Affordability

El Cielito Inn Hotel Manila is just the right hotel for those who seek an economical lodging with everything just within their reach.This three (3)-star hotel stands proud on Arnaiz Avenue which is former Pasay Road in Makati. It only takes you 20 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to reach this four-floor grandeur. The staff is very warm and approachable; you can easily feel at home

Style and Affordability For Your Wedding Ensembles by Da Vinci If you’re getting in the summer spirit of changes, fun, babies and weddings then you’re probably planning a few special days yourself.  In the spirit of our wedding series I’ve been providing you with designer Bridal Dresses, wedding destinations and more.  If you’re just now starting to plan [...]

Oftentimes, when we know something is beautiful or elegant, two things always pop up into our minds. First, that they are really made of the highest and best quality materials in the market today; and second, that their prices are as high as Mt. Everest. But at Littman Bros, they negate this notion. Why? [...]

Thanks to falling prices, U.S. affordability levels for median home prices have bounced back to 54% -- 10 percentage points above the 44% level noted in the first quarter of 2007. Still, because buyers expect prices to keep falling, they remain largely stuck on the sidelines hoping for better deals to come. But in many areas, affordability levels are approaching and exceeding 90%. From a CNNMon

News about millions of homeowners losing their homes to foreclosure have been all over the news lately, but the outlook for renters is also alarming. According to a study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, even rental housing is too expensive for the vast majority of working Americans. The problem isn't just affecting high-priced urban mar [...]

News about millions of homeowners losing their homes to foreclosure have been all over the news lately, but the outlook for renters is also alarming. According to a study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, even rental housing is too expensive for the vast majority of working Americans. The problem isn't just affecting high-priced urban mar [...]

For skiers, a getaway made to the slopes entails more than just ski passes and equipment rental; for destination skiing, it means the arrangement of accommodations, meals, and travel – all of which can add up to be an expensive prospect. Hotel accommodations alone can cost you seventy-five percent of your total vacation price; and when you add meals on top of that, a ski vacation sometimes becomes cost-prohibitive. But, if you consider a ski vacation rental, you may find that you are able to save an enormous amount of money – putting your ski getaway back into reach.A ski vacation rental can be a great way to spend a getaway. Depending on the location you choose, you can have close proximity to the ski slopes at all times. Further, the ability to share the ski vacation rental with a nu

Housing Affordability Jumps 27 Points in 6 Monthsfrom CARPE DIEM by Mark J. Perry "This increase of almost 27 points in the HAI in just six months, from both falling home prices and falling mortgage rates, is already starting to have a positive effect on the housing market (February sales increased) and could continue to play an important role in the recovery process for the slumping real estate market."

Housing Affordability Jumps 27 Points in 6 Monthsfrom CARPE DIEM by Mark J. Perry "This increase of almost 27 points in the HAI in just six months, from both falling home prices and falling mortgage rates, is already starting to have a positive effect on the housing market (February sales increased) and could continue to play an important role in the recovery process for the slumping real estate market."

In Vancouver, Campbell said, reducing the frontage for single-family homes to 10 metres could knock $200,000 to $300,000 off the asking price of a home.Campbell, a former property developer, also said new compact housing types, green communities and reduced urban sprawl will contribute to a long-term reduction in the cost of housing in the province."Land is very expensive," said Peter Simpson, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association. "Over the last decade, there's been a dramatic swing from single-family homes to multi-family homes, to tackle affordability."

 Rock-bottom, what does it mean?  Where does Stockton, CA fit into affordability? Well, I can tell you some good news.  Stockton is not #1 on the least Affordability List, but on the other hand it is not on the #1 Affordable list either.  I was actually somewhat surprised (and Happy) to find out that we are somewhere in the middle of the Least Affordable place to live ~ since we held the #1 position on the worst foreclosure record in America.  God Bless America! If you recall Stockton, CA was labeled on a recent 60 Minute show as Ground Zero... the Foreclosure Capital.  See my post: Ground Zero.... the Foreclosure Capital of America! Stockton, CA.  So I want take this time to say right on Stockton, CA - Hold your own.  One day this too shall pas

In Saskatoon, the cost of a new house skyrocketed an amazing 45.1% in 2007, while prices were up 25.9% in Regina and 21.5% in Edmonton, Statistics Canada figures showed yesterday.Prices were up 4.1% in Montreal, 6.4% in Vancouver, 6% in Calgary and 3.4% in Toronto and Oshawa over the year.

From an article in the Australian, regarding the lack of affordable housing in Australia, the three main points were:More than a third of a family's income goes to mortgage (In NSW it was 38%)Affordability has dropped in every state except TasmaniaNSW is the most expensive state, ACT has the least affordabilityWhen I read this it made me think how can people afford a decent house in a good area anymore? Having been in the states for about 1 year now, I had thought that like the US housing market, the Australian market was also cooling off and getting more affordable. However it looks like that clearly is not the case. In places like Sydney, with almost 40% of the household income going towards housing it is little wonder that there is any money left for anything else after mandatory expenses are met (food, utilities, schooling etc). I also read that Credit Card debt is on the increase, due in part to increased housing costs I'm sure. Not a good combination of factors for long term gr

Everyone one of us that live in California knows that we live in a high home price state. “California has the third highest home price in the nation” said California Association of Realtors President William E. Brown. And although we have seen home values drop in most areas, this has only helped a miniscule number [...]

It's not B.C but it's almost Toronto. Alberta's affordability has suffered in the last year due to incredible housing price increases. Although we haven't become one of Canada's worst areas we moved up the ranks. The thing is affordability declined across most of the country. Alberta is doing terribly but we need caution. This RBC report went on to say that the economics in Alberta are supportive."Albertans now pay a higher share of their country-leading incomes on average than Ontarians across every type of housing, although Torontonians still pay more than Calgarians and Edmontonians for a two-storey home.Albertans now pay a higher share of their country-leading incomes on average than Ontarians across every type of housing, although Torontonians still pay more than Calgarians and Edmontonians for a two-storey home. Alberta is still, however, avoiding British Columbia’s stressed affordability conditions."Read More From RBC Reports

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) – Three Texas cities — Fort Worth, Lubbock and Houston — made Coldwell Banker's list of the top ten most affordable big football towns for housing in the United States. The Coldwell Banker College Home Price Comparison Index looks at the hometowns of 119 Division 1-A college football programs to see how much the same type of house costs in each market of a middle-management neighborhood. The average price for a home in Fort Worth (TCU) is $151,250. In Lubbock (Texas Tech), the price is $163,250. Meanwhile, the price in Houston (Rice University and University of Houston) is $169,736. Muncie, Indiana, home of Ball State, ranked first at $150,000. Logan, Utah, home of Utah State, ranked tenth at $172,978. The most expensive college town is Palo Alto, Calif., home of Stanford, at $1,677,000.

By: Ella Morgan Mattresses come in all shapes and sizes. There is a mattress size that will suit any lifestyle and budget. One of the most convenient and well known mattress sizes is the full size mattress. The full size mattress is a great bed for one or two since the full size mattress is sized halfway between the twin size mattress and the queen size mattress. If you do choose to utilize the full size mattress, be sure to also get yourself a full mattress pad. A full size mattress pad will protect you and your investment at a relatively inexpensive cost.Why should you buy a full size mattress? A full size mattress is a great investment for a single person, or that couple who is just starting out. The full size mattress is a perfectly affordable investment that can fit into anyone's tight little budget. In addition, a full size mattress is less expensive with upkeep, such as full mattress pads, sheets, blankets, etc. A full size mattress will fit into spaces that other larger beds w

Austin is the place to live and if you aren’t here yet, we’ll give you yet ANOTHER reason to move- affordability!  Because of the gorgeous landscape and endless lakes, much of our entertainment is free (can you say hiking, biking, swimming?).  But who are we kidding- the best deal in Austin is housing!  Last year, the national median home price was $221,900 while Austin’s median price was only $173,700!  While prices have increased (congratulations home sellers!) since last year, Austin will forever be less expensive than real estate on the east or west coast and the landscape is just as beautiful! Where does Austin rank nationally?  According to Travel & Leisure magazine, here are the national affordability rankings: 1. San Antonio, TX 2. Nashville, TN 3. New Orleans, LA 4. Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN 5. Austin, TX 6. Portland, OR 7. Philadelphia, PA 8. Charleston, SC 9. Denver, CO 10. Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Share This

There was a very good article in Forbes this week. Matt Woolsey reports about the affordability of housing stock in certain areas of the Country; and more specifically, certain cities. His description of affordability makes sense. The short version is, the median price matches the medium income. He points out that even if you don't have any money saved this year, ....it would take just two years of gross salary to become a homeowner...."That means two years of saving for a home, which is reasonable and matches what my mortgage 'peeps' tell me. He was referring to Indianapolis at the time, but here are the other cities he included on the list for affordable homes:Cleveland, OhioIndianapolis, IndianaDetroit, MichiganPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAtlanta, Georgia (this one surprises me, their salaries must be high enough to fit the criterion)Greensboro, North CarolinaCincinnati, OhioSt. Louis, MissouriDallas, TexasAustin, TexasOur median income is somewhere around $57k -- according to the ar

On the most basic levels, it’s easy to understand that Lake Oswego and West Linn are Portland’s most expensive areas, while North Portland and Southeast Portland are the least expensive.But how much more expensive are Lake O and West Linn? And just how affordable is North Portland really?The Portland State University Center for Real Estate recently issued its’ quarterly report for 2007. One of the many things reported on is this difference- in the form of a median price index.For example, the median price of a home in the Portland metro is given a value of 100. In 2006, Lake Oswego & West Linn scored 173, which means that the typical home in these areas is 73% more expensive that the metro average.On the opposite end, Southeast Portland scored an 81. In this case, real estate in SE PDX is 19% cheaper than the median sales price of a home throughout Portland metro.Here are the scores for Portland and the suburbs:Score - Area173 – Lake Oswego, West Linn149 – West Portland13

O.C. real estate consultant John Burns has done a report tracking "how much prices would have to fall for housing costs (including mortgage payments, property taxes and down payments) to return to each market's typical ratio of housing costs/income." Here's the 20 regions needing the biggest drops, by Burns' math ... Miami: -41.4% Riverside-San Bernardino: -41.0% Los Angeles: -39.5% Baltimore: -37.2% Orange County: -34.0%* Washington D.C.: -33.3% Las Vegas: -33.0% Seattle: -31.9% Portland, Ore.: -31.4% Oakland: -30.0% Sacramento: -29.3% San Diego: -29.2% Orlando: -28.6% Phoenix: -24.0% Baton Rouge, La.: -22.5% Fort Myers, Fla.: -22.4% Myrtle Beach, SC: -20.6% Tucson: -20.4% Boise City: -20.4% Virginia Beach: -20.0% His thoughts: "We agree that many 'overpriced' markets become permanently more expensive every year because of their desirability as a place to live and their supply constraints, so it is unreasonable to suggest that they will return to their long-term housing cost ra

Looking for a design that's individualistic and absolutely different from the run-of-the-mill? There's an easy answer that comes to my mind. Kartell. Just look at the designs by leading international names like Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and Phillipe Starck for Kartell, launched at the Milan Design Week '07 and you'll know what I mean. Affordability in design and minimalism is the common trend here, with stark, clean lines giving the furniture a geometric feel. It's a revelation in the numerous ways plastic can be molded to create designer furniture. And the there's the fun element. Take a look at the Spoon Chair that I have my eye on. It's an absolute avant-garde product available in colors like orange, blue, white, and grey and black. Made of batch-dyed polypropylene, it has two comfortable armrests and comes with a matching cushion. The best part is the design that makes it look flexible, easy to manipulate and totally comfortable. And like I said, even fun! Now i

May 03, 2007Nokia 1650 and Nokia 2660 phones elevate the entry market to a new levelEspoo, Finland - Featuring contemporary metallic accents and strong feature sets, Nokia brings a compelling combination of form and function to the entry market with today's announcement of the Nokia 1650 and Nokia 2660. Both of these entry-level devices are designed to give consumers more features and a higher level of design than would be expected from such affordable devices."Whether the consumer is a first-time buyer who has little experience with mobile phones, or a more well-versed customer looking for a new mobile phone for personal or business use, each will find what they need in one of these new products," said Soren Petersen, Senior Vice President, Mobile Phones, Nokia. "Creating a mobile phone that combines an intuitive user interface and easy-to-use functions with an attractive design is at the heart of Nokia's entry market strategy."Nokia 1650Designed to deliver a wide range of mobile fe

Now that the heated market is softening, many buyers seem to be waiting on the sidelines for the once high prices to decline even more. Their reasoning is that a lower price will ease the road to homeownership. Currently, prices have decrease and seem to be stabilizing. But, the true factor that affects affordability is interest rates, which is the most powerful component of the home-buying process. A drop in interest rates has a far greater affect on monthly mortgage payments than a drop in home prices. So, if home prices do happen to drop and if interest rates rise at the same time, that once affordable home will quickly become unaffordable. For example, a household with an annual income of $100,000 can afford a $450,000 home at an interest rate of 5.63%. With an increased interest rate of 6.7% (approximately 1% higher), that same family can only afford a home priced at about $399,411. The only factor that changed in this equation was the interest rate. This change in intere

There's been a lot of discussion about affordability of homes in here in OC. By most measure, affordability, on average, is relatively quite low, but that is better in some areas than it is for others. But how much better or how much worse? Quite a bit more than you might imagineI took average household income from the OC Register and combined it with 2006 median prices from the LA Times. I then divided the median housing price by the average household income; giving a measure of relative affordability I'll call the price/income ratio. Having a look at the data, you quickly realize that affordability is by far the lowest for the less-fortunate among us, while if is much less of an issue for the well-to-do. I don't think this is much of a surprise to anyone. What I think you might find surprising, however, is just how much worse affordability is for the less-fortunate.In one Santa Ana ZIP code the price/income ratio was 21.8, meaning that the median house price was about 22 times tha