Real Estate Info

Today's Real Estate News and Advice

Updated: June 8, 2009

Washington Report: Reshaping Fannie and Freddie
Congress took its first step last week on a mission that could totally reshape the American mortgage market. FULL STORY->

Condo Trends: Seattle Condo Pendings Sail Past '08 Levels
For two months running, pending condominium contracts have surged in the high double digits around the Seattle, Wash., market area. Buyers jumped off the fence in April to the tune of 50 percent more contracts in April over the month of March. A jump from one month to the next demonstrates a momentous movement. FULL STORY->

Helping Clients Avoid Toxic Mortgage Loans
We all love closing day -- the day when sellers breathe a sigh of relief, buyers eagerly anticipate moving into their new home, and we collect our commissions. Unfortunately, many homeowners are now looking back at their closing day with regret. FULL STORY->

Investor Report: First Time Home Buyers
Some real estate investors assume that the federal first-time home buyer tax credit has little relevance for them. FULL STORY->

Part 2: The 'Ins and 'Outs of Loan Modifications: Protecting Yourself and Your Real Estate
Peter L. Mosca sharea an excerpt of a second interview with Bob Diamond, a practicing real estate attorney, real estate developer, and published author of three books on foreclosure investing. FULL STORY->

Hot Market: Sarasota Enjoys "Up" on Pendings and Prices
he Sarasota Association of Realtors reported its pending sales soared in April to 981 units -- up 21 percent from the previous month and up nearly 30 percent the same time in 2008. Sales prices also edged up about 5 percent compared to April 2008, giving sales professionals another reason to suspect the bottom has finally been reached in the region. FULL STORY->

Going Green May Help Sell Your Home
It's becoming the buzz word in housing -- "green" homes are what many buyers are interested in these days. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), as much as 90 percent of home buyers think that energy efficiency is a very important factor when shopping for a home. FULL STORY->

Accept Nothing Less Than Excellence
A Champion accepts nothing less than excellence. When you look at successful individuals and successful companies, good is not good enough FULL STORY->

Investor Report: First Time Home Buyers
Some real estate investors assume that the federal first-time home buyer tax credit has little relevance for them. FULL STORY->

Hot Market: Sarasota Enjoys "Up" on Pendings and Prices
he Sarasota Association of Realtors reported its pending sales soared in April to 981 units -- up 21 percent from the previous month and up nearly 30 percent the same time in 2008. Sales prices also edged up about 5 percent compared to April 2008, giving sales professionals another reason to suspect the bottom has finally been reached in the region. FULL STORY->

Going Green May Help Sell Your Home
It's becoming the buzz word in housing -- "green" homes are what many buyers are interested in these days. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), as much as 90 percent of home buyers think that energy efficiency is a very important factor when shopping for a home. FULL STORY->

Part 2: The 'Ins and 'Outs of Loan Modifications: Protecting Yourself and Your Real Estate
Peter L. Mosca sharea an excerpt of a second interview with Bob Diamond, a practicing real estate attorney, real estate developer, and published author of three books on foreclosure investing. FULL STORY->

Accept Nothing Less Than Excellence
A Champion accepts nothing less than excellence. When you look at successful individuals and successful companies, good is not good enough FULL STORY->

We Want More Contemporary and Younger Speakers!
Columnist Walter Sanford shares his opinion on how experience may trump youth when it comes to being a speaker. FULL STORY->

Assuring Accurate Appraisals, Part II: What's A Consumer To Do?
Appraisals have become yet another sticking point on the already viscous road to home ownership because perennial pressure on appraisers is proving to be bad for business, housing and consumers. FULL STORY->

Ask the HOA Expert
Taking away an HOA member's right to vote can only be done if the governing documents allow it. Columnist Richard Thompson discusses this issue and more in this week's column. FULL STORY->

Multifamily Builder Confidence Up From Record Lows; Interest from Prospective Renters and Buyers Rises
The "subprime crisis" has spilled over into nearly every part of our economy. First, we heard about soaring foreclosure rates, especially in what had been the high growth and speculation markets around the country. The crisis quickly spread into banks and investment houses. FULL STORY->

The Waiting Game
A recent study by shows that real estate is now as affordable as it's been in the past 38 years. The study tells us that median home prices, when viewed against median mortgage rates and incomes, are wildly affordable. FULL STORY->

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