housing market

What’s Happened to Housing Affordability?

Posted on 05/16/2013 by | Senior Strategic Policy Advisor | Comments

Home & Family | Money & Savings | Public Policy InstituteThe National Association of Realtors announced earlier this year that its Housing Affordability Index shows 2012 was a record year for housing affordability.  Subsequently, articles appeared in the media with titles such as “Housing Today Is More Affordable Than at Any Time in History” and “2012 a Banner Year for Housing Affordability, Industry Group Says.” In addition, I’ve seen TV reports that continue to note how affordable housing has become. All of these are at odds with study findings presented …

Looking to Downsize? Now May Be the Time.

Posted on 03/22/2013 by | Money and Work | Comments

Bulletin Today | Home & Family | Money & SavingsIf you’re looking to downsize or move closer to your grandchildren, now may be the time. More people are buying existing homes and inventory is dropping. So as the spring selling season gets underway, and there are fewer homes to choose from, it’s a good time to put your house on the market. Home sales were up  nearly 1 percent in February but 10 percent over last year, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday. Sales haven’t been that robust since …