The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) shows that remodeling will continue on the upswing, says Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvardís Joint Center for Housing Studies. More
As demand has plummeted, sunroom dealers have had to adjust to a different kind of market. More
The September 18 cut of a key interest rate should keep the trouble in the subprime lending market from dragging the economy into recession, but experts caution that it is not the cure for the flagging housing market. More
In its annual “State of the Nation's Housing” report, the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (JCHS) affirmed that, while there are more reasons to be concerned than in the past, the outlook for the near future is still relatively bright. More
The economy can be a scary thing to small business owners. Few truly understand it, but most have at least a vague notion that they should pay attention to it. More
Recent financial activity would indicate that tougher times may lie ahead. Hope is not lost, but increased market awareness must be found. More
A potential roadblock for the economic rebound is the skittishness of consumers in their expectations for the performance of the economy. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index fell nearly eight points in July. More
While the remodeling industry as a whole is thriving, business in certain parts of the country has slowed somewhat in the past year or two. The good news, however, is that although national trends are somewhat difficult to predict, all signs point to that lull being temporary.For example, in the first quarter of 2003, the National Association of Realtors' Housing Affordability Index hit its highest level in 30 years, rising to 144. More
New federal tax laws were designed to stimulate the economy. One of the most difficult -- and often overlooked -- aspects of tax planning involves reconciling the objectives of deferring or reducing federal taxes with the liability for state and local taxes. More
Confidence falters Consumer confidence fell for the third straight month in August to its lowest level since last November, according to The Conference Board. Leading economic indicators Down for the second straight month was The Conference Board's July Index of Economic Indicators. This reinforces the expectation for a limiting of the economic revival over the next several months Per capita disposable income A July drop in inflation-adjusted income marked the end of what had been a positive factor in the economy since May 2001. More
