The rate of annual job growth in August, 1.7 percent, was basically the same as in previous months. We had better get used to the idea that this is the new normal, because there probably won't be much help from the lagging government and construction sectors.
Budget difficulties will prevent any meaningful increase in government spending, even though local and state revenues are now in better shape. The recession revealed the extent of unfunded pension liabilities for public employees, which will absorb any extra dollars.
Real estate investments can generate free cash flow and also act as a shoreline defense. Today's often changing market experiences rising inflation and threats of violent market downswings. Real estate investments can strengthen your portfolio and steadily 
When the home bubble burst, mortgage sales collapsed, both loan origination and into the secondary market. The sleight hand in marketing mortgage backed securities was immediately exposed, challenging the price of homes and real demand. Then the recession ensued, causing demand to dry up and driving down the price of homes in many local markets. A great number of those markets reset back to pre-boom levels, while others recoiled to well below the levels that local economies and incomes could technically support. Most of these markets are off bottom, but have not returned to their “normal” state.
The US housing market can no longer be painted with one brush, as the housing recovery is playing out very differently across the country. Here are some anecdotes gleaned from our consulting team:
You've purchased that quick-flip property. Now it's time to get the most out of your investment. Real estate players rely on timing, negotiating skills and research to acquire properties that will return a profit. The property you purchase doesn't have to be the property you sell, however. Minor property upgrades can pay for themselves and then some. From the unsightly material clinging to your 60s-era ceiling to the stale air in the living room, minor problems can turn away potential buyers and reduce your profit margin.
Good and plentiful jobs make good markets better for real estate investors. You’ll get little disagreement on that, as it stands to reason that where there are more jobs (and workers to fill them), you need more housing. The fallout from the recession and concurrent housing crisis means more and more of those workers are renters, as they look to rebuild their credit. And workers bringing home a regular paycheck generally can be counted on to pay the rent – on time! – and take care of the property.
A total of 255 metropolitan areas across 49 states and the District of Columbia qualified to be listed on the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) for July, released today. This is down slightly from the 263 metros that made the list in June, but is more than triple the number of metros that were on it in July of 2012.
There are many good reasons to have your property valued. Whether you are applying for a home equity loan or refinancing your mortgage, having an accurate reading on what the value of your property is will be important in achieving the financial goals that you have set for yourself.
