Industry experts are forecasting double-digit rent hikes soon.

With vacancy rates dipping below the 10% mark, demand is picking up, which is expected to put upward pressure on rental prices.

"The demand for rental housing has already started to increase," says Peggy Alford, president of Rent.com. "Young people are starting to get rid of their roommates and move out of their parents' basements."

By 2012, Alford predicts the vacancy rate will drop to 5%, causing prices to rise.

Rent hikes have been modest the past decade, averaging less than 1% a year in adjusting for inflation.

via NAR

Generation X--adults ages 31 to 45--are expected to lead the recovery in the housing market, according to real estate experts at the National Association of Home Builders. The group highlighted results of a survey of 10,000 buyers in 27 metro areas.

While Generation X isn't the largest population group--making up 32% of the population compared to 41% of baby boomers--it's the most mobile age group, says Mollie Carmichael, principal of John Burns Real Estate Consulting in Irvine, Calif., the company that conducted the survey.

"They are in full force with their careers, and they need to accommodate growing families," Carmichael says.

This generation is coming with their own set of house preferences that may differ from other generations. Even though home sizes continue to shrink, first-time buyers and younger families are looking for more room to grow, Carmichael says. Nearly 50% said they prefer a home with a large lot and in a suburban development. Only 21% said they are looking for a traditional or "walkable neighborhood," according to the survey.

"They want something compelling, from a design or personalization standpoint," Carmichael says.

And many want "green," energy-efficient features, too. Regardless of age group, 70% of buyers said in the survey they are willing to pay $5,000 more for a home with "green" features.

Most buyers also said they'd be willing to pay a premium for such housing characteristics as dark wood cabinets, a separate tub and shower, and a fireplace in the living room.

via NAR and NAHB

Press Release
Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors

Local home sales in February – for the second consecutive month – improved over a year ago. Sales last month totaled 963 compared to 945 in February from a year ago, for a 1.9% improvement. In addition, the February 2011 sales figure is 7.6% ahead of January sales (963 vs.895)

Home Sales Jan. Feb.
2011 895 963
2010 862 945

Year-to-date home sales (counting January and February) are up 2.82% over the similar 2-month period a year ago (1,858 vs. 1,807). The Cincinnati-area housing market, with a gain in sales, was one of the top metro areas in the state last month. The Cleveland/Akron, Columbus and Toledo markets saw a decrease in sales. "Real estate is always a local issue, and the fact that Cincinnati posted gains for the month shows the relative health of our region,” said Pete Kopf, president of the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors. Kopf cited three primary reasons why sales, in general, are on the upswing:

1) Buyers’ concerns that if home mortgage rates increase later in 2011, it is smarter to lock in attractive rates now instead of waiting for higher costs as the year progresses. A 30-year fixed rate loan slipped to 4.85% last week, but that isn’t expected to last through the summer.

2) Rent increases currently going on are making renters realize the tax benefits they could receive with home ownership compared to no tax benefits in renting. [Mortgage interest costs and property taxes are deductible on federal income tax returns for home owners.]

3) There currently is an ample inventory of homes to choose from, which offers attractive buying opportunities at all price levels.

“More home showings are happening early this year,” said Kopf. “That’s a positive sign the
housing market has stabilized and the pent-up demand for homes is being handled successfully.”

Summary of Single Family and Condominium Sales
Multiple Listing Service of Greater Cincinnati
Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors®

February Home Sales
Closings Gross Volume Average Price
Feb. 2011 963 $138,739,056 $144,070
Feb. 2010 945 $140,848,938 $149,046
Variance +1.90% -1.50% -3.34%

Year-to-Date Home Sales
Closings Gross Volume Average Price
Jan-Feb. 2011 1,858 $265,834,678 $143,076
Jan-Feb. 2010 1,807 $270,543,890 $149,720
Variance +2.82% -1.74% -4.44%

Nationwide, February home sales were down 9.6% from January on a seasonally
adjusted basis, and down 2.8% from February

Recent college graduates, including those earning postgraduate degrees, can now receive down payment and closing cost assistance and a favorable mortgage interest rate from an OHFA participating lender through the Grants for Grads Program. Eligible borrowers can use the grant to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses associated with buying a home.

If you are an income-eligible first-time homebuyer, graduated from an Ohio high school and have earned an associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate or other postgraduate degree within the last 18 months, you can take advantage of the Grants for Grads Program.

Learn more here

Become a moisture detective to keep your investment in good repair and get rid of fusty household smells.

It’s time to see what winter’s wind, rain and snow have done to your home and make fixes quickly to head off water-related damage. First, head outside.

Outside

Spiff up the front entry. One way to stay on top of your home’s maintenance and protect your investment is to look at it as though you’re a stranger considering it for purchase. Perform repairs as the need arises and try each year to add a little to the home’s attractiveness on the outside. One good way to boost curb appeal, as real-estate agents call it, is to make the entrance more appealing. Once the weather is dry, check steps, decks and porches for wood rot and peeling paint. Repaint porch steps and railings yearly with durable deck paint. Wash winter grime and dust off the front door and door frame. Repaint or stain the front door to protect wood doors and give the whole home a little face lift. Consider using a fun accent color such as barn red, black, hunter green, navy blue or gold, depending on the other colors on your home’s exterior. You may want to add built-in planters to a deck or front porch and change the plants with the season.

Check for roof dams. Now that the worst of the weather is behind us, pull a ladder up to the roof to check the valleys and remove accumulations of sticks, leaves, tree needles and other storm debris. Similar to the dangers posed by melting snow on a roof, dammed-up debris can let moisture penetrate the roofing and reach into structural timbers and walls, causing rot and mold. Also, check the flashings, or metal seals, around roof joints, chimneys, skylights and other structures that penetrate a roof for holes or rust. Make repairs or call a professional.