2004 saw record growth in the housing market, but a shift in the economy could be disasterous to owners.
"This years State of the Nations Housing report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies cautions that creative financing is adding to risk. Although interest-only and adjustable loans can initially save a typical home buyer hundreds of dollars in monthly payments, these loans also leave borrowers vulnerable to sharply higher payments when interest rates adjust or principal payments start to become due. With the number of borrowers vulnerable to payment shocks up, default rates predictably several times higher for subprime than prime loans, and house prices growing at such rapid rates, the housing market could deteriorate if the economy softens or if rates increase sharply, explains Retsinas."
Thanks to Brenda Meyer
FULL STORY: Hot Housing Market Masks Eroding Affordability and Mounting Risks, Harvard Study Reports

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service