Richard Maize: Outlook For US Real Estate For 2011

Richard Maize: Outlook For US Real Estate For 2011

Los Angeles --- January 8, 2011 ..... Richard Maize, one of America's most respected businessmen and philanthropists, comments on US real estate for 2011.

"This is a difficult topic because of the vast variety of types of real estate in the United States i.e. - commercial, residential, industrial - and different areas that are impacted with other parameters in this great country.  A simple answer is too general.  I will discuss this in general terms and some of my thoughts as to the direction of the overall marketplace," says Maize.  

"Here are a  few simplicit factors in the US real estate market:  interest rates - the lower the rate, the more affordable your real estate is to the buyer (or holder) of property.   Lower interest rates also generate money by means of refinancing (both by cash out and lowering payments allowing for more spendable each month because of the lower      payments) that activates employment by the banks and lenders and all the acceleratory jobs such as escrow, title, appraisers, etc. "

Maize states: "My opinion for 2011 is that the interest rates will raise from it’s current very low rates.  This factor is a negative for the industry."

"The economy - the economy both national and international has a major impact on the real estate market.  From the lowest economic level buyers to the most wealthy.  The low end we are dealing with basic employment (at an almost all time high unemployment rate in some areas).  Without gainfully employed, cannot be in the market for a house (at least unlikely).  The other issue for those who had a hard time in their own financial crisis, their credit profile is damaged and will take a number of years to repair itself.  What that may equate to is no finance on new cars or new home loans.   This could help lead to a stalling economic recovery when the other fundamentals have improved," says Maize.    

"Even those that are employed, they could be overqualified for their position for a salary far less than their value because their profession is not hiring or surviving this recession."    

"Low wages is another factor - no buyers for a new home.   The higher net worth individuals have also reduced their spending limits for a home which will limit the higher end homes sales.  Basic economic equation is supply and demand.  Limited demand brings prices down - economy is a negative for real estate sales.  There are no real signs in the general economic sectors of a big turn in retail sales or other major economic indices  for 2011."

"Consumer confidence. We have something that could be a glimmer of hope.  In many of the cities of the United States, most real estate owners remember other real estate slow downs  and are waiting for the recovery (although in my opinion there are other factors that could cause these optimistic folks a long wait for the pot of gold) and don’t want to miss the lower priced real estate."

 Maize illustrates a positive. "Prices - well we have another winner here.  The prices have deteriorated enough for some demand either by eager sellers or REOs (property owned by banks and lenders) at reduced prices (even lower than the “now” market price)." 

"I expect to see homes prices continuing to fall this year, if a forecast made by Clear Capital is correct," says Maize.

National home prices may experience a 3.7 percent year-over-year drop this year, according to the company’s 2010 home data index market report — an analysis of the top 50 metro areas. While not as severe as the 4.1 percent year-over-year decline recorded in 2010, price declines are expected to continue as unemployment and real estate owned property levels remain high.

Housing prices will continue to fall but with more consistency than last year. In 2010, federal incentives offered to home buyers threw the housing market into a tailspin, creating periods of extremes in activity. In 2011, ebb and flow of home prices should be more gradual.

Maize says that the National Association of Home Builders, the American Home Furnishings Alliance and the International Housewares Association have observed as a new frugality among buyers. It applies to everything from house size, to the cost of furnishings and the features of home appliances. The same consumer caution that brought us the “staycations’ of the previous decade will continue to drive many of 2011’s home-related trends.

“People are still spending, says Richard Maize, “but they are limiting what they are spending on.” In many cases the spending will be on improvements to make home more comfortable, he said. Others will spend only as needed. If an essential appliance breaks, for example, the replacement will likely need to be a high-performer, with greater value in terms of both pricing and function, Maize said. “It’s got to be more for your money.”

 

"So, lets summarize," says Maize. "The negatives (obviously, this is so simplicit to all the factors that are involved in the price and market improvement) are the upcoming increase in the interest rates and the economy in a whole.  The positives are consumer confidence and the prices.   I think the first two negatives outweigh the positives and we have a flat outcome in the upcoming year for real estate." 

Maize concludes: "That is also my opinion regarding the commercial real estate world but there are definite buys out there that make sense in today’s climate. One good word about real estate trends for 2011 is that green homes will become increasingly affordable, smart and energy efficient. That we are witnessing a true increase and expansion in eco-friendly homes and this is a step in the right direction for all."