American wealth hits all-time record as housing rebounds

According to figures released this week by the Federal Reserve, the net worth of American households and non-profit organizations increased by $1.5 trillion to a new record $81.8 trillion in the first quarter of 2014.

The good news is that roughly half the increase came from higher residential real estate values, while homeowners’ equity in their real estate increased 2% to 53.6% in the quarter.

Another positive sign is that household borrowing rose at a 2% annualized rate, indicating that we are becoming more comfortable about borrowing again, while that debt represents only 108% of disposable income,compared with 135% in 2007.

Overall these numbers, together with improving Consumer Confidence, suggest that the real estate recovery has a solid basis.

If you  – or somebody you know – are considering buying or selling a home and have questions about the market and/or current home prices, feel free to contact me on 617.834.8205 or [email protected].

Andrew Oliver is a Realtor with Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty
Affiliates LLC.  Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated

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