For the second consecutive month, sales and traffic for new homes have improved across the nation, according to a recent survey conducted by John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

The February Home Building Executive Survey was compiled using market ratings—which represented thousands of new home communities—from 236 builder executives.

On a scale from one to 10—one being the lowest and 10 being the highest—surveyors found that the traffic in new home communities has increased since December 2008 from 0 to 3. One Dallas builder attributes the increase in traffic to the decrease in interest rates.

And while a St. Louis builder notes that an increase in traffic doesn’t always mount to an increase in sales, January numbers suggest that sales are also on the rise.

“We just finished January with the highest sales pace in several
quarters," says an Austin, Texas builder. He also adds that competitive pricing has increased real estate sales.

According to the survey, net sales per community saw stabile numbers across the country and an increase from December 2008 in the Texas market. On a scale of zero to 10—decreased to increased—surveyors rated the national net sales per community at 5.5, which is more than half way up the scale. The Texas market led all other areas with a scale reading of eight.

"January 2009 has picked up in a big way," said one Houston builder. "We are requiring more earnest money and option deposits up front. The $7,500 tax credit is piquing interest among first-time home buyers."

Looking Into The Future:

The Survey shows that expected sales of new homes throughout the next six months also has seen a rating increase from December 2008. Texas and the Northeast, in particular, are above the national average of expected sales of new homes. On the same scale—from one to 10—surveyors ranked the expected sales of single-family detached homes in the Texas and Northeast markets at a solid 3, which is moving closer to the scale’s ‘fair’ mark.

About John Burns Real Estate Consulting:

John Burns Real Estate Consulting is a national consulting firm that helps executives make informed decisions on the housing industry. The company provides third-party research and analysis to executives across the United States.

—Lauren Varga

The devastation is incomprehensible. An unbelievable 750-plus homes destroyed, 350,000 hectares of land consumed, with more than 150 lives lost—a number that is sadly expected to rise. Our thoughts extend to all those who have been affected by hell’s fury.

Donations and pledges have reached $70 million AUD, but much more is needed. There are ways to help those involved. For more information on how to assist, please check out the links below.

 Important Contacts & Advice:

Victorian Bushfires — support website

Victorian Bushfire Information Line: 1800 240 667

Victorian Bushfire Accommodation Donation Hotline: 1800 006 468

How you can help people affected by the bushfires

Country Fire Authority Victoria

State Emergency Services

Victorian Government

Victorian Council of Social Services

Bushfire Appeal

Bushfire Information Line

Free Legal Advice

Australian Red Cross (the Red Cross have advised that their donation line and website are struggling under the weight of demand, but ask that you keep trying! Additionally, please give blood - the Victorian blood-bank is struggling.)

Salvation Army

Commbank - Emergency claims and assistance, donations, including clothes, household goods

Commonwealth Bank Bushfire Appeal

Wildlife Victoria - donate to help save the animals caught in the fires (special request: please leave water outside for injured animals, and keep household pets - cats and dogs - contained to protect weaker wildlife)

 —Robert Burke

Although Canada’s banks haven’t dished out risky sub-prime loans and don’t practice some of the questionable trading practices that occurred in the U.S., its real estate market is still slumping, said Pam Alexander, CEO and managing director of North American operations for RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada Inc. and the Integra Enterprises Corporation.

Alexander was speaking in January as part of panel on international real estate at the Inman News Real Estate Connect conference in New York City.

“If the United States sneezes, we catch a cold,” she said.

Not only do Canadian banks abstain from sub-prime loans, they keep the vast majority of their mortgages on their own balance sheets, she said, so there is no mortgage crisis in Canada. Activity is down simply because of sagging consumer confidence, she said.

“Anywhere that saw double-digit increases in the last four to five years will see adjustments downward,” Alexander said, noting that British Columbia is seeing price declines of 10-11 percent.

—Mark Moffa
 

Southern California saw its median housing price fall 40 percent in January to $250,000, spurring a 52.5 percent increase in sales of new and previously owned houses and condominiums, according to MDA DataQuick.

The six-county area includes Los Angeles County, where the median sales price dropped to $300,000, its lowest point since April 2003; however, sales in Los Angeles County soared 33 percent. San Bernardino and Riverside Counties saw more significant jumps in sales—128 percent and 71 percent, respectively.

While discounted prices on foreclosed homes continue to be the driving force behind price declines (foreclosures accounted for 58 percent of all transactions of previously owned homes and condos), resales hit record levels in some areas. Palmdale set a record of 306 resales in January 2005; resales last month reached 351.

Jim Link, chief executive of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, said bargain hunters are bidding against one another on discounted properties, and some homes are selling at above the list price.

– Sarah Binder

Attention football fans—It’s first and goal for a chance to place a bid on the suburban Atlanta home of Atlanta Falcons quarterback, Michael Vick. The home is expected to hit the auction block on March 10th. Previously listed at $4.5 million, the residence will now start with opening bid of $3.2 million. The auction will be held in either Atlanta or Gwinnett County.

What can one expect to find with the purchase of the Duluth mansion? A two story foyer with double curved staircase, a home theater, a workout room with sauna, an elevator and a full bar for starters. For more on Vick’s home, check out the story by AP writer Larry O’Dell: Auction of Vick’s Georgia Home.

—Robert Burke

In today’s uncertain economy, a growing number of home sellers are turning to auctions. Many people might consider this selling tactic a desperate move, but when the auction is monitored by the nation’s top-selling real estate group, desperate might be the last word that comes to mind.

Known throughout the worldwide luxury real estate arena for its innovative marketing and sales strategies, the Newport, California-based McMonigle Group recently launched its new 90-Day Certain Sale Program, which speeds the selling process, optimizes equity and sells homes within 90 days.

Accounting for a 60-day marketing period and a 30-day escrow, the program begins with a meeting between an interested seller and representatives from the company. During this analytical meeting, a seller’s property is evaluated for eligibility and a value-based listing price and predetermined sales price are set.

If approved for the program, a seller’s property will be featured on the 90-Day Certain Sale Web site, as well as the McMonigle Group’s Web site, the MLS and events such as open houses. On the 90-Day Web site, potential buyers can view detailed information about listings, browse photo galleries, take virtual tours and place a bid on properties they are interested in purchasing.

"The 90-Day Certain Sale Program is an innovative marketing and sales strategy that provides an innovative way to sell your home and maximize your equity in this challenging market," said John McMonigle (founder and principal of the McMonigle Group) in a press release this week.

An initial selection of six properties, ranging in price from $450,000 to $3,495,000, stretches from South County to Newport Beach. For more information, to set up a personal profile, to register or to bid on a property, visit 90daycertainsale.com

– Sarah Binder

The Watermark on Hudson—a WCI Communities, Inc., development—is defined by luxury, uniqueness and location and is not a victim of the down economy.

Located just beyond New York City limits, The Watermark on Hudson is positioned on the Gold Coast in North Bergen, N.J. From the 12-story tower residence one will enjoy New York skyline views and the glimmer of city lights reflecting off of the Hudson River.

Though some real estate markets and projects are suffering, The Watermark on Hudson has been selling multiple units each month. To date, The Watermark on Hudson only has 11 residences remaining of the original 206 residences and penthouses.

What is alluring buyers?

To start, guests and residents are welcomed home by a 24-hour valet. Services such as automotive care, babysitting and nanny referrals, boat charters, access to sporting, concert and theatrical events, pet sitting, restaurant delivery, technology assistance and laundry and dry cleaning further enhance the amenities of this luxurious address.

Residences within the building range from 906 square feet to approximately 3,000 square feet in size—each with views of the Manhattan skyline. For a luxury, two-bedroom condo, a buyer should expect to pay anywhere from $800,000 to $1.4 million. With this price comes top-of-the-line amenities, including European cabinetry, granite countertops, floor-to-ceiling windows and wood floors. The high-end master baths include Kohler Seaside soaking tubs and separate, glass-enclosed marble showers. Each residence is complete with a gourmet kitchen accented by KitchenAid stainless-steel appliances.

A health club, grand salon, social room, business center, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor pools, screening room and guest suites are also positioned to captivate the most discerning buyers. And alas, nothing is left to desire.

WCI Communities, Inc., offers more than 50 master-planned communities, neighborhoods and high-rise towers throughout Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.

—Lauren Varga

Interior designers, architects and manufacturers are invited to submit their applications for the second annual Earth-Minded Awards. Created by The American Society of Interior Designers and Hospitality Design magazine, the Earth-Minded Awards recognize sustainable design projects and products that are aesthetically pleasing, environmentally innovative, promote sustainability, incorporate recycling and waste management and integrate efficiency.

This year’s Earth-Minded Awards will feature a new category, The Earth-Minded Award for Tomorrow, aimed at interior design and architectural students. “With the new tomorrow award, we will recognize students and their earth-minded design solutions, getting a glimpse into the future of sustainable hospitality design,” said Michael Alin, Hon. FASID, ASID Executive Director.

Only completed projects and manufactured products with be considered. For complete eligibility guidelines and to download the entry form, click here. All entries must be received by March 1, 2009.

Winners will be announced at Hospitality Design’s Green Luncheon, held during the HD Expo in Las Vegas, May 13-16, 2009.

—Shari Barbanel

Organically shaped bathroom furnishings that look as though they’ve been naturally sculpted and boast precision, high quality, and design, are just a few features of Laufen’s elite collection of designer bathroom offerings.

The Swiss bathroom manufacturer is the first ceramic bathroom product manufacturer in Switzerland, and boasts collections conceptualized by renowned designers and architects.

The Palomba Collection, seen here, is the brainchild of interior designers and husband-and-wife team Ludovica and Roberto Palomba, and is a collection that exudes quality, vision, and the smoothness of architectural lines and high functionality. Guilio Cappellini, art director of Laufen Bathrooms, says, “Ludovica and Roberto love lightness and, therefore, water. In their design projects a real passion for this natural element comes through and this reflects the clarity they use when they design.”

Recently introduced in the U.S. and Canada, The Palomba Collection has won six internationally recognized awards and provides clients the sophistication of a bathroom culture that matches the refinement of their entire residence.

Simply put—this is not your grandmother’s bathroom.

—Holly Marie Busacca
 

The Home Price Index for December was released by the Integrated Asset Services, LLC (IAS). The index reflects a 13.8% decline in house prices for 2008 and an overall decline of 19.1% since the market’s peak at the tail-end of 2006.

The report also notes 10 counties hit the hardest during the national decline, showing that many were in states that saw the largest gains during the housing bubble, including California and Florida.

At the U.S. Census region level, both the West and the South experienced double-digit declines for the full year 2008. The West, which dropped 18.4% in 2008, fell over 24% from its peak in 2006, while the South, down 12% during 2008, was off nearly 18% from its high. The Northeast saw declines of 9.4% for 2008 and 11.7% from its peak. The Midwest, despite significant declines, was the least impacted region in the U.S., and posted declines of 7.4% in 2008 and 10.4% from its peak.

At the MSA level, San Francisco, San Diego, and Miami were the hardest hit areas in 2008, with declined rates of 23.9%, 22.7%, and 20.8% respectively. Within San Francisco’s MSA, Contra Costa County declined at an astonishing rate of 35.5% during 2008 and 42.2% since its 2006 peak. Also within the San Francisco MSA, Marin County and San Francisco County posted less astonishing declines of 11.3% and 13.9% from the 2006 high, while declines accelerated to 15.4% and 16.1% across 2008.

But an end to the decline may be in sight, as noted in a in a story published on Bloomberg.com. Despite the continued price fall, Moody’s Economy.com suggests the light at the end of the tunnel is approaching. Prices will likely continue a decline through much of 2009, but are expected reach bottom by year’s end. For more on this, check out the story at Bloomberg.com.

 —Robert Burke

*The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data of 15,000 “neighborhoods”, which is rolled-up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall.