Americans bought homes last month at the fastest pace in nearly eleven years. According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of existing homes climbed 5.6% in November. They reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of almost six million units.
The last time home sales were this strong was in December of 2006, when properties sold at an annual pace of 6.4 million. Some of the factors that are driving this boom are the strengthening economy and rise of millennials getting into the housing market.
In other real estate news, the average size of the American home is getting bigger. According to real estate company Zillow, 44% of baby boomers live in houses larger than 2,000 square feet.
As the last members of the baby-boom generation become empty nesters, demand is growing for dual-purpose homes. Boomers are looking to remodel so that their homes comfortably fit a couple, but can also accommodate children and grandchildren when they visit for extended periods.
Fans of the Grand Theft Auto series got a glimpse of the latest release that's not due out until 2025. The trailer was officially released after a leak on the 'X' platform, giving an idea to industry experts of the massive effect GTA will have on the gaming sector. Cheddar News senior reporter Michelle Castillo breaks it all down.
Tax season is around the corner as soon as we conclude the holiday festivities. Mark Steber, chief tax information officer with Jackson Hewitt, joined Cheddar News to discuss some tax changes that people should be aware of and what to expect during next year's tax filing season.
The holiday season is here and it could be a stressful time as people plan shopping, cooking and traveling. Sally Holmes, editor-in-chief of InStyle Magazine, joined Cheddar News to discuss a new social media trend #Treatculture that helps people take a moment to treat themselves and how that is a psychological benefit to relieve stress.