Foreclosures Decline with Robo-Signing Troubles

By Mike Colpitts Foreclosures rose by only a slim margin in January, but declined 17% over year ago figures as banks and mortgage servicing companies temporarily halted foreclosures in 26 states in the robo-signing scandal, according to RealtyTrac. Foreclosure filings were posted against 261,333 residential properties during the month, a slim 1% increase over December.… Continue reading Foreclosures Decline with Robo-Signing Troubles

Huge Mortgage Rates Jump

By Kevin Chiu Mortgage rates jumped higher to the highest level in ten months as applications for home mortgages tumbled, demonstrating further weakness in the housing market as many home buyers remained on the sidelines, according to the Mortgage Bankers weekly survey. The rate on a fully executed 30-year fixed rate mortgage increased to 5.13%,… Continue reading Huge Mortgage Rates Jump

Americans Move at Lowest Rate since World War II

By Mike Colpitts Saddled with a weak economy and sluggish housing market Americans moved across state lines at the lowest rate since World War II in 2010, according to the Brookings Institution. Only 1.4% moved to a new state during the year. Demographer William Frey said “tepid gains in employment and the rise in home… Continue reading Americans Move at Lowest Rate since World War II

Revolt Grows as More Homeowners Stop Paying Mortgages

By Mike Colpitts Millions of homeowners are living in their homes without paying mortgages as more mortgage holders revolt against banks and mortgage servicing companies in America’s growing foreclosure crisis. Some mortgage borrowers are trying to work with banks and mortgage companies. Others have tired over the hassles it takes to work with lenders to… Continue reading Revolt Grows as More Homeowners Stop Paying Mortgages

Americans Divided Over Halting Foreclosures

By Kevin Chiu Despite the enormous financial damage it would do to the U.S. economy, Americans are divided over whether the record flood of foreclosures should be halted. That’s the stunning conclusion derived from the latest Housing Predictor poll. With foreclosures at all-time record levels, a divide has grown over the foreclosure crisis like perhaps… Continue reading Americans Divided Over Halting Foreclosures

Home Prices Decline Less in Hardest Hit Markets

By Mike Colpitts Where home prices are still declining they are deflating at a slower rate for the second year in a row, a new Housing Predictor survey has found. The hardest hit markets in the nation, including places in California, Nevada, Arizona, Rhode Island and Florida are experiencing less deflation than in early 2010.… Continue reading Home Prices Decline Less in Hardest Hit Markets

Settlement Likely in Robo-Signing Foreclosure Probe

By Kevin Chiu Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, who is spearheading the 50 state probe into the robo-signing foreclosure scandal is seeking a settlement agreement with the major banks involved in the mess. Statements made by bank employees admitting to signing foreclosure documents in sworn affidavits without checking their accuracy led to the foreclosure scandal… Continue reading Settlement Likely in Robo-Signing Foreclosure Probe

Mortgage Rates Climb as Loan Applications Rise

By Mike Colpitts Fixed mortgage rates rose for the third straight week slightly as pent-up demand for housing got more applicants to apply for home mortgages. The rate on a 30-year fixed rate loan rose marginally just one basis point for the week to 4.81%. However, rates for all other types of mortgages declined for… Continue reading Mortgage Rates Climb as Loan Applications Rise

California Woman May Receive Damages in Foreclosure Suit

By Kevin Chiu A California woman whose home was foreclosed may be able to obtain financial damages as a result of wrongly being dealt with by U.S. Bank in the foreclosure of her home, a federal court has ruled. The lender reneged on its promise to negotiate with the woman and her husband over their… Continue reading California Woman May Receive Damages in Foreclosure Suit