Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 38 states and the District of Columbia in November compared to the previous month, while it decreased in 12 states. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 227,000 in November, following a meager gain of 32,000 jobs in October. On a month-over-month basis,…

Consumer confidence fell to a three-month low in December amid growing concerns about economic uncertainties, especially potential tariffs. These policy changes could derail inflation progress and lead the Fed to slow its easing pace. The Consumer Confidence Index, reported by the Conference Board, is a survey measuring how optimistic or pessimistic consumers feel about their…

This Midcentury villa epitomizes the definition of world-class building, with precise rich material transitions only found in architectural trophies such as this. The client’s collection of head-turning art drove the design of the home, and it wasn’t until the selections were complete that the home design could take final shape. Each painting, each sculpture, each furniture piece was chosen with a specific designated location, which was further developed to properly illuminate and showcase. Upon entering the motor court, an inconspicuous…

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased in 45 states and the District of Columbia in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). Iowa reported no change during this time. The percent change in real GDP ranged from a 6.9 percent increase…

Despite higher mortgage rates and elevated home prices, existing home sales jumped to an 8-month high in November, marking the second month of annual increase in more than three years, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). While inventory improves and the Fed continues lowering rates, the market faces headwinds as mortgage rates are…

The Dailey model is an inviting home offered in three distinct elevations—Farmhouse, Craftsman, and Prairie—to cater to various tastes. Nestled in downtown Superior, this neighborhood blends single-family homes and townhomes, and provides easy access to the downtown hub while being surrounded by numerous trails and open spaces just steps from your front door. Walking from the front porch inside to the foyer, you are greeted by a spacious great room, casual dining area, well-appointed kitchen, and a charming courtyard. The…

After taking up painting in 2020, this home owner worked out of the garage as she honed her skillset. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion, and she decided a dedicated art studio would serve as a place to spark creativity and help fulfill her potential as an artist. Perhaps the most important aspect of this art studio addition is the overall lighting in the space. The studio was built so that it faces north, allowing natural…

In a widely anticipated move, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) reduced the short-term federal funds rate by an additional 25 basis points at the conclusion of its December meeting. This policy move reduces the top target rate to 4.5%. However, the Fed’s newly published forward-looking projections also noted a reduction in the…

Ongoing lean levels of single-family existing home inventory helped to boost single-family production in November, while overall housing production fell because of a double-digit percentage drop in multifamily construction. Overall housing starts decreased 1.8% in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.29 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of…

State & local tax revenue from property taxes paid reached $203.9 billion in the third quarter of 2024 (seasonally adjusted), according to the Census Bureau’s quarterly summary of state & local tax revenue. This marks a 2.8% increase from the revised $198.3 billion in the second quarter of 2024 and also marks the first quarter where…