Four States with Appreciation in Housing Markets

Now There Are Only 4 Real Estate has changed. Only four states remain with enough local housing market appreciation to stay on the Housing Predictor appreciation list for the remainder of 2007. The over-whelming majority of housing markets have deflated throughout the nation. Just four states have regionally vibrant economies enough to be strong enough… Continue reading Four States with Appreciation in Housing Markets

Buyers Market Housing Forecast

The best time to buy property in many of the nation’s housing markets will be through the end of 2008, Housing Predictor forecasts. Markets in many areas are bottoming out and have the highest level of properties listed for sale on the market in years, causing downward pressure on pricing levels. Housing markets in California,… Continue reading Buyers Market Housing Forecast

Homeowners Insurance Costs Soar

Propelled by massive pay-outs as a direct result of hurricane damage, Florida has the highest homeowners insurance premiums in the nation, according to a new industry study. The rise in policy costs account for more than a 10% increase in annual premiums. Other states are also experiencing large rate hikes. “Most homeowners over-pay for insurance… Continue reading Homeowners Insurance Costs Soar

Feds Reach Mortgage Deal with 49 States

By Mike Colpitts The U.S. government and 49 states attorneys general have reached a landmark $25-billion agreement over the robo-signing scandal with the country’s largest five banks. The unprecedented deal closes a chapter in the nation’s foreclosure crisis, which has cost millions of homeowners their homes. The agreement offers financial relief to some homeowners caught… Continue reading Feds Reach Mortgage Deal with 49 States

Robo-Signing Settlement Stalls

By Kevin Chiu The CEO of one of the U.S. biggest banks charged with illegal foreclosure practices leading to the robo-signing scandal says mortgage servicers and state attorney generals are stalled in negotiation talks to reach a settlement. JP Morgan Chase chief executive officer Jamie Dimon says that negotiations are held up over an agreement… Continue reading Robo-Signing Settlement Stalls

States Outlaw Extra Home Sale Charges

By Kevin Chiu Washington State became the twenty-fifth state in the country to outlaw extra home sale charges to the new owners of homes for 99 years. The action means that half of all U.S. states have now outlawed private transfer fees by adopting new state laws prohibiting their collection. But a federal effort to… Continue reading States Outlaw Extra Home Sale Charges

Don’t Burn Down Your House on Thanksgiving

Deep fried turkey fires will cause more than $15 million in property damage to homes and other dwellings from deep fryers that get wildly out of control across the U.S. this Thanksgiving, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The fires, ignited by deep fried turkey cookers of hot oil that quickly get out of… Continue reading Don’t Burn Down Your House on Thanksgiving