November Home Value Appreciation Remains Strong, Expected to Slow During 2014

SEATTLE, Dec. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- National home values continued to rise in November, increasing 0.6 percent from October to a Zillow® Home Value Index[i] of $168,900, according to the November Zillow Real Estate Market Reports[ii]. Home values were up 7.1 percent year-over-year, reflecting a continued slowdown from the summer selling season, when annual home value appreciation peaked at 7.3 percent.

A majority (77.1 percent) of the metros covered in the reports experienced home value appreciation between October and November, with only 95 of the 485 metro areas, or 19.6 percent, experiencing declines. On an annual basis, 88 percent of metros experienced home value appreciation.

Among the 35 largest metro areas covered by Zillow, 34 experienced year-over-year home value increases in November, with nearly half up by double-digit percentages. Major markets where home values increased the most over the past year includeLas Vegas (30.9 percent), Riverside (29.2 percent) and Sacramento (25 percent). St. Louis was the only metro area in the top 35 where home values declined year-over-year.

For the 12-month period from November 2013 to November 2014, national home values are expected to rise another 4.6 percent to approximately $176,731, according to the Zillow Home Value Forecast[iii]. Large metro areas expected to show the most appreciation over the next year include Riverside (18.6 percent), Sacramento (11.9 percent) and Las Vegas (10.4 percent).

"The pace of home value appreciation has leveled off and is beginning to slow down, after peaking this summer. Much of this year's rapid growth in home values can be attributed to very strong demand, as low mortgage interest rates, relatively low home prices and a slowly improving economy helped draw buyers into the market," said Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Stan Humphries. "Those dynamics are now giving way to more moderating influences, including rising mortgage interest rates, flagging investor demand and slowly increasing for-sale inventory. This slowdown in home value appreciation will contribute to a more balanced market, and will help to ease some emerging affordability problems in a handful of very hot markets, particularly in California."

National rents rose in November from October, up 0.3 percent to a Zillow Rent Index[iv] of $1,297. Year-over-year, national rents were up 2 percent in November.

The number of completed foreclosures in November fell to 5.09 homes foreclosed out of every 10,000 homes nationwide, down from 5.45 homes in September. Foreclosure re-sales represented 8.9 percent of homes sold in the U.S. in November, up 0.4 percentage points from September but down 1.4 percentage points from November 2012.

	Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)			Zillow Rent Index (ZRI)
Metropolitan Areas	November 2013 ZHVI	Month-Month % Change	Year-Year % Change	November 2013 ZRI	Month-Month % Change	Year-Year % Change
United States	$168,900	0.6%	7.1%	$1,297	0.3%	2.0%
New York, NY	$366,600	0.8%	6.2%	$2,295	-0.5%	5.9%
Los Angeles, CA	$493,500	0.7%	18.8%	$2,335	0.0%	2.4%
Chicago, IL	$177,200	0.9%	9.5%	$1,591	1.0%	5.1%
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX	$143,100	-0.5%	4.6%	$1,369	0.6%	3.7%
Philadelphia, PA	$193,900	0.4%	3.6%	$1,500	-0.5%	2.0%
Houston, TX	$141,400	0.1%	4.6%	$1,406	0.2%	5.0%
Washington, DC	$342,100	0.4%	8.9%	$2,091	0.2%	1.5%
Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL	$182,200	1.7%	17.8%	$1,701	0.6%	6.1%
Atlanta, GA	$135,200	1.7%	15.5%	$1,175	0.6%	3.5%
Boston, MA	$349,200	0.5%	8.6%	$2,039	1.1%	4.0%
San Francisco, CA	$637,100	0.5%	21.1%	$2,601	0.4%	4.7%
Detroit, MI	$104,700	1.7%	23.2%	$1,051	0.7%	1.3%
Riverside, CA	$254,600	1.7%	29.2%	$1,598	0.4%	1.7%
Phoenix, AZ	$187,000	-0.3%	12.7%	$1,149	0.3%	-0.3%
Seattle, WA	$308,800	0.4%	11.2%	$1,728	1.2%	7.2%
Minneapolis-St Paul, MN	$198,800	0.7%	11.1%	$1,487	1.0%	3.2%
San Diego, CA	$439,100	0.8%	19.0%	$2,175	0.3%	3.3%
St. Louis, MO	$131,900	-0.8%	-1.6%	$1,095	-0.1%	0.0%
Tampa, FL	$133,900	1.6%	17.0%	$1,219	0.5%	2.6%
Baltimore, MD	$235,600	0.4%	5.7%	$1,688	-0.3%	1.3%
Denver, CO	$242,700	0.3%	9.3%	$1,641	1.4%	8.5%
Pittsburgh, PA	$118,600	0.5%	5.9%	$1,057	1.2%	6.3%
Portland, OR	$258,300	0.2%	11.7%	$1,477	1.2%	5.8%
Sacramento, CA	$303,200	1.1%	25.0%	$1,551	0.5%	2.7%
San Antonio, TX	$146,300	-0.2%	1.5%	$1,235	0.1%	3.0%
Orlando, FL	$151,500	1.4%	19.5%	$1,270	0.3%	5.9%
Cincinnati, OH	$132,200	0.5%	5.4%	$1,128	0.8%	7.6%
Cleveland, OH	$116,200	-0.1%	2.5%	$1,109	-0.2%	4.3%
Kansas City, MO	$139,000	-0.1%	2.5%	$1,100	1.1%	-0.5%
Las Vegas, NV	$167,500	1.6%	30.9%	$1,177	0.4%	2.3%
San Jose, CA	$734,000	0.0%	16.0%	$2,757	0.5%	6.3%
Columbus, OH	$135,900	0.9%	6.8%	$1,208	-0.2%	7.6%
Charlotte, NC	$147,400	0.9%	7.0%	$1,155	0.3%	1.4%
Indianapolis, IN	$123,000	-0.7%	2.2%	$1,171	0.4%	4.0%
Austin, TX	$200,500	0.9%	6.3%	$1,521	0.3%	6.0%

About Zillow:Zillow, Inc. (NASDAQ: Z) operates the largest home-related marketplaces on mobile and the Web, with a complementary portfolio of brands and products that help people find vital information about homes, and connect with the best local professionals. In addition, Zillow operates an industry-leading economics and analytics bureau led by Zillow's Chief EconomistDr. Stan Humphries. Dr. Humphries and his team of economists and data analysts produce extensive housing data and research covering more than 450 markets at Zillow Real Estate Research. Zillow also sponsors the quarterly Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey, which asks more than 100 leading economists, real estate experts and investment and market strategists to predict the path of the Zillow Home Value Index over the next five years. The Zillow, Inc. portfolio includes Zillow.com®, Zillow Mobile, Zillow Mortgage Marketplace, Zillow Rentals, Zillow Digs™, Postlets®, Diverse Solutions®, Agentfolio™, Mortech®, HotPads™ and StreetEasy®. The company is headquartered in Seattle.

Zillow.com, Zillow, Postlets, Mortech, Diverse Solutions and StreetEasy are registered trademarks of Zillow, Inc. HotPads, Digs and Agentfolio are trademarks of Zillow, Inc.

[i] The Zillow Home Value Index is the median estimated home value for a given geographic area on a given day and includes the value of all single-family residences, condominiums and cooperatives, regardless of whether they sold within a given period. It is expressed in dollars, and seasonally adjusted.
[ii] The Zillow Real Estate Market Reports are a monthly overview of the national and local real estate markets. The reports are compiled by Zillow Real Estate Research. For more information, visit www.zillow.com/research/. The data in Zillow's Real Estate Market Reports is aggregated from public sources by a number of data providers for 931 metropolitan and micropolitan areas dating back to 1996. Mortgage and home loan data is typically recorded in each county and publicly available through a county recorder's office. All current monthly data at the national, state, metro, city, ZIP code and neighborhood level can be accessed at www.zillow.com/local-info/.
[iii] The Zillow Home Value Forecast uses data from past home value trends and current market conditions, including leading indicators like home sales, months of housing inventory supply and unemployment, to predict home values over the next 12 months for the nation and for more than 250 markets across the country.
[iv] The Zillow Rent Index is the median Rent Zestimate (estimated monthly rental price) for a given geographic area on a given day, and includes the value of all single-family residences, condominiums, cooperatives and apartments in Zillow's database, regardless of whether they are currently listed for rent. It is expressed in dollars.

SOURCE Zillow, Inc.

2013 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey Recap: Enhanced social lives and physical well-being spark boomers to think differently about retirement

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- After years on the job and endless family responsibilities, baby boomers are ready to redefine what it means to be retired.  A composite of Del Webb Baby Boomer surveys completed throughout 2013 found that boomers plan to use retirement to revamp their social lives and focus on their overall physical well-being.

Del Webb, the leading active adult community builder and brand of national homebuilder PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), has been surveying the 50 and older demographic for more than 15 years, seeking to better understand the attitudes and opinions of the generation born between 1946 and 1964.

More than half (57 percent) of baby boomers indicated in 2013 that they intend to retire by age 65 – compared to the median retirement age of 67 in 2010.  Once retired, they hope to find better balance in their lives by placing an increased emphasis on:

• Activities and hobbies that enhance physical/mental well-being (62 percent)
• Spending time/focusing on family (51 percent); and
• Traveling (34 percent)

While family remains important to baby boomers, not having children around presents a newfound freedom.  As a whole, nine of ten current empty nester boomers indicated they are happy, and they look forward to increased personal time (95 percent), time with their significant other or dating (85 percent), and socializing with friends (85 percent) now that the kids are gone.

This freedom becomes so dear to them that 68 percent said they would rather lend their child financial support than allow them to move back home.  When asked if boomers are planning to move now that the kids have left the nest, more than half (55 percent) say they are planning to move to a new home at some point in the future, with nearly 10 percent indicating they may move out of state or to a warmer climate.

"For the first time in what may seem like a lifetime, boomers are transitioning to a new stage in their lives that is filled with zest and personal discovery," said Fred Ehle, vice president of brand marketing for Del Webb.  "They are able to re-evaluate their lives and focus on what is most important to them – which tend to be friends, family and a healthy lifestyle.  Once they do so, they optimize every available opportunity to live their 'new' lives to its fullest extent."

Part of this newfound freedom can also involve finding new friends and companions later in life through dating.  When asked about their attitudes toward dating, 56 percent of single boomers said they are open to dating – showing love and companionship knows no age limits.  Forty-five percent of single boomers said they are actively dating, but not necessarily looking for love and marriage.  Whether looking for a new friend or someone to tie the knot with, single boomers agreed that the top ways to meet someone is through friends/family (66 percent) and social activities/fitness classes/clubs (56 percent).

November Construction Retreats 11 Percent

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $524.8 billion, new construction starts in November fell 11% from the previous month, according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial.  The downturn followed heightened activity in October, which showed the strongest pace for construction starts so far during 2013.  Both nonresidential building and nonbuilding construction pulled back from their elevated October amounts.  At the same time, residential building showed modest growth in November, continuing the steady upward trend that's been present during most of 2013.  For the first eleven months of 2013, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis came in at $475.3 billion, up 6% from the same period a year ago.  If the volatile electric utility category is excluded from the year-to-date statistics, total construction starts for the first eleven months of 2013 would be up 14%.

November's data produced a reading of 111 for the Dodge Index (2000=100), compared to 125 in October and 118 in September.  For the first eight months of 2013 the Dodge Index had averaged 105, as it hovered within the fairly narrow range of 100 to 108.  While November showed a decline from the prior two months, the level of activity was still above what had been reported earlier in the year.  "The monthly construction start statistics will often show an up-and-down pattern, given the amount of large projects that are included in any given month," stated Robert A. Murray, chief economist for McGraw Hill Construction.  "Although November witnessed a decline from the heightened activity in September and October, the construction start statistics when viewed in the context of 2013 as a whole are still trending upward.  Housing during 2013 has strengthened on a consistent basis.  Nonresidential building is gaining momentum, aided by improving activity for commercial building from low levels while the institutional building sector stabilizes after a lengthy decline.  Nonbuilding construction is weakening due to a sharply reduced amount of new electric utility starts, but its public works component has shown surprising resilience this year.  For 2014, the upward trend for total construction starts is expected to continue.  One plus for construction and the economy going forward is the recent budget pact approved by the U.S. Congress, since it removes the uncertainty that would have come with the threat of another government shutdown in early 2014."

Nonresidential building in November dropped 17% to $179.3 billion (annual rate), following its elevated activity in October.  The manufacturing plant category plunged 86%, after being lifted in October by the start of three massive projects each valued in excess of $1 billion.  In contrast, the largest manufacturing-related projects reported as November starts were a $94 millionbiotechnology plant in North Carolina and a $75 million pipe and tube plant in Texas.  Excluding the manufacturing category, nonresidential building in November would have been up 16%, supported by the month's 31% jump for the commercial building group.  Hotel construction in November surged 212%, boosted by $476 million for the hotel portion of the $700 million67-story Korean Air Hotel in Los Angeles CA.  Also reported as a November start was $191 million for the hotel portion of a$300 million hotel resort and casino in Durant OK.  Office construction in November climbed 26%, maintaining the growing momentum that's been present during the second half of 2013.  Large office projects reported as November starts were the$336 million Transbay office tower in San Francisco CA, the $265 million State Farm office complex in Tempe AZ, and $160 million for the office portion of the $700 million Korean Air Hotel project in Los Angeles CA.  Warehouse construction was particularly strong in November, advancing 82% with the help of such projects as a $90 million distribution facility in Union OHand an $85 million Amazon distribution center in Kenosha WI.  Store construction was the one commercial category to decline in November, dropping 23% with the largest project being a $45 million outlet mall in Tejon Ranch CA.

The institutional building group in November slipped 3%.  Healthcare facilities fell 41%, sliding back for the second month in a row after a particularly strong amount in September.  The largest healthcare facility projects reported as November starts were a $136 million hospital in Chicago IL and a $90 million hospital expansion in Long Island City NY.  The educational building category in November decreased 8% from its improved pace in October, with the largest education-related projects being a$125 million museum expansion in Potomac MD and a $100 million research facility in Maywood IL.  The smaller institutional categories showed strong percentage gains in November after a generally weak October.  Amusement-related construction advanced 84%, led by the start of the $763 million Vikings Multipurpose Stadium in Minneapolis MN as well as $109 million for the casino portion of the $300 million hotel resort and casino in Durant OK.  Transportation terminal construction in November rose 13%, supported by $125 million for the redevelopment of the George Washington Bridge Bus Station in New York NY.  The public buildings and religious categories in November showed large percentage gains from very low October levels, rising 21% and 33% respectively.

During the first eleven months of 2013, nonresidential building climbed 8% relative to the same period a year ago.  The commercial categories as a whole were up 16%, featuring these across-the-board gains – warehouses, up 32%; hotels, up 24%; office buildings, up 23%; and stores, up 1%.  The 2013 increase for stores was restrained by the comparison to 2012 that included the $400 million renovation to Macy's flagship department store in New York NY.  The manufacturing building category year-to-date climbed 49%, helped especially by the three large manufacturing projects reported as October starts.  The institutional building group year-to-date was down 2%, with the two largest institutional categories performing as follows – educational buildings, unchanged from the previous year; and healthcare facilities, down 4%.  The smaller institutional categories showed this year-to-date pattern – amusement-related projects, up 24%; transportation terminals, up 5%; religious buildings, down 8%; and public buildings, down 23%.

Nonbuilding construction, at $127.1 billion (annual rate), dropped 21% in November.  The public works portion of nonbuilding construction fell 23%, with the largest decline registered by bridge construction, down 73%.  The bridge category in October had been boosted by $2.8 billion for the start of structural work on the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement project across the Hudson River in the Tarrytown NY area. In November, the largest bridge project reported as a construction start was a $125 millionbridge reconstruction project in Fall River MA.  Additional public works categories with November declines were highway construction, down 3%; and sewers, down 32%.  On the plus side, both river/harbor development and water supply construction showed improvement from a lackluster October, advancing 47% and 3% respectively.  The miscellaneous public works category, which includes such diverse project types as pipelines and mass transit, grew 8% in November with the help of the $300 million Keystone Pipeline Gulf Coast Expansion in Texas.  Electric utility construction in November edged up 1%, staying basically unchanged from its sharply reduced amount in October.  The largest electric utility project reported as a November start was a $400 million wind farm in the state of Washington.

For the January-November period of 2013, nonbuilding construction was down 15% from a year ago.  After reaching a record high in current dollar terms back in 2012, the volume of new electric utility starts has fallen sharply in 2013, plunging 59% year-to-date.  Running counter has been the public works sector, posting year-to-date growth at 5%.  The largest increase was registered by bridge construction, up 41%, reflecting the start of several very large bridge projects over the course of 2013.  The substantial year-to-date gain for bridge construction was accompanied by a 9% increase for highway construction.  For environmental public works, year-to-date growth was reported for river/harbor development, up 25%; and water supply construction, up 10%; while sewer construction was unchanged from its 2012 amount.  The miscellaneous public works category dropped 20% year-to-date, as the dollar amount of pipeline projects retreated from the strong pace witnessed during 2012.

Residential building in November improved 1% to $218.5 billion (annual rate).  The upward push came from the multifamily side of the housing market, which climbed 18%.  Large multifamily projects reported as November starts included a $450 million multifamily tower and the $126 million condominium portion of a $300 million condo hotel, both located in New York NY.  Also reaching groundbreaking in November were a $114 million multifamily tower in San Francisco CA, a $100 millionapartment complex in Huntington Station NY, and a $100 million multifamily tower in Chicago IL.  Single family housing in November receded 3%, pulling back after a 4% gain in October.  The November pace for single family housing was still 12% above what was reported at the outset of 2013.

During the first eleven months of 2013, residential building advanced 25% compared to a year ago.  Single family housing will come close to matching last year's strong percentage gain (up 29%), reporting a 27% increase in this year's January-November period.  By major region, single family housing showed this year-to-date performance – the South Atlantic, up 35%; the Midwest, up 29%; the West and Northeast, each up 26%; and the South Central, up 19%.  Multifamily housing year-to-date climbed 21%, a strong rate of increase although revealing some deceleration from the sharp rise (up 37%) reported for the full year 2012.  By major region, multifamily housing showed this year-to-date performance – the Northeast, up 43%; the Midwest, up 26%; the South Atlantic, up 22%; the West, up 11%; and the South Central, down 6%.  The top five metropolitan areas in terms of the dollar amount of multifamily starts year-to-date were – New York NY, up 47%; Boston MA, up 87%; Washington DC, up 9%; Miami FL, up 5%; and Los Angeles CA, down 24%.

The 6% increase for total construction starts at the national level during the first eleven months of 2013 was supported by gains in three of the five major regions.  Leading the way was the Northeast, up 21%; followed by the Midwest, up 11%; and the West, up 9%.  Total construction starts in the South Central region were unchanged year-to-date, while the South Atlantic showed a 3% decline.  The South Atlantic shortfall reflected the comparison to the first eleven months of 2012 that included the start of two massive nuclear facilities.  If electric utilities are removed from the year-to-date construction statistics in the South Atlantic, then total construction for that region in 2013 would be up 21%.

November 2013 Construction Starts(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131219/NY36740 )

NOVEMBER 2013 CONSTRUCTION STARTS

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION STARTSPrepared by McGraw Hill Construction Research & Analytics

	MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION STARTS
	Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions of Dollars
	November 2013	October 2013	% Change
Nonresidential Building	$179,292	$215,574	-17
Residential Building	218,457	215,387	+1
Nonbuilding Construction	127,068	160,148	-21
Total Construction	$524,817	$591,109	-11

THE DODGE INDEX(Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted)
November 2013….111
October 2013….....125

	YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION STARTS
	Unadjusted Totals, In Millions of Dollars
	11 Mos. 2013	11 Mos. 2012	% Change
Nonresidential Building	$155,391	$143,543	+8
Residential Building	190,949	152,205	+25
Nonbuilding Construction	128,972	151,081	-15
Total Construction	$475,312	$446,829	+6

Concierge Auctions Announces The February 7th Auction Of A Private Island Estate In Fiji - Offering Every Luxury Possible And Located In One Of The Most Exclusive Places In The World

WAKAYA ISLAND, Fiji, Dec. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- New York-based Concierge Auctions is pleased to announce theFebruary 7th auction without reserve of the exclusive and tranquil Lawedua estate on Wakaya Island, Fiji. Perched 150 feet above a private, white sand beach and offering unparalleled views of the Koro Sea, Lawedua is one of only five private estates on the island. As one of the most exclusive places in the world, this property has become a sought-after honeymoon escape for world travelers such as Bill Gates, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jim Carrey, and Celine Dion. Just steps away lies the ultra-luxurious and private Wakaya Club and Spa, where residents can enjoy five-star cuisine and exceptional opportunities for golf and tennis.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131218/NY36185)

Lawedua is divided into two offerings: Residence 1 with guest house, which is currently listed for $12.99 million, and Residence 2 with guest house, which is currently listed for $6.99 million. The properties will sell to the highest bidders — either separately or together — during a live auction in cooperation with Philip Toogood of Bayleys, an exclusive affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate

"This is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It's like your own island paradise; a truly serene sanctuary," stated the seller, Mindy Stearns. "Words and pictures cannot describe what you feel when you are in Wakaya. This home has been a part of our family for years. It is where we fell in love, had our honeymoon, and baptized our children. It is a piece of heaven on Earth."

Sitting atop a volcanic peninsula overlooking Marau Bay, Lawedua was built into the rocks, purposely designed to look as if it was born from the land. Designed by the late Geoffrey Bawa, a renowned Sri Lankan architect widely credited with creating the design concept of "tropical modernism," the home blends the boundaries between outdoor and indoor living. Linda Garland, renowned interior designer and bamboo expert, designed the home's grand interior.

Keeping within Balinese style, the property is configured as a compound with a series of houses. The A-frame main house features a spacious kitchen with a large great room that extends out to a covered west-facing veranda. A dining pavilion and separate bathroom are adjacent to the main house. The master bedroom and a guest bedroom are ensconced in separate bures just a short walk through the volcanic rock gardens. Like every room on the property, each bedroom suite offers astounding ocean views.

"When you are here, it really feels like you are sitting on your own island; one can spend hours just enjoying the view," stated seller, Glenn Stearns. "One of the best aspects is the people; the Fijian people are so charming and are such a part of the beauty of the island. We've owned this home for 11 years and have enjoyed every minute here. It's been a piece of our lives that is so simple and beautiful."

"When this home was built, not one tree or rock was moved to accommodate the estate. They built the home around the trees and into the volcanic rock. Endangered birds, only found in this area surround the home, and you really are in this surreal, stunning environment. There are moments I can just gaze out at the views and time stands still – you feel like you are on top of the world," added Mindy Stearns.

A tiny dot of an island in the midst of the South Pacific, Wakaya lies in the heart of Fiji, a nation made up of 333 islands located 1,500 miles from the coast of Australia. Only 100 of these islands are inhabited. Wakaya — one of the world's top 10 best spots for scuba diving — is approximately five miles long by one and a half miles wide, set in the Koro Sea due east of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu. Because of its remoteness from industrial pollution, Wakaya boasts one of the purest ecosystems in the world and is known for its celebrity appeal — there is literally an ocean between the owners of Lawedua and the general public or paparazzi, with the only access via secured dock, airstrip or helipad. Owners of Lawedua are also eligible for membership at the exclusive Wakaya Club and Resort, which offers gracious additional guest accommodations and amenities, and unparalleled leisure opportunities.

"After proving our skill of selling unique luxury properties throughout the United States, we recently expanded into international markets with great success," stated Laura Brady, Managing Director of Concierge Auctions. "Our first Fiji auction was of Rai Ki Wai, which took place in October, and our international reach proved strong. We have since received interest from a number of buyers who missed out on that offering, so we're excited to unveil another."

The auction of both Lawedua properties will be held live on February 7th. A 3% commission is offered to the buyers' representing brokers. The properties will be open for preview by appointment. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details. For more information, visit FijiLuxuryAuction.com, call 877.888.4269 or join the social discussion at#ConciergeAuctions.

City of McKinney Tops National List for Homebuyers

MCKINNEY, Texas, Dec. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Families looking for a new home are overwhelmingly choosing the North Texas city of McKinney, just 30 miles north of downtown Dallas.  Realtor.com, a leading online resource for both consumers and realtors, analyzed search data by ZIP codes and determined which neighborhoods were the most-searched-for, hottest places to live in America in 2013. The city of McKinney placed second on the list, behind only Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood.

Dallas real estate expert and blogger Candy Evans isn't surprised with the ranking. She stated in Realtor.com's "Hottest 'Hoods" article that "McKinney is fabulous, one of the nation's fastest-growing communities because it offers a quieter, small-town style of living, yet is only 30 miles north of downtown Dallas. But that proximity really doesn't matter because there are jobs all over Dallas and Collin Counties, spread out in 'depots,' like the Telecom Corridor in Plano, Frisco, Richardson andArlington." She also mentioned McKinney's charm, safety and great schools in the article titled "The Year's Most Searched ZIP Codes."

"When people are looking for a home, they are looking in McKinney," said Mayor Brian Loughmiller. "We've worked hard to build a community that offers exemplary schools, affordable and diverse housing, and employment opportunities. The city ofMcKinney offers residents beautiful tree-lined streets, a charming historic downtown and a strong sense of community as well as a robust business environment."

The city has attracted companies like Raytheon, Torchmark, Encore Wire, Tenant Tracker, Manner Plastics, Vector Systems, StatLab and Erchonia. McKinney is also home to the Collide Center which offers the opportunity for investors to meet with startup companies and provide advice and potential capital to move businesses to the next level. Studies show that businesses started in programs such as the Collide Center double their chance of success after four years.

"Despite its small town charm, McKinney's proximity to both DFW International Airport and the corporate McKinney National Airport makes it an ideal location for large corporations and relocating executives," said Jim Wehmeier, president of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation. "The completion of the Sam Rayburn Tollway has resulted in an easy commute - about 20 minutes - to DFW." 

In addition to the Realtor.com ranking, which was also highlighted in a Huffington Post article about America's most searched ZIP codes, CNNMoney named the city the second best place to live in the nation, citing plenty of housing options; low taxes; abundant job opportunities in technology, energy and medicine; as well as a new conference center and hotel complex in the works. Realtor site Movoto.com also named McKinney the second best place to live in the country among mid-sized cities. 

"We are certainly proud of all the recognition the city is receiving," said Loughmiller. "Yet while the city offers many unique features, it is the people in McKinney who continue to make it a friendly, safe and growing city. I know we will continue to grow and be recognized for the outstanding community we are developing."

For more information about the city of McKinney visit the city's website at http://www.mckinneytexas.org/.

About McKinneyMcKinney, Texas, is unique by nature. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., McKinney has a current population of more than 142,000. Incorporated in 1848, the city is located 30 miles north of Dallas and is the county seat of Collin County.McKinney offers rolling hills, lush trees, a historic downtown square and unique neighborhoods and developments. The city ranks No. 2 on the Money Magazine Best Places to Live in America list. Visit the city's website at www.mckinneytexas.org.

SOURCE City of McKinney

Tips for Selling Your Home in the Winter

Realtor Talk: What is a Walk Through?