Resources
U.S. Census Bureau Data
Doing real estate market research can help you whether you are looking to buy a home for yourself, buy a home to become a landlord, or simply invest in real estate to sell for a profit. The research will let you know your chances of making money and the soundness of your investment in a particular location, property, or city. There are many ways you can go about real estate market research.
There are several places where you can get statistical information about a location. The U.S. Census Bureau is a good place to begin. Make sure the town you choose is growing, and has had a steady pattern of growth over the last few years.
Bureau of Economic Analysis
BEA is an agency of the Department of Commerce. Along with the Census Bureau and STAT-USA, BEA is part of the Department’s Economics and Statistics Administration.
BEA produces economic accounts statistics that enable government and business decision-makers, researchers, and the American public to follow and understand the performance of the Nation’s economy. To do this, BEA collects source data, conducts research and analysis, develops and implements estimation methodologies, and disseminates statistics to the public.
Gross Domestic Product by State and Metropolitan Area
State Personal Income and Employment
HUD Homes
What is a HUD Home?
A HUD home is a 1 to 4 unit residential property acquired by the Department of Housing and Urban Development as a result of a foreclosure action on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner and offers it for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.
If you have the cash or can qualify for a loan (subject to certain restrictions) you may buy a HUD Home. HUD Homes are initially offered to owner-occupant purchasers (people who are buying the home as their primary residence). Following the priority period for owner occupants, unsold properties are available to all buyers, including investors.
Resources for City Information
Unsure about a new area? Here are a few resources that will give you a general idea of the demographics. Very useful if you are considering investing in an area you are not familiar with.
