Anchorage building permit valuations (2007-2011).

• Author: Cox, William
• Position: Alaska Trends

Since the start of the recession in December 2007, much attention has been directed towards real estate, both residential and commercial. The real estate market, specifically residential real estate, has been slow to recover with much of the increase in sales consisting of foreclosures; houses were also remaining on the market for extended periods due to the increased competition experienced from foreclosures. Real estate, both residential and commercial can be used as a tool to gauge the economic outlook of consumers and businesses respectively. As each type of construction, requires large capital investment, an increase may indicate an increasingly positive outlook from the consumer or business.

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However, it is important to note that due to the declining prices and increasing foreclosures experienced since the beginning of the recession, some portion of any increase in building permit valuations may be due to either individuals or businesses taking advantages of market corrections in real estate prices and subsequently making improvements. The...