Big Boost in Housing Demand Expected From Echo Boomers

Depicting the current housing downturn in sobering terms, the 2009 "State of the Nation’s Housing" report released by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies on June 22 nevertheless gives home builders firm assurances of a resurgence in demand once the echo-boom generation gains a footing in the housing market.

Born from 1981-2000, members of the echo-boom generation, Harvard says, will boost annual average household growth to more than 1.25 million during the decade of 2010-2020 — even under the worst of circumstances. ...

More States Help First-Time Home Buyers Monetize Tax Credit

With the recent addition of Nebraska, Texas and Virginia, 13 states have now taken steps to monetize the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers so that it can be used for downpayments and closing costs.

The other 10 states with programs are: Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. ...

Nation's Building News Will Not Be Published on July 6

Nation's Building News will not be published on July 6. Regular weekly publication will resume July 13.

Happy Fourth of July.