Market Research

Market Snapshots Released
Written by Jonathan Dienhart   
06.03.2010

We've just released the first quarter edition of our Market Snapshot reports.  Market Snapshots are concise 3-page reports with analysis written by one of our market experts, with a summary of market strengths and weaknesses, projections of the key economic and housing market statistics, top employers and stock performers, and much more.  The Market Snapshot is a fast and convenient way to get up to speed and what is going on in the local economy and housing market.

 

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Flash Report: '09 Building Permit Wrap-Up
Written by Jonathan Dienhart   
02.10.2010
Residential permit activity ended 2009 on a comparatively positive note. In the fourth quarter, total permit issuance was down just 5% from the level seen during the same period last year. Single-family permits were up 15% during the quarter, while multifamily totals were 40% lower than one year ago. Though still below last year’s level, the 5% drop in total permits is the smallest year-over year decline in total permit issuance seen in any quarter since the first quarter of 2006 when total permits rose 4% on a year-over-year basis. In comparison, at the end of 2008 total permits were down by 46% from the preceding year.
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Local Market Update - Denver Leads, San Fran Surprises
Written by Jonathan Dienhart   
02.10.2010
In the latest release of our 4th Quarter 2009 New Home Executive Summary reports, builders saw improved conditions in several markets nationwide in terms of increases in year-over-year net sales volumes and prices, as well as continued decreases in inventory levels. The Denver new home market has been a top performer, with total net sales increasing 40% in the fourth quarter of 2009 when compared to the volume observed in fourth quarter 2008. Sales prices of new homes have remained steady in Denver, with the median new home price increasing 8% year-over-year. The San Francisco Bay Area, where indicators were on a steady downward path over the last three years, saw a welcomed boost during 4th quarter 2009, with net sales posting a 37% increase from one year earlier.
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Consumers Do Not Wear Hard Hats
Written by Jonathan Smoke   
01.15.2009
I recently read with interest an informative column entitled “This Cycle's Recovery Will Be Distinctive” from Giants magazine by industry luminary John Burns. In the article Burns concluded that the housing recovery will vary geographically. He recommended that to find the markets that will recover first builders “need to put your consumer hat on.”

While I whole-heartedly agree with his analysis, the specific advice about how to understand consumers and determine where they will re-emerge as buyers left me sorely disappointed.
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See Which Markets Are in Better Shape
Written by Jonathan Smoke   
01.14.2009
The conditions at the end of 2008 were horrible in most markets in the country. What we’ve seen in the last two years, but especially at the end of last year, was unprecedented as first home prices, then sales and now economic fundamentals deteriorated all over the country. Housing got a one-two punch followed by a credit crisis and broad economic decline.

But it’s not the same scenario in every market. Some markets have only limited and temporary issues while others have systemic longer term problems that may take several years to fully recover. Some markets didn't see declines in 2008. Some markets have local economies that are doing quite well.
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