Ironically, with the states in economic straits, this may be the best time to build a new library or renovate or expand an older one. The housing market is on hold, so construction companies are looking for projects, as are architects and others in the building industries. Interest rates are low, and construction costs are down.

The ups and (mostly) downs of the housing market, combined with tax incentives have left many wondering whether or not now might be a good time to finally buy that dream home. Average interest rates on thirty year mortgage loans have plummeted once more, falling a full percentage point below the lowest rate at any time last year.

Movement toward Green Homes is a Solid Market Trend. The green housing market is growing on all fronts ;new construction, retrofits, single family and multi-family are all seeing strong growth in the area of green practices and products. The green housing market is following the pattern of a innovative technology adoption and market development.

New residential home construction dropped despite the extension of the first-time homebuyer tax credit. This came as a surprise to many as the housing market

According to Radar Logic’s Residential Property Index (RPX) housing market report, home prices and home sales in 25 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) increased 1% and 1.9%, respectively, from July to August. The average price change from July to August for the past 10 years is 0.1%, but Radar Logic said the first-time home buyer tax credit, which nears expiration, is adding demand in the market. The real estate data and statistic firm applied the same explanation to an increase in home sales volume, which for the past 10 years averaged a 2.4% decline between July and August. Radar Logic president and CEO Michael Feder said, “Pending sales and mortgage applications for purchase suggest that strength in the RPX could continue for the next few months, though given the expected seasonal decline in activity in the fall, that strength could take the form of a modest price gain or a milder-than-average price decline through the winter. The threat of pending foreclosures to the housing market is, in our view, overstated and we believe there is strong evidence that housing supply and demand are returning to more normal levels.”