Did you Know? - 2010 Real Estate Facts

Here are some current little known facts for those of you who follow real estate trends:

• The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota is rated No. 1 in the list of U.S. cities where home prices have become so affordable that it makes more sense to buy than rent a home. This is according to Trulia's recent Rent vs. Buy Index. The index's price-to-rent ratio is caluculated using the average list prices compared with average rent on a 2-bedroom apartment, condo or townhome.
• According to a new report by the U.S. Census Bureau, more U.S. residents moved in 2009 than in 2008. More than half of those who moved said they did so because they wanted to own a home or live in a better neighborhood. About a quarter moved because of family concerns and about a fifth moved due to changing employment needs.
• More and more people are using search engines to monitor their online reputions. Have you set up a Google Alert to monitor yours?
• U.S. homebuyers are less likely to purchase a foreclosed property today than they were a year ago. According to a recent Trulia and RealtyTrac survey, 45% of homebuyers say that are "somewhat" likely to purchase a foreclosure today versus 55% who said the same a year ago. This is good news for those "traditional" sellers trying to make a move!

Just some tidbits for those who like to be in the know from Deb Casper