Donald Trump Runs for President

By Mike Colpitts The political winds that got the U.S. into the financial mess may actually have a chance to change. Donald Trump has all but announced he’s running for president. The real estate mogul is starting to work the TV talk show circuit in preparation for a June announcement that he will compete against… Continue reading Donald Trump Runs for President

Homeowners Overpaying Property Taxes

By Mike Colpitts Home values have dropped so much that the majority of U.S. homeowners are overpaying on property taxes, according to a leading consumer protection group. “We’re telling people to get an appraisal, an independent appraisal to find out what their property is really worth to see if they’re overpaying,” said Tom Martin, president… Continue reading Homeowners Overpaying Property Taxes

Federal Housing Agency Orders Halt to Home Resale Fees

By Mike Colpitts U.S. mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will be halted from providing mortgages on homes that hold home resale fees under a new federal mandate. The decision, ordered by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees both government backed lenders, was ordered late Tuesday. It was contained in a proposal made… Continue reading Federal Housing Agency Orders Halt to Home Resale Fees

Hard Money Financing Booms as Investors Sue

By Kevin Chiu As a federal judge starts a trial over allegations that New York firms defrauded hard money loan investors of millions of dollars in assets, other hard money lenders are achieving record profits. San Diego, California based Source Capital Funding, Inc. announced it finished closing 42 loans in October and funded nearly $9-million… Continue reading Hard Money Financing Booms as Investors Sue

First Home Price Decline in Year

Core Logic, a heavily viewed monitor of U.S. home prices said its home price index dropped for the first time in 2010 in August, sending prices just 1.5% lower for the year. However, the index also showed positive appreciation in more than a handful of states. The Core Logic index has had an unusually low… Continue reading First Home Price Decline in Year

Jumbo Mortgage Limits Extended

By Mike Colpitts In a crucial policy decision for the housing market, Congress extended the limit on jumbo mortgages the nation’s mortgage titans can purchase to nearly $730,000. Lawmakers agreed to extend the limits through 2011. The measure was included as part of a temporary spending bill forwarded to President Barack Obama for his signature.… Continue reading Jumbo Mortgage Limits Extended

$23 Billion in Home Buyer Tax Credits

The credit to home buyers taking advantage of the federal government’s tax credit has reached $23.5 billion, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Some $16.2-billion was for the first time home buyers $8,000 credit and $6,500 grants to first and second time buyers. The tax credits produced a spike in home sales in the majority… Continue reading $23 Billion in Home Buyer Tax Credits