Market Matters

Wanted: Employed 25- to 34-Year-Olds to Buy Houses Source: CNBC According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor, the number of employed people aged 25 to 34 is lower now than it was in the 1980s, which spells trouble for the housing market since this demographic group will struggle to become prime candidates for buying houses. The economic impact of a lack of first-time buyer sales has caused some experts to describe the market as looking a bit soft. Read the full story

Home Builders Bidding Up Best Lots, Ignoring Outskirts Source: Wall Street Journal   Builders are focusing on higher priced lots that are typically close to growing job and transportation centers. At the moment, these centrally located locations are fetching a historically high premium over more affordable areas, which indicates that builders would rather bid up the best lots than move to the outskirts. Undeveloped raw land has put added pressure on home prices. Read the full story

When home improvements offer the most bang for your buck Source: CNBC Remodeling is at its highest level since the spring of 2004, according to the National Association of Home Builders' Remodeling Market Index. When it comes to upgrades, homeowners can expect the average portion of costs being recouped at 66.1 percent. Entry door improvements and kitchen upgrades offer the most bang for your buck. Read the full story