The Housing Bubble Blog

Examining the home price boom and its effect on owners, lenders, regulators, realtors and the economy as a whole.

High-Priced Condos And Bigger Homes

The Times Union reports on New York. "A report state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released this week was a reminder that New Yorkers' incomes haven't kept up with the cost of living here. Based on the federal guideline that 'affordable housing' means you're not spending more than 30 percent of your...
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People Tend To Behave As They Think

Readers suggested a topic on bubbles and the masses. "What does the lunch bunch or water cooler crowd think about the market in your area (with an example of a comment or two overheard maybe)? I’ve heard people who are. Normally cheerleaders saying that it is slowing, it is flat, and aware of the...
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An Oversupply Of Houses Has Surfaced

It's Friday desk clearing time for this blogger. "In many parts of the country, home prices are nearly back to where they were at the peak. A major factor in the price rise is hedge funds, private equity firms and other large investors. One place where investors have been very active is Florida's...
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Investors Are Ready To Cash In

The Los Angeles Times reports from California. "Home prices in a dozen Southern California ZIP Codes have passed their peaks during the housing bubble, according to DataQuick. In Arcadia's 91007 ZIP Code, the median sale price for a previously owned house reached $1.33 million last quarter — 30.5%...
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Default Will Lead To Default

A report from the Sydney Morning Herald. "Fears of a slowdown in Chinese economic growth continue to bubble to the surface, with the price of iron ore, Australia's most valuable commodity, plunging to an 18-month low. But there are other factors at play that have contributed to the plummeting...
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Let’s Get Used To This, You’re Going To Lose Money

The Calgary Herald reports from Canada. "Prospective Canadian homebuyers are more willing to enter into a bidding war this year for properties they want to purchase, says a new report by BMO. Mike Fotiou, associate broker with First Place Realty, said Calgarians were so determined to buy a home in...
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The Kind Of Growth That's Not Sustainable

The Wall Street Journal reports on Nevada. "During the darkest days of the Las Vegas housing bust, most luxury homeowners sat on their homes, waiting for the market to improve. Now, real-estate agents say, they are returning to the market en masse, sensing a window of opportunity. And many are...
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Operating In Very Rarefied Air

A reader suggested a topic on bubbles. "What factors are deriving the Stock Market to go up and up. Even the Fed is tapering, the EMs are doing even better than before. What has changed? Is it sustainable? Housing Bubbles are still in full force in more than 20 countries across the world." A reply,...
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