http://www.rdbmagazine.com RDBMagazine.com en-us Copyright 2010 Cygnus Business Media Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:05:05 -0500 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:05:05 -0500 Market News http://www.rdbmagazine.com RDBMagazine.com http://www.rdbmagazine.com/global/rsslogo.jpg 88 31 Market News http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/AIA--Homeowners-prefer-efficiency-and-simplicity/32$3974 http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/AIA--Homeowners-prefer-efficiency-and-simplicity/32$3974 Without the rapid appreciation in home values seen between 1995 and 2005, design of kitchens and bathrooms has recently been somewhat more modest. Functionality is now preferred to more and larger kitchens and bathrooms within U.S. homes. Households are placing a premium on products and features that promote energy efficiency, and adaptability in the use of space for seniors and those with accessibility concerns. rss@rdbmagazine.com Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:21:00 -0500 Market News http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Online-tool-lets-you-compare-your-construction-pay/32$3977 http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Online-tool-lets-you-compare-your-construction-pay/32$3977 Compensation Interactive allows users to submit data and receive compensation reports throughout the year. All data submitted are kept confidential and extensively reviewed to ensure data integrity and accuracy. FMI developed this product to make sure that the construction industry had a robust resource for real time compensation data. rss@rdbmagazine.com Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:21:00 -0500 Market News http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Mortgage-application-activity-sees-uptick/32$3968 http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Mortgage-application-activity-sees-uptick/32$3968 The number of mortgage applications for home purchases increased 5.7 percent last week compared to the previous week on a seasonally adjusted basis and was up 7.2 percent on an unadjusted basis. The refinance share of mortgage activity was as low as it has been since October 2009. rss@rdbmagazine.com Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:03:00 -0500 Market News http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Study--New-homes-use-less-water-than-existing-homes/32$3964 http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Study--New-homes-use-less-water-than-existing-homes/32$3964 New homes built to today’s standards use far less water than homes built 20 years ago, according to a new study. Newer homes saved more than 15,000 gallons of water per year when compared to homes built in 1990. The study also reveals outdoor water use accounts for 57 percent of total household water consumption, representing an area where significant savings could be realized. rss@rdbmagazine.com Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:48:00 -0500 Market News http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Survey-identifies-outdoor-living-trends-for-2010/32$3962 http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Survey-identifies-outdoor-living-trends-for-2010/32$3962 While outdoor living continues to grow in popularity, expect fewer frills this year as homeowners get back to the basics in a cool economy. The most popular outdoor entertainment features eschewed more expensive, elaborate items in favor of the essentials, according to a survey of landscape architects. rss@rdbmagazine.com Sun, 7 Mar 2010 10:46:00 -0500 Market News http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/First-time-home-buyer-tax-credit-expiring-soon/32$3961 http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/First-time-home-buyer-tax-credit-expiring-soon/32$3961 The NAHB wants potential home buyers to be aware that they still have the opportunity to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time home buyer or $6,500 repeat buyer tax credits, as long as they act quickly--the credits expire on April 30, 2010. Close to 70 percent of all potential buyers should qualify for some form of a credit. Repeat buyers may be eligible for a new $6,500 credit, as long as they have owned and lived in their current home at least five consecutive out of the past eight years. rss@rdbmagazine.com Sun, 7 Mar 2010 10:41:00 -0500 Market News http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Home-prices-send-mixed-messages/32$3949 http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Home-prices-send-mixed-messages/32$3949 The S&P/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index, which covers all nine U.S. census divisions, recorded a 2.5% decline in the fourth quarter of 2009 versus the fourth quarter of 2008. This is a significant improvement over the annual rates reported in the first, second and third quarters of the year. As measured by prices, the housing market is definitely in better shape than it was this time last year, as the pace of deterioration has stabilized for now. rss@rdbmagazine.com Sun, 7 Mar 2010 10:39:00 -0500 Market News http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Home-builder-confidence-improves-in-February/32$3924 http://www.rdbmagazine.com/web/online/Market-News/Home-builder-confidence-improves-in-February/32$3924 Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes rose two points to 17 in February as favorable home buying conditions and signs of healing in the job market helped boost their spirits. Continued low interest rates, very attractive home prices that appear to have stabilized in many markets, and the availability of the home buyer tax credit make this an opportune time for potential purchasers. rss@rdbmagazine.com Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:34:00 -0500 Market News RDBMagazine.com: Market News http://www.rdbmagazine.com/online/section.jsp?siteSection=32 http://www.rdbmagazine.com rss@rdbmagazine.com Tue, 1 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500