The New Rules of Remodeling - WSJ.com

Thinking about remodeling?  Few might think that Harvard or USC would be interested!

The New Rules of Remodeling - WSJ.com

But the parameters have changed greatly with reductions in  home values and equity. - David

"Home prices rose for the seventh straight month in December..." - Builder Magazine

What does it mean when home prices rise in a single month?  Not much.  But in this article we learn that this is the 7th month in a row, which is very significant:

Home prices rise 0.3 percent in December - Builder Magazine

The S&P/Case-Shiller index tells us that home prices maxed out in May of 2006, nearly four years ago.  So housing declines continued for about three years, then leveled out nationwide in the middle of 2009. 

Does that signal a big runup soon?

Homeowners' equity is again on the rise after three years of unprecedented shrinkage - LATimes.com

We all knew prices couldn't go up forever, right? Well, they couldn't go down forever either, and the South Bay is a good example of a locale where prices are stabilizing. In fact, would you believe U.S. homeowners' equity in their homes is rising?  It's true. - David

The changing face of relocation - Inman News

Home value issues are cropping up in an increasing number of relo situations, as reported below. - David

The changing face of relocation - Inman News

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"Underwater and Not Walking Away" - Paper by Prof. Brent T. White

Recently published study by University of Arizona Professor Brent T. White (no relation) on reasons homeowners underwater on their equity often choose not to "walk away."  One reason: concern over personal shame.  Better reason: It's their home, not just an investment!  And of course, most quality real estate will appreciate over time.  If this is your situation, an important read. - David

Click here for abstract and to download.

Citation: White, Brent T., Underwater and Not Walking Away: Shame, Fear and the Social Management of the Housing Crisis (December 7, 2009). Arizona Legal Studies Discussion Paper No 09-35.

Time for an equity check? - Inman News

Equity levels vary widely nationally as well as locally - David

Time for an equity check? - Inman News