Pending Home Sales Rise

Second Straight Month By Kevin Chiu Pending home sales rose for the second straight month in August, but are still well off year ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors. The sale of previously owned homes, condos and townhouses were up 4.3% for the month, reflecting an improving trend for the market. NAR data… Continue reading Pending Home Sales Rise

Bill Proposed to Outlaw Real Estate Transfer Fees

A bill that would halt the controversial collection of private real estate transfer fees in all 50 states has been proposed to outlaw the action. Maxine Waters (D-CA) offered the legislation in Congress as part of an amendment to revise a law approved nearly four decades ago. The bill was proposed after a coalition of… Continue reading Bill Proposed to Outlaw Real Estate Transfer Fees

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

Homes Selling Broadly Cheaper as Foreclosures

By Kevin Chiu Homes that had already been foreclosed represented nearly 1 in 4 sold during the second quarter of the year selling at broadly cheaper prices, according to RealtyTrac. Properties sold in some stage of foreclosure at more than 26% below average prices. Ohio residential foreclosures sold for an average discount of almost 43%… Continue reading Homes Selling Broadly Cheaper as Foreclosures

Rentals Winning Out

In the face of the financial crisis, attitudes over renting versus buying a home are changing, according to numerous public opinion polls, including  a survey of  more than 2,700 website visitors by Apartments.com. “We are seeing vacancy rates drop, which means the rental market is improving,” said Chris Brown,  Apartments.com  vice president of product management.… Continue reading Rentals Winning Out

Mortgage Applications Drop as Interest Rates Decline

Applications to refinance mortgages declined for the fourth straight week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Mortgage applications on new home purchases also fell slightly, despite an increase in government purchase applications. The share of refinancing composed the majority of applications, 80.7% as mortgage rates decreased to 4.38% on 30 year fixed rate mortgage on… Continue reading Mortgage Applications Drop as Interest Rates Decline

TV Real Estate Guru Makes Investors Rich

The collapse in the housing market has created a new way of thinking among real estate investors. Money is no longer just being made by investors. It’s being shared among a new breed of entrepreneurs coached by the man whose book and motto is “Think a little different.” “I do everything I need to do… Continue reading TV Real Estate Guru Makes Investors Rich

Illegal Foreclosures Charged in Investigation

Members of Congress are fed up with bankers and Fannie Mae and they’re letting them know it. In a letter signed by three Democrats, including the leader of the banking over-sight committee chairman Barney Frank, lawmakers complained to Fannie Mae for retaining lawyers who run “foreclosure mills” that are being investigated for illegally foreclosing on… Continue reading Illegal Foreclosures Charged in Investigation

Poll Respondents Expect More Housing Price Deflation

As fears over the financial crisis rise just weeks before mid-term U.S. elections, three out of 4 respondents surveyed feel that the housing market will decline in value as much as nearly half from its current levels, according to the latest Housing Predictor opinion poll. The finding clearly shows that Americans are extremely concerned about… Continue reading Poll Respondents Expect More Housing Price Deflation