Phantom debt soars, what does this mean for real estate?

Phantom debt soars, what does this mean for real estate?

Consumer spending in the world’s largest economy has been so resilient in the face of stubbornly high inflation that economists and traders have had to repeatedly rip up their forecasts for slowing growth and interest-rate cuts.  Is Phantom Debt driving consumer...
Shortage of homes will keep prices high… think again; Is there really even a shortage?

Shortage of homes will keep prices high… think again; Is there really even a shortage?

I just saw an article on CNBC with the headline: America is short 5 million houses.  The media is proclaiming a housing crisis throughout the country due to the shortage.  Ironically at the same time the US has hit a record for the slowest population growth in the...
House prices hit another record, what is now driving house prices?

House prices hit another record, what is now driving house prices?

It is astonishing that house prices continue higher in the face of high interest rates and a slowing economy.  The media keeps pinning the continued appreciation on lack of supply even while listings in places like Denver have jumped 33% year over year.  What is...
Warning sign? sales drop 34%, impact on real estate

Warning sign? sales drop 34%, impact on real estate

The economy is currently in a “transition” phase.  To determine if the sun is setting on our current cycle, it is critical to watch for leading indicators of where we might be heading.  One of the strongest predictors of a recession is consumer purchases of one...
Why are home prices rising while mortgage rates stay high?

Why are home prices rising while mortgage rates stay high?

It is a bit perplexing; mortgage rates are over 7%, well over double their lows, and yet real estate prices are once again heading higher after a minor pullback late last year.  Prices have pivoted from last fall to make a strong comeback and approach new highs.  What...
Interest rates jump again, are they really going to decline this year?

Interest rates jump again, are they really going to decline this year?

As suspected the March consumer price index came in hotter than expected which should be no surprise to anyone buying groceries, going out to eat, or traveling, everything is considerably more expensive and there continues to be insatiable demand.  What does this mean...