - The Bay Area probably won't slide into a recession this year, but it will come close. That's the prediction of the Association of Bay Area Governments, which released its annual economic forecast Thursday.

Economic stimulus a big break for home buyers
(Jan 25th, 2008) - Buying or refinancing a house in the pricey Bay Area? You could get a big break on your mortgage from the economic stimulus package announced Thursday.

NEW HOUSING STARTS DECLINED 2.9 PERCENT IN DECEMBER
(Jan 17th, 2008) - Single-family housing starts declined 2.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 794,000 units in December, according to new data from the U.S. Commerce Dept.

FED LOWERS KEY INTEREST RATE TO 3.5 PERCENT
(Jan 22nd, 2008) - The Federal Reserve slashed its key federal funds rate three-quarters of a point to 3.5 percent Tuesday in an effort to stave off recession fears.

US Home Loan Demand Surges to Near Four-Year High
(Jan 16th, 2008) - U.S. mortgage applications surged last week, with demand hitting its highest in nearly four years as interest rates plunged, an industry group said Wednesday.

Executives Do Not Anticipate Recession, Study Shows
(Jan 14th, 2008) - Senior financial executives in Orange County do not anticipate a national recession this year, but are projecting slower job growth in the area, according to a recent study by the local Financial Executives International (FEI) chapter, and Chapman University.

NAHB Introduces Green Designation For Builders
(Jan 14th, 2008) - The National Association of Home Builders plans to launch a new "green" designation and certification program. The "Certified Green Professional�" designation program, intended to help homeowners more closely identify "green" builders and remodeling experts, will be unveiled Feb. 14 at the International Builders' Show in Orlando.

Mortgage Applications Up 3.8 Percent
(Nov 1st, 2007) - Mortgage loan activity for the week ending Oct. 31 was up 3.8 percent, according to the latest survey by The Mortgage Bankers Association. On an unadjusted basis, the index was up 19.5 percent compared with the same week one year earlier.

San Luis Obispo AOR Listings go Green
(Nov 1st, 2007) - In an effort to help stem the tide of global warming, the San Luis Obispo Association of REALTORS® is installing ENERGY STAR®-certified compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs in all of its residential listings.

Mortgage Rates Hit Six-Months Low
(Nov 1st, 2007) - The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.26 percent for the week ending Nov. 1, its lowest point since May, compared with 6.33 percent a week earlier, and 6.31 for the same period a year ago.

FED Cuts Key Interest Rate Quarter Point
(Oct 31th, 2007) - Anxious over continued economic erosion tied to the housing downturn and fallout from the mortgage loan sector, the Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate today by a quarter point to 4.50 percent, from 4.75, the second rate cut this year.

Housing Starts Slide 2.6 Percent in August
(Sep 19th, 2007) - The pace of new home construction declined 2.6 percent in August, down to 1,331 million units from 1.367 million in July, and 19.1 percent below August 2006 estimates at 1.731 million, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

FED Lowers Interest Rates to 4.75 Percent
(Sep 18th, 2007) - The Federal Reserve lowered key short-term interest rates yesterday for the first time in four years to 4.75 percent from 5.25 percent, hoping to promote moderate economic growth, and ease pressure linked to the mortgage credit crisis and slumping housing market.

NAR Puts 2007 Existing Home Sales at 5.92 Million Units
(Sep 11th, 2007) - The latest housing forecast by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS� puts sales of existing homes for 2007 at 5.92 million units, down from 6.48 million in 2006.

U.S. Real Estate Transaction Costs Among Lowest In The World
(August 7th, 2007) - According to Global Property Guide, a study by the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) rates real estate transaction costs in the United States among the lowest in the world.

June Pending Home Sales Index Posts Increase
(August 1st, 2007) - Although sales remain well below 2006 levels, a leading indicator of the housing market's strength shows potential for stabilization over the coming months, according to a recent NAR report.

Remodeling Activity Falls Slightly in Second Quarter
(August 6th, 2007) - The effects of the weakened housing market have trickled down to the remodeling sector, resulting in a drop in residential remodeling activity during the second quarter with predictions for continued slowing heading toward 2008, according to a recent report.

FED Keeps Key Interest Rate Unchanged
(August 7th, 2007) - The Federal Reserve yesterday kept the target for the federal funds rate unchanged at 5.25 percent.

Construction of Residential Projects Dipped 0.7 Percent in June (PDF)
(July 31st, 2007) - Residential construction spending across the country dipped 0.7 percent in June compared to May, while total construction spending fell 0.3 percent, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Consumer Confidence Levels Reach Six-Year High in July
(July 31st, 2007) - The Consumer Confidence Index reached a six-year high in July after falling off in June, a rebound economists view as a sign of gathering economic momentum focused away from the slowdown in the housing market and on job growth, according to The Conference Board.

New Survey Shows Only Small Percentage of Loan Originations Are Subprine
(July 24th, 2007) - A new survey by the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) says subprime loans continue to account for only a small percentage of loans originated this year, despite their alleged role as the leading factor in the current housing slump.

Mortgage Applications Fall By 3.6 Percent
(July 25th, 2007) - The number of applications for home mortgages fell 3.6 percent during the week ending July 20, according to the latest survey form the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

Home Sales Decline 24.7 Percent In June
(July 25th, 2007) - Home sales decreased 24.7 percent in June in California compared with the same period a year ago, while the median price of an existing home increased 3.2 percent, according to a C.A.R. reported today.

California Home Sales Decrease 25 Percent In May
(June 25th, 2007) - The median price of an existing single-family home in California increased 4.8 percent in May and sales decreased 25 percent compared with the same period a year ago, C.A.R. reported this week.

Consumer Confidence Falls Amid Concerns About Job Market
(June 26th, 2007) - After rebounding in May, consumer confidence took a downward turn this month, according to yesterday's report from The Conference Board. The organization's Consumer Confidence Index decreased to 103.9 (1985=100) in June, down from 108.5 in May.

New Home Construction Continues to Decline in California
(May 25th, 2007) - California housing starts fell for the 14th consecutive month in April 2007, declining 30.4 percent compared with the construction pace recorded one year earlier, the California Building Industry Association (CBIA) recently reported.

Consumer Confidence Improves, Suggests Slow Economic Growth
(May 29th, 2007) - The confidence level of U.S. consumers improved this month, buoyed by a more favorable assessment of current economic conditions, according to yesterday's report from The Conference Board.

California Home Sales Decrease 27.8 Percent In April
(May 25th, 2007) - The median price of an existing single-family home in California increased 6.2 percent in April and sales decreased 27.8 percent compared with the same period a year ago, C.A.R. recently reported.

Stocks Surge on Home Sales Data
(April 3, 2007) - The National Association of Realtors' index for pending sales of existing homes increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 0.7 percent to 109.3 in February from a reading of 108.5 in January. The index was 8.5 percent below its level of a year earlier, but stronger than the market had been expecting.

California sees huge declines in new single-family construction from last year, but East Bay rates rise
(March 29, 2007) - In the first two months of the year, single-family home-building activity in the East Bay and Peninsula picked up a bit but the state saw a big decline from a year ago, an industry report released Wednesday said.

NAR Forecast: Housing Recovery Likely This Year
(March 13, 2007) - Nationwide home sales are expected to reach annual levels similar to 2006, despite the recent weather patterns and challenges in subprime lending that have created ambiguity in the U.S. housing market, according to NAR's recent forecast.

Entry-Level Housing Affordability At 25 Percent in California
(March 1, 2007) - The percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home in California stood at 25 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006, compared with 27 percent for the same period a year ago, according to C.A.R.'s First-time Buyer Housing Affordability Index (FTB-HAI).

Consumer Confidence Improves in January
(Jan 4th, 2007) - American consumers continued to indicate a higher level of confidence in the nation's economy this month, due in part to a more favorable job market, The Conference Board recently reported.

CBIA Expects Housing to Remain at �Normal� Levels in 2007
(Jan 4th, 2007) - Housing production in the Golden State is expected to remain at "normal" levels this year, with home builders producing 155,000 to 170,000 units by the end of 2007, according to the "2007 Housing Forecast" released by the California Building Industry Association (CBIA).

Pending Home Sales Show Steady Trend
(Jan 4th, 2007) - A stabilization trend in the housing market is likely to continue, according to the latest reading on pending home sales published by the National Association of Realtors.

Pending Home Sales Reflect Stabilizing Market
(Dec 4th, 2006) - Despite a two-month decline, the latest pending home sales data tracked by NAR indicate a steady pace of home sales in the coming months, according to a recent report.

The Worst is Over
(Nov, 2006) - Three-quarters of the nation's housing markets will start to improve next year, while the remainder continue to feel the remnants of this year's contraction.

Housing affordability at 24 percent for first-time buyers in California
(Nov 28th, 2006) - The percentage of first-time buyers in California able to afford a median-priced home stood at 24 percent in the third quarter of 2006, compared with 28 percent for the same period a year ago, according to C.A.R.'s First-time Buyer Housing Affordability Index (FTB-HAI).

Tighter Labor Market Dampens Consumer Confidence
(Nov 28th, 2006) - The confidence level of the nation's consumers declined for the second consecutive month in November, signaling a more cautious outlook for the coming months, according to yesterday's report from The Conference Board. The Consumer Confidence Index fell to 102.9 (1985=100) in November, down from 105.1 the previous month.

Internet Users Slow to Download Podcasts
(Nov 2006) - Approximately 147 million Americans are now Internet users and more are downloading podcasts, according to a recent study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

California Luxury Home Values Rise Modestly in Third Quarter of 2006
(Nov 20th, 2006) - The value of high-end homes in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego posted record highs in the third quarter of 2006, according to the First Republic Prestige Home Index�, which tracks homes valued at more than $1 million in key California markets.

U.S. Leading Index Continues Upward Trend
(Nov 20th, 2006) - The U.S. leading index, a key barometer of economic conditions, increased for the second consecutive month in October, The Conference Board recently reported.

Builder Confidence Improves In November
(Nov 16th, 2006) - The confidence level of the nation's home builders improved for the second consecutive month in November, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

New Study Points to Baby Boomers' Second Home Hype
(Nov 12th, 2006) - According to new research, only a small proportion of older Americans have second homes, and there is no greater tendency by the Baby Boomers than previous generations to purchase these second homes.

Residential Construction Spending Declines in September (PDF)
(Nov 1st, 2006) - For the first time since February, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of real estate construction spending dipped below $1.2 trillion in September, according to a recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau.

New Home Construction Continues to Decline in California
(Sep 27th, 2006) - California housing starts fell for the seventh consecutive month in September 2006, declining 46.6 percent compared with the construction pace recorded one year earlier, the California Building Industry Association (CBIA) recently reported.

Economists Beginning to Challenge Media's Negative Drumbeat on Housing
(Oct 16th, 2006) - After months of scary headlines and TV news reporting about "the real estate bust," prominent economists -- along with the vice chairman of the Federal Reserve -- say low interest rates, growing job creation and strong household formation will cushion and shorten the current down cycle.

Real Estate Construction Spending Continues To Rise (PDF)
(Oct 2nd, 2006) - After falling just below $1.2 trillion in July, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of construction spending again topped $1.2 trillion in August 2006, rising 4.4 percent over spending one year earlier, according to a recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Pending Home Sales Indicate Steady Market In Coming Months
(Oct 2nd, 2006) - The housing market will continue to stabilize in the months ahead, according to NAR's most recent Pending Homes Sales Index (PHSI). In August, the PHSI stood at 110.1, up 4.3 percent from the previous month and down 14.1 percent from August 2005.

U.S. Leading Index Indicates Slow But Steady Economic Growth
(Sep 21st, 2006) - The U.S. leading index, a key barometer of economic conditions, has decreased in five of the last eight months, including a 0.2 percent decline in August, The Conference Board recently reported.

Home Sales Decreased 30.1 Percent in August
(Sep 26th, 2006) - The median price of an existing single-family home in California increased 1.6 percent in August and sales decreased 30.1 percent compared with the same period a year ago, C.A.R. recently reported.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Posted a Gain in September
(Sep 26th, 2006) - The confidence level of U.S. consumers improved this month, buoyed by a more favorable assessment of current economic conditions, according to a recent report by The Conference Board.

U.S. Housing Starts Decline 19.8 Percent in August (PDF)
(Sep 19th, 2006) - The seasonally adjusted annual rate for privately owned housing starts dropped for the fifth consecutive month in August, falling to a rate of 1.67 million units, according to a report released yesterday by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

Builder Confidence Declines to Lowest Level Since February 1991
(Sep 18th, 2006) - The confidence level of the nation's home builders declined for the eighth consecutive month in September, a reflection of increased sales cancellations and rising inventories of unsold homes, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

FED Holds Federal Funds Rate at 5.25 Percent
(Sep 20th, 2006) - The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee today decided to maintain the target for the federal funds rate at 5.25 percent.

Real Estate Construction Spending Continues to Rise (PDF)
(Sep 1st, 2006) - The annual pace of construction spending remained above $1 trillion for the 24th consecutive month in July 2006, rising 5.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.2 trillion, according to a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Pending Home Sales Index Points To Easing Market
(Sep 1st, 2006) - Home sales should be leveling out in the months ahead at a lower pace, according to an index based on pending home sales, a leading indicator for the housing market published by the National Association of Realtors

First-Time Buyers Housing Affordability Index Stands at 23 Percent
(Aug 17th, 2006) - The percentage of first-time buyers in California able to afford a median-priced home stood at 23 percent in the second quarter of 2006, compared with 30 percent for the same period a year ago, according to C.A.R.'s newly developed First-time Buyer Housing Affordability Index (FTB-HAI).

Florida and California Add Most Housing Units in Nation
(Aug 21st, 2006) - California and Arizona are among the five states that added the most housing units in the country between July 1, 2004, and July 1, 2005, according to a recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau. Following Florida, which gained 247,000 homes during the one-year period, California added the second highest number of homes at 182,000.

Pleasanton prices hold steady despite U.S. downturn
(July 28th, 2006) - "For Sale" signs dot the residential landscape across the country, including more than 300 on the streets of Pleasanton as buyers, sellers and the real estate professionals who serve them confront a rapidly changing market.

Builder Confidence Slides In August
(Aug 15th, 2006) - Reacting to what they perceive as increasing consumer uncertainty regarding the market for new single-family homes, builders tempered their views on current and expected sales activity in the Wells Fargo/National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index (HMI) for August, released today.

Luxury Home Values Rise in Second Quarter of 2006
(Aug 16th, 2006) - Luxury home values posted small gains in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco in the second quarter of 2006, according to the First Republic Prestige Home Index� by First Republic Bank (NYSE: FRC), a leading provider of wealth management and private banking services.

Mortgage Loan Applications Rise
(Aug 9th, 2006) - The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, was 553.3 for the week ending Aug. 4, up 4.9 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from 527.6 one week earlier, The Mortgage Bankers Association reported today.

NAR Expects Home Sales to Remain Steady For Remainder of 2006
(Aug 8th, 2006) - The housing market will continue to stabilize through the end of 2006, with U.S. home sales anticipated to reach the third highest levels on record, according to NAR's recent forecast.

FED Opts to Keep Federal Funds Rate at 5.25 Percent
(Aug 8th, 2006) - The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee yesterday decided to suspend interest rate hikes, maintaining the target for the federal funds rate at 5.25 percent.

Share of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages at Lowest Level Since March 2004
(Aug 2nd, 2006) - The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, hit the lowest level since May 2002, standing at 527.6 for the week ending July 28, The Mortgage Bankers Association reported today.

Pending Home Sales Indicate Transitioning Market
(Aug 1st, 2006) - For the second consecutive month, pending home sales have risen on a month-to-month basis, a sign the housing market is beginning to level out, according to a recent report from NAR.

Real Estate Construction Spending Continues To Rise PDF
(July, 2006) - The annual pace of construction spending topped $1 trillion for the 24th consecutive month in June 2006, rising 6.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.22 trillion, according to a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau.

California Housing Starts Reflect Normalizing Market
(July 28th, 2006) - New home construction in California declined during June 2006, falling 10.9 percent when compared with the construction pace recorded one year earlier, the California Building Industry Association (CBIA) recently reported.

Consumers Concerned About Short-term Economic Outlook.
(June 27th, 2006) - Despite a one-point increase in consumer confidence this month, consumers remain concerned about current economic conditions, according to a recent report from The Conference Board.

C.A.R. reports median price of a home in California at $564,430 in May
(June 27th, 2006) - The median price of an existing home in California increased 8 percent in May and sales decreased 21.1 percent compared with the same period a year ago, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS� (C.A.R.) reported today.

Green Home Builders to Increase by 30% in 2006
(June 6th, 2006) - Results of a McGraw-Hill Construction/National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey indicate that 2005 saw a 20 percent increase in the number of home builders producing green, environmentally responsible homes. The study indicates that number will grow by another 30 percent this year.

Builder Confidence Declines to Low Last Seen in 1995
(May 15th, 2006) - The confidence level of the nation's home builders continues to decline in 2006, falling this month to its lowest reading since June 1995, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

Rate of Construction Spending Near $1.2 Trillion.
(March, 2006) - In March 2006, the annual pace of construction spending neared $1.2 trillion for the second consecutive month, according to a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau. Construction spending was up 8.4 percent compared with March 2005 and rose 0.9 percent from the previous month.

Pending Home Sales Index Eases.
(May 2nd, 2006) - The Pending Home Sales Index,* based on contracts signed in March, eased 1.2 percent to a level of 116.2 from an index of 117.6 in February, and is 6.0 percent below March 2005.

Big bounceback in economy.
(April 28th, 2006) - The U.S. economy grew at its strongest rate in 2-1/2 years during the first three months of this year, snapping back from a lackluster fourth quarter on a surge in spending and investment, a Commerce Department report on Friday showed.

March home sales gain of 13.8% the biggest in 13 years
(April 27th, 2006) - New home sales posted the biggest jump in 13 years in March, but sales got a boost as builders cut prices to cope with higher mortgage rates and a growing backlog of houses on the market.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Improves Further in April.
(April 25th, 2006) - The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had increased in March, improved further in April. The Index now stands at 109.6 (1985=100), up from 107.5 in March.

Median price of a home in California at $561,350 in March, up 13 percent from year ago.
(April 25th, 2006) - The median price of an existing home in California increased 13 percent in March and sales decreased 15.1 percent compared with the same period a year ago, the California Association of REALTORS� (C.A.R.) reported today.

Home Builder Confidence Declines in April.
(April 17th, 2006) - Higher interest rates and declining demand from investors continue to push the confidence of the nation's home builders to lower levels, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

US Housing Starts Rise in March
(April 18th, 2006) - The seasonally adjusted annual rate for privately owned housing starts rose to 1.96 million units last month, according to a report released by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. The March construction pace was up 6.9 percent from a year ago.

US Housing Starts Decline 4.8% in February
(March 16th, 2006) - The seasonally adjusted annual rate for privately owned housing starts declined to 2.12 million units in February, according to a report released by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

Leading Index Signals Economic Growth in the Near Term
(March 20th, 2006) - The U.S. leading index, a key barometer of economic conditions, declined 0.2 percent to 139.0 (1996=100) in February after increasing the previous four months, The Conference Board recently reported.

Homeowners Expect Prices to Keep Rising
(March 8th, 2006) - Americans remain largely optimistic that home values will keep rising in the next few years, but some are concerned that they won't be able to keep up with their mortgage payments, according to a Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll.

Rubble to Revelation
(March 5th, 2006) - Makers of Durisol, originally designed to recycle scrap from cities ruined in World War II, have discovered a new use for it - high-performance wall material.

Multi-generational Communities Replacing Age Restricted Developments of the Past
(March, 2006) - Out of the 10,000 master planned communities across the United States, over 2,500 are built around golf courses and pristine waterfront property - attracting a diverse community.

Hot Trends in Today's Homes
(Feb 5th, 2006) - Kitchens and baths still sell homes. So what are the latest trends? "Vintage plumbing is hot and getting hotter," said Lloyd Poe, owner of LifeStyle Builders & Developers Inc. and Craftmaster Homes

2005: A Record Year for Remodeling
(March 1st, 2006) - The final numbers from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University confirm what most of us already knew.

Leading Index Signals Economic Growth in the Near Term
(February 21st, 2006) - The U.S. leading index rose for the fourth consecutive month in January, increasing 1.1 percent to 140.1 (1996=100), The Conference Board recently reported.

US Housing Starts Up 4 Percent in January (PDF)
(February 16th, 2006) - Following a decline in December 2005, the seasonally adjusted annual rate for privately owned housing starts rose to 2.28 million units in January, according to a report released by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

US Housing Starts Decline in December (PDF)
(January 19th, 2006) - Following a large increase in November 2005, the seasonally adjusted annual rate for privately owned housing starts in December declined to 1.93 million units, according to a report released by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

Leading Index Signals Moderate Economic Growth
(January 23rd, 2006) - The U.S. leading index rose for the third consecutive month in December, increasing 0.1 percent to 138.5 (1996=100), The Conference Board recently reported.

California Returns to More Balanced Market
(January 25th, 2006) - The median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during December 2005 was $548,430, a 15.6 percent increase over the $474,270 median for December 2004, C.A.R. reported today.

Homebuilders Confidence Holds Steady
(January 18th, 2006) - Following a six-month slide from the peak levels reached during 2005, builder confidence stabilized this month, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

California Housing Production Expected To Decline In 2006
(January 4th, 2006) - California's homebuilders will likely construct 185,000 to 205,000 new housing units in 2006, down from the 212,000 units produced each of the last two years, according to a recent housing forecast released by the California Building Industry Association (CBIA).

Solar Energy Program Pushes California Closer To Cleaner Future
(January 12th, 2006) - The cost of environmentally friendly electricity will decrease with the newly created California Solar Initiative.

Housing market to "normalize" in 2006.
(January 10th, 2006) - The key word for the housing market in 2006 is balance, with a return to a more normal rate of price growth, according to the National Association of Realtors�.

The "green" house of tomorrow helps drive the efficient LED movement.
(January 11th, 2006) - Is the Age of LEDs upon us? MIT�s Technology Review reports that solid-state lighting could be making strides in advancing beyond specialty-lighting status and into the illumination mainstream, as experts tout its energy-saving benefits.

NAR Launches Mortgage Interest Deduction Ad Campaign.
(December 5th, 2005) - The National Association of Realtors� today launched an advertising campaign warning that home values could drop significantly if the recommendations of a federal tax reform panel to drastically reduce the mortgage interest deduction were implemented.

Home sales slow a bit but price growth is still strong.
(December 16th, 2005) - Bay Area home sales in November edged down for the eighth month in a row, but price growth remained strong -- signs of a market that is easing from its frenzied state.