Category: 2011 Housing Market

Man Convicted of Filing False Real Estate Liens

By Kevin Chiu A federal jury has convicted a self-admitted “sovereign citizen” of filing $20 billion in false public real estate liens against government officials. The jury returned the verdict in Spokane, Washington after a two day trial against Ronald James Davenport. The 63-year-old Chewelah, Washington resident is an admitted federal tax protestor, whose ex-wife… Continue reading Man Convicted of Filing False Real Estate Liens

Owner Financing Breaks Into Fashion

By Mike Colpitts Owner financing is making a comeback in the housing market as homeowners look for ways to sell their homes in the sluggish economy. Selling a home with an owner carrying the mortgage was hardly heard of during the housing boom, but it’s returned out of necessity as more owners explore alternative ways… Continue reading Owner Financing Breaks Into Fashion

Real Estate Investors Plead Guilty in Conspiracy

By Mike Colpitts Eight real estate investors have pleaded guilty for their roles in a criminal conspiracy at real estate foreclosure auctions. The charges against the investors carry up to 30 years in U.S. federal prison and $1-million in fines. The investors agreed to enter the guilty pleas after a federal investigation led to their… Continue reading Real Estate Investors Plead Guilty in Conspiracy

Homeowners Opt to Buy Appraisals

By Mike Colpitts Homeowners are buying independent appraisals as they prepare to place their homes on the market for sale in growing numbers, attempting to determine the real value of their homes. The move is growing momentum as transactions on existing home sales fail at increasing rates. One out of three sales contracted during the… Continue reading Homeowners Opt to Buy Appraisals

Jumbo Loan Limits Increased

By Kevin Chiu Jumbo loan limits, eliminated just two months ago have been increased by the Federal Housing Administration. The move raised loan limits to 125% of local median home prices to a maximum of $729,750. The FHA jumbo loan increase was approved by Congress, and is expected to be signed by President Barack Obama.… Continue reading Jumbo Loan Limits Increased

Mortgage Rates Remain Near Record Lows

By Kevin Chiu Mortgage rates remained near record low levels for the third week in a row as consumer concerns over the U.S. economy gave into positive news about the improving state of the economy, despite unemployment levels that have been at the highest levels in the nation’s history since the Great Depression. The 30-year… Continue reading Mortgage Rates Remain Near Record Lows

Baseball’s Manny Ramirez Finally Sells Penthouse

By Kevin Chiu Exiled ex-baseball star Manny Ramirez has finally sold his Boston penthouse for a major loss after trying to sell the place more than six years, which just might be close to a record for any other earth-bound homeowner. The former baseball slugger finally quit the big leagues in disgrace after being busted… Continue reading Baseball’s Manny Ramirez Finally Sells Penthouse

Foreclosures Rise in October, But Nevada’s Chill

By Mike Colpitts Foreclosure auctions, the final step in the formal bank repossession process increased in October, rising 8% from the prior month as foreclosures in states that require courts to formally approve foreclosures moved higher recovering from bank moratoriums. But Nevada saw a major drop in foreclosures as a result of a new law… Continue reading Foreclosures Rise in October, But Nevada’s Chill

5 Million Mortgage Modifications Completed

The volunteer private sector alliance of mortgage servicers, banks and investors Hope Now has surpassed 5 million mortgage modifications since the start of their program, according to the organization. “When Hope Now started reporting data at the end of 2007, loan modifications were barely measurable,” said Faith Schwartz, executive director of Hope Now. “Homeowners either… Continue reading 5 Million Mortgage Modifications Completed