http://www.wral.com/business/blog/2746682/ Jeremy Salemson, CEO of Corporate Investors Mortgage Group, blogs about economic trends and data and their impact on Triangle business. Each week, he interviews a Triangle-area business leader for a personal look at the local economy. Copyright 2013 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Mon, 20 May 2013 18:40:00 -0400 Mon, 20 May 2013 18:40:00 -0400 60 http://www.wral.com/builder-reinvented-when-recession-hit/12451055/ Epcon Communities uses a unique model to get involved in housing markets across the country. From a partner model with local builders to Condos for the Cure outreach and intense understanding of what buyers want, Epcon has grown since its founding in 1986. Mon, 20 May 2013 18:40:00 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/builder-reinvented-when-recession-hit/12451055/ http://www.wral.com/triangle-market-turning-to-sellers-advantage/12451046/ Inventory of homes for sale is low this spring in the Triangle, according to Tina Caul, listing specialist with The Caul Real Estate Group. Wed, 15 May 2013 18:37:10 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/triangle-market-turning-to-sellers-advantage/12451046/ http://www.wral.com/big-boss-a-leader-in-nc-craft-beer-revolution/12430753/ Spokeswoman Mary Catherine Tucker explains a bit of the history of a company born in recession on an upward trajectory. Fri, 10 May 2013 08:18:16 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/big-boss-a-leader-in-nc-craft-beer-revolution/12430753/ http://www.wral.com/adp-jobs-drop-home-prices-rise/12403989/ What a week for economic data points! While many eyes are focused on Friday’s jobs report it was the jobs number that preceded Friday’s data which delivered a disappointing number on Wednesday. The ADP private sector jobs report gave us 119,000 jobs for April, which was a number that fell well below economists’ expectations and provided further concerns that the labor market is still very weak. To add insult to the April data the March report was revised lower by an additional 27,000 jobs. Thu, 02 May 2013 11:50:58 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/adp-jobs-drop-home-prices-rise/12403989/ http://www.wral.com/real-estate-an-investment-that-pays/12377781/ Real estate always pays off, says Marti Hampton, leader of the No. 1. ReMax realty team in the country. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:32:31 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/real-estate-an-investment-that-pays/12377781/ http://www.wral.com/triangle-housing-market-in-good-groove/12356973/ Well-positioned, well-priced homes are selling quickly, according to Chris Morton, co-owner of rare Properties. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:00:58 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/triangle-housing-market-in-good-groove/12356973/ http://www.wral.com/march-tmls-data-housing-starts-strengthen/12346412/ Triangle Housing continues to strengthen as we begin the second quarter of 2013. TMLS data along with national housing starts provided some good news Tuesday morning for the housing sector. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:44:42 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/march-tmls-data-housing-starts-strengthen/12346412/ http://www.wral.com/harp-extended-triangle-unemployment-drops/12336314/ The HARP program has been extended again by the FHFA. The new expiration date for the program is December 31, 2015. HARP - or Home Affordable Refinance Program - helps homeowners refinance their mortgage even if they are underwater. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:31:08 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/harp-extended-triangle-unemployment-drops/12336314/ http://www.wral.com/home-prices-climb-jobs-numbers-drop-mortgage-rates-improve/12306917/ The March ADP Jobs report was certainly disappointing to say the least. The private sector delivered 158,000 jobs versus the expected number of closer to 200,000. The markets will be very focused on the March BLS employment report that will be released Friday morning. Consensus estimate is for the unemployment rate to remain unchanged at 7.7 percent. Any deviation from that figure could cause volatility throughout the markets. Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:25:17 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/home-prices-climb-jobs-numbers-drop-mortgage-rates-improve/12306917/ http://www.wral.com/mortgage-applications-consumer-sentiment-rise/12283843/ Mortgage applications rose last week thanks to a slight dip in mortgage rates. Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:29:24 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/mortgage-applications-consumer-sentiment-rise/12283843/ http://www.wral.com/home-sales-prices-rise-while-consumer-confidence-dips/12271998/ Housing is certainly heating up this spring but we received juxtaposed data this morning showing that while home sales and prices are the beneficiaries of strengthening Triangle housing fundamentals, consumers are still concerned over jobs, commodity prices and domestic economic headwinds. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:07:19 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/home-sales-prices-rise-while-consumer-confidence-dips/12271998/ http://www.wral.com/housing-permits-rise-in-raleigh-area/12243849/ We receive Fed comments tomorrow afternoon so be aware of potential mortgage rate volatility depending on the Fed's rhetoric. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:42:39 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/housing-permits-rise-in-raleigh-area/12243849/ http://www.wral.com/raleigh-no-1-in-growth-housing-permits-rise/12243846/ Raleigh was just ranked the #1 fastest growing city in the United States by Forbes Magazine. This accolade helps to solidify the fact that we are well positioned for long-term growth. Not only are we a well-diversified business region, but also our numbers indicate that we have enjoyed a 47.8% population growth rate since 2000. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:41:49 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/raleigh-no-1-in-growth-housing-permits-rise/12243846/ http://www.wral.com/triangle-home-data-continues-to-strengthen/12227007/ A great market run over the past couple of weeks was stifled slightly Friday morning with the release of a less-than-stellar Consumer Sentiment report. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:26:08 -0400 Business http://www.wral.com/triangle-home-data-continues-to-strengthen/12227007/ http://www.wral.com/green-family-homes-are-more-than-trends/12173046/ The expectation that a home will meet high environmental standards is no longer an option, according to Mark Ward of ForeverHome. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:03:47 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/green-family-homes-are-more-than-trends/12173046/ http://www.wral.com/numbers-show-housing-market-s-strength/12155589/ Housing is firing on all cylinders right now. Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:50:05 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/numbers-show-housing-market-s-strength/12155589/ http://www.wral.com/meritage-has-homes-in-sweet-spot-/12136728/ Ryan Wells describes the Triangle home market from the viewpoint of a builder as robust and growing. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:00:20 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/meritage-has-homes-in-sweet-spot-/12136728/ http://www.wral.com/housing-starts-housing-stops/12132051/ Homebuilder Sentiment slipped in February according to the latest report out from the National Association of Homebuilders. The reading for the index now stands at 46. A reading of 50 is the demarcation line between a positive and negative outlook from Homebuilders. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:25:05 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/housing-starts-housing-stops/12132051/ http://www.wral.com/triangle-real-estate-market-in-balance/12109824/ Neither buyers nor sellers have the upper hand this spring in a market where demand and supply are just about right, said Kim Pappalardo, broker/owner at Pappalardo Real Estate Group. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:22:38 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/triangle-real-estate-market-in-balance/12109824/ http://www.wral.com/housing-data-shine-in-triangle/12098791/ On Tuesday, both the Dow and S&P closed at five-year highs, as market momentum remains strong for 2013. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:34:47 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/housing-data-shine-in-triangle/12098791/ http://www.wral.com/social-media-supplants-email-as-killer-app/12055809/ Email, so long the default means of quick, electronic communication, is being replaced. For some purposes, individuals prefer to connect within their social networks, said Lee Congdon, chief information officer for Raleigh-based Red Hat. Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:00:59 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/social-media-supplants-email-as-killer-app/12055809/ http://www.wral.com/ashton-woods-focuses-on-green-healthy-homes/12050252/ Hampton Pitts described the Ashton Woods communities in the Triangle and pointed out that their focus on green, healthy homes has resulted in owners who save upwards of 40 percent on utilities. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:27:59 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/ashton-woods-focuses-on-green-healthy-homes/12050252/ http://www.wral.com/fed-stays-the-course-raleigh-ranks-no-4-in-growth/12045231/ It has been a volatile week so far with a deluge of data delivered since Monday. The week started off with a much better than expected durable goods report which not only pushed the Dow up but it caused the 10 year yield to cross the 2% threshold for the first time since last April. Treasury Yield increases tend to be a general indicator towards upward pressure on mortgage rates which is what we have experienced so far this week. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:53:58 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/fed-stays-the-course-raleigh-ranks-no-4-in-growth/12045231/ http://www.wral.com/new-home-sales-drop-mortgage-rates-climb/12028151/ A mixture of housing and economic data as we end this snowy and ice covered week here in the Triangle. The weekly jobless claims number from Thursday came in at 330,000 for the week ending January 19th. The 5,000 claim decrease puts the weekly number at a five year low. The question here is are we experiencing an improving labor market or is this drop attributed to seasonal data influences? We will have a better feel for the labor markets in the weeks to come. Sat, 26 Jan 2013 10:17:52 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/new-home-sales-drop-mortgage-rates-climb/12028151/ http://www.wral.com/home-prices-up-inventories-down/12016787/ As we begin to think about the all important spring buying and selling season here in the Triangle, home prices top the list of important criteria for buyers and sellers. As inventory levels are decreasing, the natural pressure from fewer homes available on the market will help to push Triangle home prices higher as we head further into 2013. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:39:40 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/home-prices-up-inventories-down/12016787/ http://www.wral.com/housing-s-spring-is-already-begun/11997629/ New home construction and home buyers and sellers are all blooming this spring in Johnston County, according to Realtor April Stephens. Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:50:38 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/housing-s-spring-is-already-begun/11997629/ http://www.wral.com/dec-triangle-housing-national-home-prices-remain-strong/11983980/ After a quiet week last week, the markets are back to full force this week. Mortgage rates have descended again after rising slightly post Fiscal Cliff vote. European concerns, debt ceiling worries and domestic economic headwinds continue to weigh on the markets here at home. Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:21:34 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/dec-triangle-housing-national-home-prices-remain-strong/11983980/ http://www.wral.com/health-care-act-prompts-new-choices/11965435/ Businesses big and small and those they employ face tough new choices about health coverage with the advent of the Affordable Care Act. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:15:50 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/health-care-act-prompts-new-choices/11965435/ http://www.wral.com/flurry-of-economic-activity-to-start-2013/11944437/ We have certainly had an exciting start to the year on the economic front: The Fiscal Cliff vote, jobs numbers and significant bond market movement. Those were all in the first four days of the year! Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:52:26 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/flurry-of-economic-activity-to-start-2013/11944437/ http://www.wral.com/economic-data-continues-to-deliver-a-mixed-message/11919216/ The Dickensian atmosphere continues post-Christmas with its juxtaposed delivery of economic news. Fiscal cliff uncertainty and an unexpected drop in the December consumer confidence index helped push treasury yields and stocks lower on Thursday. Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:02:29 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/economic-data-continues-to-deliver-a-mixed-message/11919216/ http://www.wral.com/housing-market-economy-are-tale-of-two-trends/11908081/ As Mr. Dickens once said, "It was the best of times it was the worst of times." That statement is certainly apropos for today's economic environment. Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:10:02 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/housing-market-economy-are-tale-of-two-trends/11908081/ http://www.wral.com/housing-data-points-on-the-rise/11904006/ The NAHB/Wells Fargo Homebuilder Index increased again in December to a reading of 47. The increased reading gives the index its eighth consecutive month of improving conditions. Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:30:51 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/housing-data-points-on-the-rise/11904006/ http://www.wral.com/multiple-data-points-indicate-strong-housing-market/11878260/ TMLS Data for November has been released, and the home sales data has improved significantly in year-over-year numbers. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:28:26 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/multiple-data-points-indicate-strong-housing-market/11878260/ http://www.wral.com/unemployment-drops-consumers-remain-cautious/11855585/ The November jobs number delivered better than expected results Friday morning, indicating that the economy added 146,000 jobs for the month. The overall unemployment rate dropped from 7.9% in October to 7.7% in November. There are heavy concerns however over labor participation rates across the US, which has some economists skeptical of the validity of the actual unemployment percentages. Even with the drop in job creation from October to November, we can still cheer the continuation of job creation here in the US. North Carolina and Triangle Unemployment data for November should be released in the next few days. Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:25:39 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/unemployment-drops-consumers-remain-cautious/11855585/ http://www.wral.com/-mystery-brewer-finds-success-in-new-venture/11848060/ Erik Myers started brewing beer as a hobby but found it more satisfying than his day job. Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:15:29 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/-mystery-brewer-finds-success-in-new-venture/11848060/ http://www.wral.com/new-home-sales-down-pending-sales-up/11829518/ We've had a bit of mixed news this week in the world of housing. Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:42:08 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/new-home-sales-down-pending-sales-up/11829518/ http://www.wral.com/expect-further-expansion-in-triangle-home-market/11827682/ Ed Kristensen, area president for M/I Homes, is bullish on 2013 after a year of positive growth in 2012. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:41:51 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/expect-further-expansion-in-triangle-home-market/11827682/ http://www.wral.com/housing-consumer-confidence-moving-in-right-direction/11818599/ Consumer Confidence numbers hit their highest reading in four and a half years Tuesday. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 18:00:32 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/housing-consumer-confidence-moving-in-right-direction/11818599/ http://www.wral.com/nc-foreclosures-drop-jobless-claims-decline/11805725/ I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. The markets sessions are truncated today, but we have much to cover as we end the holiday week, so let us get started. Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:34:09 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/nc-foreclosures-drop-jobless-claims-decline/11805725/ http://www.wral.com/housing-sector-continues-to-strengthen-/11798535/ We had another strong start to the week for U.S. housing and mortgage data. According to the latest report out from the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales for October rose 2.1 percent. The rise was in contrast to economists' expectations - which were for a 1-percent decline. Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:51:01 -0500 Business http://www.wral.com/housing-sector-continues-to-strengthen-/11798535/