Monthly Archives: March 2013

Severe Housing Cost Burdens Found in Every State

There are only 30 affordable rental units available for every 100 extremely low-income (ELI) renters, and just 57 affordable and available rental units for every 100 very low-income households, according to a new report by the National Low Income Housing … Continue reading

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HOT, THEN NOT…

Optimism continued to drive investors last week. By Thursday, the Dow had stayed hot posting gains 10 days in a row, while  the S&P 500 moved to within three points of an all-time record close. Things simmered down on Friday when … Continue reading

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bright and happy expectations

Americans currently have bright and happy expectations about housing, according to Fannie Mae’s latest National Housing Survey. Their chief economist commented, “Despite fiscal headwinds and political uncertainty, consumer sentiment toward housing is robust and continues to gather strength.” Specifically, 48% … Continue reading

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK… “If you paint in your mind a picture of bright and happy expectations, you put yourself into a condition conducive to your goal.”–Norman Vincent Peale, minister and author of The Power of Positive Thinking

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JOLTS: Rising Job Openings in Construction

Recent government employment data suggest a pickup in construction sector job openings over the last half year. While consistent with the uptick in construction sector activity, particularly in home building, the data reflect only modest increases in employment thus far. … Continue reading

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Why Homeownership Still Matters

While the Great Recession raised questions about the concept of homeownership, challenging its role as a fundamental piece of the nation’s social fabric, it continues to be synonymous with the American Dream and a gateway to the middle class, according … Continue reading

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The LED price tag tipping point is here

For years, the promise of affordable LED light bulbs has inched closer. But it’s remained out of reach–until now. General-purpose LEDs from Cree and Philips are hitting the market at under $10, a price tag that could give the energy … Continue reading

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What’s in Your Product?

Vision 2020 Materials + Products chair Tom Lent is currently spearheading the Healthy Building Network’s Pharos Project, working to create an online catalog tool to help developers identify and evaluate hazardous content in building products and materials. He recently participated in the … Continue reading

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Set Yourself Up for Success

When my three daughters were little and they used to say “I can’t,” I would reflexively and repetitively respond the same way every time: “Yes you can. All you have to say is, ‘I can do it, but I need … Continue reading

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Building a 100% Made in America House

There were two things Anders and Jake Lewendal couldn’t put in their all-American-made house because they couldn’t find any that were manufactured in the USA.   “A microwave and a doorbell,” recalled Jake Lewendal. “But our clients couldn’t have a … Continue reading

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