The explosive growth across Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and much of Texas isn’t slowing down.
The DFW metropolitan area recorded the largest increase in the nation from July 1, 2011, to July 1, 2012, adding 131,879 people, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released today.
The 2 percent uptick pushed the Metroplex population to 6,700,991.
Since the April 1, 2010, census, DFW’s growth spurt is even more impressive: The population has increased by 4.3 percent, or 274,781 people. (more…)
Joel Kotkin, a respected contributor to Forbes.com on urban issues, recently wrote an article about the migration patterns of Americans and where they are moving. He predicts the population growth over the next few decades will be largely concentrated “to lower-cost, less regulated and generally less dense regions,” and because of this he places Texas as one of the biggest gainers. What does this mean for Texas and other booming “Sun-Belt States?” Here are the highlights from the article. (Here is the article in full).Friday’s report on U.S. economic gro
wth confirms two emerging trends about the long-ailing housing sector: It is finally delivering a lift to the economy, but it is not delivering anywhere near the kind of boost that it traditionally has during a period of economic expansion.
Housing has now contributed positively to the nation’s gross domestic product in six straight quarters, which hasn’t happened since the housing bubble burst in 2006.
Residential fixed investment accounted for 0.33 percentage point growth in GDP during the third quarter, up from 0.19 percentage point in the second quarter and 0.03 percentage point in the year-ago quarter, the Commerce Department said on Friday.
Housing contributes to the economy in two key ways: the direct contribution to growth through home construction and improvements, and real-estate broker commissions, which is captured in the “residential investment” figures reported by Commerce.
But it also shapes consumer spending, through the so-called “wealth effect” (people may spend more when their homes rise in value because they feel richer, just as they might when stocks rise). Homeowners can also tap into the equity of their homes by taking out a home equity mortgage or through cash-out refinancing. (more…)
(The Colony, TX—June 19, 2012) The Little Elm ISD Board of School Trustees approved plans to build the district’s first K – 8 Academy at Monday night’s regular board meeting. The district plans to open the school as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy in the fall of 2015. The Academy will meet the district’s projected student growth through 2021. The new school will be located at The Tribute, a 1,500-acre master planned lakeside golf and resort community, in The Colony.
“The partnership forged with our local developers makes this a win-win for all involved. We are very excited to offer this innovative approach to learning for our community,” said Lynne Leuthard, superintendent of schools. “On the heels of announcing our new Digital Learning Initiative, the Academy will extend our vision of preparing our students for global success.”
Sally Coleman, LEISD Board President, indicated that the decision to open the Academy follows 18-months of research, including site visits by parents and staff to other schools across the state. Parents and community members also shaped the decision, studying several different magnet school concepts this past school year. (more…)
The U.S. economy grew for the second straight year in 2011, although at a slower pace than in 2010. According to figures released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the nation’s gross domestic product increased 1.6% last year, down from 3.1% in 2010.
Durable-goods manufacturing was the nation’s most significant growth industry, contributing nearly one-third of last year’s GDP growth. Significant contributions were also made by professional, scientific and technical services, which accounted for 24.7% of GDP growth, and the information sector, which represented 14.7% of economic growth. (more…)
More Americans are signing contracts to buy existing homes than at any time in nearly two years, boosting the housing industry’s slow recovery, according to the National Association of Realtors’ index of pending home sales.
Article By: Tiffany Hsu| The L.A. Times
Our very own President and CEO Stephen Brooks was featured in this month’s issue of Builder Magazine. The article highlights how he was able to lead Grand Homes through two of the worst housing recessions in history. Through difficult cost-cutting decisions, redesigning products, and putting people first Grand Homes was able to remain one of the most profitable home builders in the Dallas Area. While many had no option but to get out, Mr. Brooks has accomplished 96 consecutive months of profitability. See the complete article here, or scroll below. (more…)
Read how the out look for D-FW home prices is looking bright in 2012.
After almost five years of declines, the Dallas-Fort Worth home prices will edge up in 2012, according to a new forecast.
The D-FW area will be among the top 10 home price gainers this year, according to a report by California-based housing analyst Clear Capital.
Overall home prices in D-FW should rise 5.8 percent by the end of 2012, Clear Capital predicts. That is higher than the nationwide forecast of a 0.2 percent price gain. (more…)
Last month Grand Homes experienced one of their highest sales months of the year, indicating that even in a challenging housing market Grand Homes is delivering a quality product and service that people want to buy. As Grand Homes opens and develops new communities they are enthusiastic about maintaining this trend through the end of the year. (more…)
Right now mortgage rates are lower than they have been in over 6 decades. This week the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was reduced to 4.12%, and 15-year to 3.33%. (more…)
