January 18, 2011 - Several analysts at the International Builders Show in Orlando said they expect improved economic conditions to lead to a rise in the number of consumers hiring moving companies and purchasing new homes.

Sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders, the show included panel discussions from a number of leading housing economists, many of whom expressed their optimism for the real estate market in 2011. David Crowe, the NAHB's chief economist, said he expects home sales to improve in the short-term as the weather heats up and more Americans consider packing their storage boxes.

"This year's spring selling season will be better than last year's," said Crowe. It was a bold prediction considering this year's market won't have the benefit of the federal homebuyer tax credit, which incentivized large numbers of buyers last spring. Instead, job growth will support a more sustainable moving environment this year, said Crowe.

Frank Nothaft, chief economist for Freddie Mac, added that springtime will be the prime season for fence-sitters to enter the moving market.

On the other hand, Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke has said the housing market won't be able to find even footing until the government can reduce the role of the taxpayer-funded Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, according to HousingWire.
 

Recent Articles