Existing Home Sales Slowed by a Lack of Listings

  • Existing home sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.22 million, which is up 1.4% over last month. This reverses the six-month trend of dips in sales every month.
  • The inventory of existing homes is still below the 6-month supply needed for a normal market and is now at a 4.3-month supply.
  • NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, had this to say: “After six consecutive months of decline, buyers are finally stepping back into the housing market. As more inventory enters the market and we head into the winter season, home price growth has begun to slow more meaningfully. This allows for much more manageable, less frenzied buying conditions.”

Buying a Home is Cheaper than Renting

How 2,000 People Define The American Dream

What does it mean to “make it” in the U.S.? In the land of opportunity, the American dream lives on — but the definition has changed over time.

What You Can Learn From Multi-Billionaire Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett is one of the richest men in the world — a net worth of $84 billion is hard to argue with. He’s an inspiration to business owners, entrepreneurs and people who want to succeed. But how did he become so successful, and what can you learn from it? Buffett, who is regularly heralded as the greatest investor of all time, is still plugging along at 87 years old with a list of accomplishments that began when he was only five. Buffet began his first business operation at that time when he bought and sold Chiclets gum for a profit. At 6, he moved on to packs of Juicy Fruit gum, selling them by the stick and making 2 cents per package. He used the same philosophy with six-packs of Coca-Cola, earning 5 cents for each pack he sold.

How Humans are Turning the World into Plastic

Modern life would be impossible without plastic – but we have long since lost control over our invention. Why has plastic turned into a problem and what do we know about its dangers?

This video is a collaboration with UN Environment and their Clean Seas campaign. If you want to take action to turn the tide on plastics, go to http://www.cleanseas.org and make your pledge.

 

Washington and Oregon Compared

Both of the bordering states in these United States like to talk a lot of trash about each other, but they have a lot in common

The 99% Is a Myth—Here’s How It Really Breaks Down

When it comes to the division of wealth, many Americans believe that the country is split between the 1%, which possesses a significant share of the country’s money, and the 99%, or “the people.” In reality, The Atlantic writer Matthew Stewart argues, 9.9% of the population comprises America’s new aristocracy, which often “takes wealth out of productive activities and invests it in walls.” But this group of people is rich in more than mere money, and its constancy poses an insidious threat to the promise of American democracy.

What You Need to Know About the Mortgage Process

  • Many buyers are purchasing a home with a down payment as little as 3%.
  • You may already qualify for a loan, even if you don’t have perfect credit.
  • Take advantage of the knowledge of your local professionals who are there to help you determine how much you can afford.

The Mortgage Process [INFOGRAPHIC]