Thursday, December 23, 2004

New Housing Still Red-Hot in Valley      Despite a marked industry slowdown nationwide, new housing in the Phoenix area continued at a record pace during November.  New housing permits in the booming metro area were up 56% over the same period last year.  The continued upsurge in building puts Phoenix on track to top 60,000 permits in 2004.  Actual sales continued  strong in November, increasing by 27% over the same month last year.  Housing analyst R.L. Brown stated: "The strength of the new housing market is being felt all across the valley." Earlier this year, Phoenix surpassed Atlanta as the most prolific home-building area in the nation. 9:05:50 PM    comment []

Arizona Second in Population Growth Trailing only Nevada, Arizona's population grew by 3% during 2003, and 12% during 2000 to 2004.  More than 5.7 million people now reside in the state.  Florida was third in growth. Overall, Arizona ranks #18 nationally in total population. 1:35:39 AM    comment []

U.S. Baby Boomers a Powerful Force Stating that, "Many fortunes have been made by following the 'Baby Boomer generation,'" The Mature Market reports that many American companies are now faced with a massive demographic shift as many boomers are now in their 50s.  It was this 76-million strong contingent that rushed to buy hula hoops and Frisbees in the 1950s, jammed college admissions in the 1960s, and sent real estate prices soaring in the 1970s and 1980s.  By 2010, fully one-third of the U.S. population will 50 years of age or older.   Prudent, forward-thinking businesses in all sectors must carefully meet the needs of this influential, affuluent niche to maintain their success. 12:58:39 AM    comment []

Big Island has "Vast Potential" Big Island has "Vast Potential"   The Honolulu Advertiser reports on an array of changes taking place on the Big Island...changes underlining the vast potential of this sleeping giant.  Construction is booming, and homes are selling at a record pace.  Contractors are back-logged with projects.  Nursuries are springing up all over to meet the demands of landscapers.  While portions of Hilo still retain a country atmosphere, it's modern shopping mall is bustling with activity.  Well-known retailers include Wal-Mart, Sears, Borders, and Ross stores.  Home Depot is on the way.  Kailua in Kona, once a quiet fishing village with one street, now sports hotels, shops and tour buses.  Likewise, Waimea is no longer a "cowboy" town, as it now it now showcases elegant mansions, art galleries, stylish shops and traffic lights.  Despite these changes, so much of the Big Island's potential remains untapped.  Existing real estate appreciated rapidly during the last two years, and more developments are on the horizon.  Investors and future retirees would be wise to keep a close eye on this, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. 12:00:57 AM    comment []