Press Release

New study shows moreAmericans prefer predictability of a fixed-rate level payment over adjustable rate mortgages

WASHINGTON, DC – A white paper released today by the Homeownership Alliance explains how the fixed-rate mortgage that has made homeownership possible for millions of Americans since the 1930s continues to hold sway over adjustable rate mortgages. The white paper, Mortgage Finance Innovation and the Achievement of Homeownership: The Role of the Fixed Rate Mortgage, was written by Stuart Gabriel, Ph.D.

• Inland Empire is regional leader; Pasadena/Burbank is rediscovered; Orange County hints at recovery

-- Despite weak property market fundamentals, real estate still a strong performer

Crime and housing affordability can determine if households transition from renters to owners

Los Angeles -- Where a minority family chooses to live heavily influences their decision to rent or own, according to the results of a study at the University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate (www.usc.edu/lusk) that examined pathways to minority homeownership.

Los Angeles – The director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate (www.usc.edu/lusk), Stuart Gabriel, Ph.D., has been named president of the American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association (AREUEA). The largest and most prestigious group of real estate and urban economists from academia, AREUEA begins its 40th year as a leading-edge resource for information and analysis in the fields of real estate development, planning and economics.

“It’s an honor to lead a group of the foremost academic experts in the field of real estate.

Los Angeles – While millions of Americans are watching Donald Trump search for “The Apprentice” to help him build his real estate and business empire, there’s another kind of real estate search taking place in LA this week. Would you believe a train conductor, waiter, schoolteacher, lawyer and civil engineer can make the cut in the search for people who can change the face of depressed, inner-city neighborhoods across Southern California?

Employers have already signed one-fifth of students in graduate programs geared to real estate.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – This spring is prime shopping season for real estate developers and finance firms seeking graduate students steeped in real estate education and training, according to a new survey released by the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate (www.usc.edu/lusk)color>.

Rents at record highs in Los Angeles County and Inland Empire

Report and Recommendations to Sunne Wright McPeak
Secretary, Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
State of California
March 17, 2004
USC Keston Institute for Infrastructure

Like most states, California is in a budget crisis. We are struggling to supply urgently needed services with diminishing revenues. As in many states, California's transportation funds are being cut to fund other needs. Across the country, fiscal year 2003 was the third straight year states faced budget shortfalls, with a cumulative gap of $200 billion.

Crime and housing affordability can determine if households transition from renters to owners

Los Angeles -- Where a minority family chooses to live heavily influences their decision to rent or own, according to the results of a study at the University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate (www.usc.edu/lusk) that examined pathways to minority homeownership.