Positive News for the Housing Market

Curious about what the real estate market is really like these days? You are not alone. In fact, many organizations are examining multiple factors regularly to try to determine the status of the condo market.

According to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) released on Friday, April 5, 2012, 101 areas throughout the United States are showing signs of growth, in thirty-five states. That is great news for condo buyers and sellers, as it means the real estate market is improving throughout the country. It is reassuring news if you are a condo buyer as well, as it may give you a better idea of the stability of the area in which you hope to buy a condo.
It is interesting to note that the NAHB/FA report is based on the following three solid factors remaining steady over a six month period, rather than simply market speculation.

• Employment Growth Statistics (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• House Price Appreciation (Freddie Mac)
• Single-family Housing Permit increases (U.S. Census Bureau)

According to David Crowe, chief economist at NAHB, “The IMI is designed to highlight markets that are showing consistent improvement." Seeing that improvement as a great sign, Kurt Pfotenhauer, vice chairman of First American Title Insurance Company agreed stating,“The fact that the number and geographic distribution of improving housing markets continued to expand beyond the 100 mark in April bodes well for the start of the spring home buying season, and should be an encouraging sign for those who are considering a condo purchase.” You can view the current report here to see specific markets and their ranking in the IMI.

For further information and trends about the Minneapolis Condo Market contact Ben Ganje.

QR Codes: The Future of Real Estate?

Have you noticed the odd bar code boxes showing up on real estate signage and flyers lately? Do you recognize them as QR codes? Are you shaking your head wondering what a QR code actually is and does? Do you have a smartphone?

A QR code is very similar to a UPC bar code that is used in pretty much every store, from where you buy your groceries to where you shop for clothes. It gives detailed product information. In a matter of seconds, using your smartphone, you can get all the information you desire on the item at no cost and with less hassle.

With a QR code, you can read about the product, including a condo for sale, using your smart phone easily and fuss free. You can efficiently scan the "condo for sale" flyer you found on your doorknob or the for sale sign of the condo next door to your daughter and discover the details of the condo without having to make a phone call. You can be directed to a real estate website that will show you more condos and other resources, too, if you desire.

You can view pictures, videos, floorplans, community information and status - everything you want to know - instantly. I personally dislike having to wait for a call back when I want information, QR codes make sure you can find out what you need to know, when you want to know it!
So, please let me know what you think. I value your opinion and wanted to educate you on what and why those little fuzzy boxes exist. Do you love QR codes, too, or would you rather see my picture on a sign instead? Maybe both? :)

For further information on the Minneapolis Condo Market please contact Ben Ganje.