Staten Island has grown faster than any other borough over the last two decades, making 24 percent and 26 percent gains, respectively, in population and new homes, according to a new report by Center for an Urban Future cited by the Wall Street Journal. But as the island saturates and housing costs rise, many residents are finding the borough to be different from the one that was known to be a haven for first-time homebuyers just 20 years ago. Almost half of all Staten Islanders spend at least 35 percent of their income on housing, compared with just 30 percent of residents 20 years ago. [more]

Picky, picky, picky! Are today’s first-time homebuyers passing up great deals because they insist on flawless “move-in ready” houses requiring little or no changes — even at the starter-home price levels where shoppers traditionally have been willing to factor future fix-ups and renovations into their offers? Or are they simply reflecting market realities? They see record inventories of houses sitting unsold, they’ve got plenty to choose from and they may not have the money, time or inclination to do fix-ups after making the purchase. [more]

The financial landscape is taking a heavy toll on consumer confidence — particularly when it comes to buying a home, according to a report from research website FindLaw.com. Almost two-thirds of U.S. residents say they’re less likely to buy a home in the near future because of the economic climate, while only 8 percent of Americans say that they’re more likely to buy a home due to the current financial situation. Stephanie Rahifs, an editor with FindLaw.com, said that the low mortgage rates haven’t proven enough to move buyers into the market. “Stricter lending requirements are often making it more difficult for many people to obtain mortgages. High unemployment rates are raising concerns about housing appreciation, affordability and foreclosures,” Rahifs said. “These factors are causing many people to shy away from the idea of buying a house.” Lower-income families, in particular, are moving out of the housing market, the report shows, with those whose annual income is less than $50,000 much more likely to say they are less inclined to buy a home. TRD

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While the debate over whether to buy or rent rages on in New York City, Coldwell Banker CEO Jim Gillespie says that now is the time to make a home purchase nationally. The real estate group recently conducted a survey outlining the reasons to buy a new pad, ranging from the federal allowances to market stability. Gillespie told ABC News that major incentives, including the first-time homebuyer tax credit and dramatically lower prices in some states, particularly in Florida, are making the housing market especially favorable for buyers.