Content about Eric Belsky

July 19, 2012

The remodeling industry should expect to see “accelerated growth” by the end of the year and into 2013, according to the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. In their quarterly forecast, called the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), the researchers pointed to a pick-up in home sales and more positive business conditions for contractors. The LIRA suggests that annual homeowner improvement spending may reach double-digit growth by the first quarter of 2013.

June 19, 2012

'The State of the Nation’s Housing' reveals complicated picture

The State of the Nation’s Housing is, in a word, complicated.

Housing markets are showing signs of reviving, concluded "The State of the Nation’s Housing" report released by the Cambridge, Mass.-based Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. But we’re not out of the woods, yet.

July 21, 2011

Outlook volatile for home improvement spending

After showing signs of recovery, spending on home improvements is expected to remain volatile and weak over the next several quarters, according to a report released today by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) projected that annual remodeling spending through the first quarter of 2012 will be down 4%. The Census Bureau’s improvements spending series, to which the LIRA is benchmarked, was recently revised downwards as well.