The Case-Schiller composite index of housing prices in 20 major metropolitan areas rose 0.7% on a seasonally adjusted basis in June, following an essentially unchanged reading in May. The not-seasonally-adjusted numbers were even better (and what most of the press coverage were initially focused on). However, there is a distinct seasonal pattern to housing prices, so it is better to focus on the seasonally adjusted numbers.
The increase in prices was widespread, with 15 of the 20 areas seeing an increase -- better than expected, and extremely good news. In May, nine of the 20 cities were up. The news is still tentative, with much of the good news coming from a reduction in supply as banks have been letting the foreclosure pipeline build, and an increase in demand from the first-time homebuyer tax credit, which expires at the end of November.
On a year-over-year basis, the composite 20 ...
Tags for this Post:Analyst,
Charlotte,
Dallas,
Denver,
Detroit,
Equity Residential,
Fannie,
Federal Reserve System,
Freddie,
Las Angeles,
Las Vegas,
lax accounting rules,
Market Commentary,
Miami,
Minneapolis,
mortgage buyer,
Phoenix,
Portland,
San Diego,
San Francisco,
Stocks to Watch,
Tampa,
USD,
Zacks Market Commentaries