This Week’s Short Stories

This Week’s Short Stories

Fannie Says More Recovery
Fannie Mae’s Economic & Strategic Research Group predicts that the economy and the housing market will continue to strengthen modestly in 2014. This is balanced by the statement that improvement will not be as good in 2014 as it was in 2013 however.

6.5 Million Homes at Risk for Flooding
An analysis of storm surges found that 6.5 million homes along the costs of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean are at risk from flooding this year’s hurricane season. This represents approximately $1.5 trillion in reconstruction costs.

Renters Trading Size for Amenities
Surveys of renters and monitoring of rental trends show that today’s renters are trading size, moving into smaller units, for more frills. They’re willing to pay more for less square footage if they can get prime locations, poolside Wi-Fi, and other amenities.

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