Mortgages Jump Higher as Rates Drop

By Kevin Chiu The volume of applications for home mortgages jumped higher for the week as mortgage rates dropped, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The composite index, a figure compiled from both new purchase applications and refinances jumped 8.2%. Refinancing led applications as homeowners with mortgages they were trying to get a lower rate… Continue reading Mortgages Jump Higher as Rates Drop

Victorian Will Sell Itself on Internet

A Victorian-era home built in 1886 may just sell itself marketed on the Internet, despite being located in a town of just 106 residents in Eastville, Virginia. The home was lived in by three families before being converted to a bed and breakfast. The residence boasts 3,500 square feet with some of the lowest property… Continue reading Victorian Will Sell Itself on Internet

Refinances Rebound on Rate Drop

By Kevin Chiu Refinancing home mortgages rebounded higher following a drop in mortgage interest rates last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The move came after rates on conventional loans dropped for the first time in a month. The rate on a fully executed 30-year fixed mortgage declined to 4.76% from 4.80 the prior… Continue reading Refinances Rebound on Rate Drop

Record $1 Billion Real Estate Auction

By Mike Colpitts A leading real estate auction company will put $1-billion in commercial property and notes up for auction, marking a new record for the largest real estate auction in U.S. history. The Las Vegas event illustrates the enormity of the real estate auction business selling-off assets for banks and mortgage service companies handling… Continue reading Record $1 Billion Real Estate Auction

7 Things Homeowner Associations Won’t Tell You

By Mary Klein Purchasing a home that is part of a homeowners association can involve issues that most homeowners would never think of providing pros and cons. The small print in the rules and regulations that are part of signing up for an association when you purchase a home can be lost in the sea… Continue reading 7 Things Homeowner Associations Won’t Tell You

Feds Spend More on Housing

By Kevin Chiu Driven by lobbyists, the U.S. government spent more on housing related grants and tax expenditures than energy, transportation and non-profit organizations combined in 2009 despite the collapse of the real estate market, according to a study conducted by the Pew charitable trust research project. The federal government spent about $244 billion on… Continue reading Feds Spend More on Housing

Mortgage Rates, Loan Applications Fall

Mortgage purchase applications, driven by a sharp decline in applications for FHA loans fell for the week as home buyers reversed the trend of applying for mortgages in greater numbers. Mortgage rates also dropped slightly. The fall off in applications was driven by an increase in higher FHA premiums that went into effect after months… Continue reading Mortgage Rates, Loan Applications Fall

Chinese Drywall Second Housing Crisis

By Kevin Chiu A second housing crisis is slowly working its way through 20 states as more victims fall ill from poisonous fumes emitting from their very residences. From the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, where workers are replacing toxic Chinese drywall in new homes built for victims of Hurricane Katrina across the country it’s being… Continue reading Chinese Drywall Second Housing Crisis

Mortgage Interest Rates Move Higher, Despite Job Gains

By Mike Colpitts Despite improving news on the U.S. job market, mortgage interest rates moved higher for the fourth straight week as home buyers became increasingly reluctant to make a move, according to Freddie Mac. The improvement in job gains is having little impact on the housing market. The rate on a 30-year fixed rate… Continue reading Mortgage Interest Rates Move Higher, Despite Job Gains

Miami Condo Sales Skyrocket

By Mike Colpitts The hardest hit real estate market in the U.S. is making a resounding recovery as existing condominium sales in Miami surge 85% in the month of March, according to the Miami Association of Realtors. Condo sales topped 1,500 units. The increase is attributed to lower priced units and near record low mortgage… Continue reading Miami Condo Sales Skyrocket