Americans bought homes last month at the fastest pace in nearly eleven years. According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of existing homes climbed 5.6% in November. They reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of almost six million units.
The last time home sales were this strong was in December of 2006, when properties sold at an annual pace of 6.4 million. Some of the factors that are driving this boom are the strengthening economy and rise of millennials getting into the housing market.
In other real estate news, the average size of the American home is getting bigger. According to real estate company Zillow, 44% of baby boomers live in houses larger than 2,000 square feet.
As the last members of the baby-boom generation become empty nesters, demand is growing for dual-purpose homes. Boomers are looking to remodel so that their homes comfortably fit a couple, but can also accommodate children and grandchildren when they visit for extended periods.
New car owner analysis from Insurify finds drivers spend an average of $5,851 a year on insurance, gas and maintenance alone, separate from financing costs.
Oil prices are climbing again after Saudi Arabia shut down a critical pipeline that has served as a major alternative route around the Strait of Hormuz.
Ryan Hamburger, Chief Commercial Officer at Instacart, explains how Clementine uses AI to personalize grocery shopping, build carts, find deals, and save time.
Ari Hawkins, Trade Reporter at POLITICO, examines Canada’s retaliation, Trump’s latest trade threats and the potential impact on businesses and consumers.
Dan Mohnshine, Hershey’s VP of Creation Strategy & Innovation, discusses the brand’s premium chocolate push and strategy to connect with younger consumers.
