THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 14, 1995 TAG: 9510170463
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 26 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 93 lines
During the 1990s, the growth market in housing will be single people living alone, according to information released at a seminar last month sponsored by the Tidewater Building Association and GE Appliances. This segment of the nation will grow by nearly 5 million households.
The MarketTrends 2000 analysis, presented at the seminar, shows that the ``All-American family'' comprising a married couple with children now accounts for only 26.9 percent of households nationwide. The growing market of singles living alone is already up to 25.8 percent.
The two age groups representing the strongest housing demand are the fortysomethings and those 50-54 years old.
GE economist Evan Barrington told those attending the seminar that interest rates should decline modestly next year while overall economic growth will be moderate. He predicted that housing activity will rebound from early 1995 but not dramatically so.
His research shows that Virginia Beach will increase its population by 20,100 households during this decade and Chesapeake will grow by 16,000 households. Norfolk should decline by 7,100 households, Portsmouth by 2,000. Suffolk should grow by 3,100 households, Barrington forecast.
MarketTrends 2000 also highlighted the following tips to those in the home-building industry:
More people will work at home, requiring circuits able to handle laser printers and to protect computers against power surges.
Busy people expect conveniences like microwave ovens to be standard equipment.
People stay home more, increasing the popularity of entertainment systems, upscale kitchens and big bathtubs.
Working parents need security systems for their latchkey kids.
Wings for aging parents are desirable.
Making moves: Bill Ganzenmuller is the new manager of purchasing and estimating for Chesapeake Homes.
Robert G. Alder has joined GSH Real Estate as training and recruiting director.
Re/Max Central Realty agents Lynne Hume, Teresa Brooks, Ruth Ann Butler and Linda Fox-Jarvis have earned the Certified Residential Specialist designation. Barbara Glover, Brooks, Fox-Jarvis, Linda Transeau, Jorge Gonzalez and Janice Ross have qualified to be Accredited Buyer Brokers.
Pam Young, director of corporate relocation for William E. Wood and Associates Realtors, recently attended the 1995 Fall Meeting of the Relocation Council's International Mobility Symposium and Management Symposium in Boca Raton, Fla.
Judy Lilly was the No. 1 new homes agent for September for Leading Edge Realty, Vicki Gallagher was the top resale agent and Sue Veith was Outstanding Performer for the month.
Judy Thaler of Re/Max Alliance reports that her summer Appreciation Party for all her clients, held on a baseball night at Harbor Park in Norfolk, was a big success. The affair was managed by her business manager, Cyunthia Arsuaga.
Innovations: RealtySmart is offering its agent financial rewards for bringing new agents into the company. The agency began operations last January and offers its agents three types of commission plans to choose from.
Re/Max International and the U.S. Digital Corp. have joined forces to offer a new service on the World Wide Web computer network that will list 100,000 properties for sale by year's end.
The address is http://www.us-digital.com/remax.
In a state plagued by hurricanes, Intralock Corp. of Pompano Beach, Fla., is marketing a mortarless concrete block system that, as it name indicates, interlocks to create a stronger foundation. Interlock's address is 1001 N.W. 12th Terrace, Pompano Beach, Fla. 33069.
Consumer news: The Insurance Information Institute is offering a free brochure on how to save on homeowners insurance. Call 1-800-433-0307 for your copy. Among the tips from the institute:
Buy home, auto and liability insurance from the same company. You can save 5 to 15 percent.
Insure your house, not your land. Land isn't at risk.
Improve your home security.
Don't smoke.
Try to find group coverage. MEMO: On the Move reports management changes, awards, seminars and new
services offered by real estate firms, mortgage companies and builders.
Photos will be used as space permits and cannot be returned.
Send the information to Real Estate Weekly, The Virginian-Pilot, 150
W. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk Va. 23510, or fax it to 446-2531. Please
include a phone number.
ILLUSTRATION: Re/Max's Judy Thaler, right, held a client party at Harbor
Park.
by CNB