May 2009
El Paso County’s population flirts with 600,000 mark
May 28, 2009 by kcolgin · Leave a Comment
El Paso County’s population climbed 1.7 percent from 2007 to last year, hitting an estimated 596,053 people, according to data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The county’s mix of racial and ethnic minorities stayed roughly the same. The two largest minorities, blacks and Hispanics, make up 7 percent and 13 percent of the population, [...]
Economists React: Shift from ‘End of the World’ to ‘Regular Slump’
May 26, 2009 by kcolgin · Leave a Comment
The following article contains economists and others weighing in on the jump in consumer confidence.
The index level is almost now back to where it was last summer, which was just before panic and paralysis set in and the index fell off a cliff to levels never before recorded. With the recovery in the index over [...]
Sizzle and Smoke – The Best of Barbeque
May 12, 2009 by kcolgin · Leave a Comment
Americans are passionate about their barbeque – make no mistake about it. But not all barbeque is created equal. Southerners swear by their smoked pork while Californians crave their grilled tri-tip roasts. But whether it’s slow roasted or grilled, smoked or sauced, barbeque is the perfect food to bring people together.
So if you’re looking for [...]
Pending Home Sales Rise, Housing Affordability Near Record
May 12, 2009 by kcolgin · Leave a Comment
Washington, May 04, 2009
Pending home sales rose with many first-time buyers taking advantage of historically good housing affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
The Pending Home Sales Index,1 a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in March, increased 3.2 percent to 84.6 from a level of 82.0 in February, and is 1.1 percent [...]
Being Safe in Your Own Backyard
May 7, 2009 by kcolgin · Leave a Comment
As the days continue to get longer and the weather gets warmer, we will all be spending more time outdoors. Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe outside.
The great outdoors! After working, going to school, or running errands all day, many people love to rest, relax, unwind, and play outdoors [...]
Jobs: Finally a Little Less Doom
May 6, 2009 by kcolgin · Leave a Comment
ADP says there were 31% fewer private sector job losses in April, while outplacement firm says pace of layoffs slows.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — The pace of U.S. job losses may be slowing, according to two private reports released Wednesday.
Automatic Data Processing, a payroll-processing firm, said private-sector employment decreased by 491,000 in April, a 31% improvement [...]
A Promising Sign – Fed Chairman Bernanke Points to Signs of Bottom of Economy and Upward Turn
May 6, 2009 by kcolgin · Leave a Comment
RISMEDIA, May 6, 2009-In a testimony delivered before the Joint Economic Committee, U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke offered his views on recent economic developments, the outlook for the economy and current condition in financial markets- most notably pointing to the evidence that the economy may be bottoming out and [...]
More homes get multiple offers; downturn may be nearing end
May 6, 2009 by kcolgin · Leave a Comment
By Julie Schmit, USA TODAY
More homes for sale are attracting multiple offers as buyers pursue lower-price homes and banks low-ball asking prices to attract competing bids on foreclosures.
Multiple bids have picked up in recent months in California and other states hit hard by foreclosures and steep price drops, real estate executives say.
“If a house is [...]
