Today’s News Synopsis:

Aaron Norris of the Norris Group gives this week’s Norris Group real estate headline roundup.  The California Association of Realtors released their latest report on the housing market, showing home prices were strong while sales decreased slightly.  More people are starting to look at real estate up in Canada.  Redfin released a list of projects involving home improvements that are still worth looking into in the coming year.

In The News:

California Association of Realtors – “California home price ends year on high note while sales moderate in December; housing market posts solid performance in 2016” (1-19-17)

“Despite strong headwinds of tight housing supplies and an affordability squeeze throughout much of 2016, California’s housing market ended the year on a positive note, posting a moderate sales pace and home price increases in December, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) said today.”

Yahoo Finance– “U.S. Interest in Canadian Real Estate Surges Following U.S. Presidential Election” (1-20-17)

“According to data released today by Royal LePage, Canada’s leading real estate services provider, American interest in Canadian real property has risen following the U.S. Presidential Election, with an increased number of Americans conducting research into real estate markets across the nation.”

Redfin – “Nine Home Improvement Projects Worth Taking On In 2017” (1-20-17)

“Home design trends are constantly changing and evolving, so it can be difficult to decide which home improvement projects are worth the time and money.”

Fannie Mae – “2017 Outlook: Will Policy Changes Extend the Expansion?” (1-20-2017)

“Despite a strong year-end performance by the stock market and a post-election jump in confidence among consumers and businesses, limited information on the new Administration’s potential economic policies led to a conservative 2017 growth projection of 2.0 percent, according to the Fannie Mae Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group’s January 2017 Economic and Housing Outlook.”

CNBC – “London will remain the property ‘safe haven’ with more foreign buyers coming in 2017, top real estate CEO says” (1-20-17)

“London will remain a property “safe haven” despite Brexit with the falling pound attracting foreign buyers, the CEO of a top real estate firm, told CNBC on Friday.”

DS News – “The New Administration and the Future of Housing” (1-20-17)

“Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 45^thPresident of the United States on Friday afternoon, and those in the housing industry are expecting that the changes promised by the new administration will be beneficial to the housing industry.”

Freddie Mac – “Freddie Mac Prices $1 Billion Multifamily K-Deal, K-724” (1-20-17)

“Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) recently priced a new offering of Structured Pass-Through Certificates (K Certificates), which are backed by underlying collateral consisting of fixed-rate multifamily mortgages with predominantly 7-year terms.”