Measuring Your Ability to Achieve the American Dream
Forbes.com recently released the results of their new American Dream Index, in which they measure “the prosperity of the middle class, and…examine which states best support the American Dream.”
The monthly index measures several different economic factors, including goods-producing employment, personal and commercial bankruptcies, building permits, startup activity, unemployment insurance claims, labor force participation, and layoffs.
The national index score was rounded out to 100 in January and saw a modest jump to 100.5 in February.
Alaska represented the lowest score on the index at 80.7, due mostly to the recent collapse in oil prices. Nevada came in with the highest score at 108.8, boosted by big gains in goods-producing jobs and new construction activity. The full results can be seen in the map below.
Forbes Senior Editor Kurt Badenhausen explained why many states saw a boost in the index last month:
“[B]usinesses are hiring in part in anticipation of tax cuts and less regulation… Many areas of the country have experienced strong upticks in employment and construction, as well as declines in unemployment claims since the start of the year.”
Bottom Line
The American Dream, for many, includes being able to own a home of his or her own. With the economy improving in many areas of the country, that dream can finally become a reality.
Expert Quotes on the 2024 Housing Market Forecast
If you’re thinking about making a move next year, know that early signs show we’re turning a corner.
Why Now Is Still a Great Time To Sell Your House
Nationally, demand is still high compared to the last normal years in the housing market and plenty of buyers are making moves right now
If Your House Hasn’t Sold Yet, It May Be Overpriced
With today’s higher mortgage rates already putting a stretch on their budget, buyers are being a bit more sensitive about price.
The Perfect Home Could Be the One You Perfect After Buying
Take a close look at your wish list and considering what features you really need in your next home versus which ones are nice-to-have.
Why You Need To Use a Real Estate Agent When You Buy a Home
When it comes to buying a home, there are a lot of moving pieces. That’s why the best place to start is connecting with a real estate agent.
When You Sell Your House, Where Do You Plan To Go?
Working with a real estate agent throughout the process is mission-critical to your success. They’ll help you explore all of your options.
Experts Project Home Prices Will Rise over the Next 5 Years
Experts project home prices will continue to rise across the country for years to come at a pace that’s more normal for the market.
Are The Top 3 Housing Market Questions on Your Mind?
When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now.
Is Wall Street Buying Up All the Homes in America?
Are institutional investors, like large Wall Street Firms, really buying up so many homes that the average person can’t find one?
Are There Actually More Homes for Sale Right Now?
If you’re looking to buy, you may have slightly more options than you did in recent months, but you still need to brace for low inventory.