Today's Real Estate News and AdviceUpdated: December 8, 2009Real Estate Outlook: Signs of Rebound Unemployment and foreclosures continue to be huge weights holding back the economy, but housing's performance is just the opposite: Its signs of rebound keep getting stronger and stronger. FULL STORY-> There's Not Much Chance of Appealing an Arbitration Award Most people are familiar with arbitration provisions. It’s practically impossible to get medical treatment without signing one. Indeed, it seems that almost every business that involves a contract or an on-going relationship requires that consumers sign an agreement that any disputes will be submitted to binding arbitration. FULL STORY-> Avoid Bankruptcy & Find "The Right Place" "How did this happen?" is a common reaction to the unexpected nightmare of business or personal financial bankruptcy. PJ Wade offers suggestions for anticipating financial pitfalls and reaping the benefits of foresight. FULL STORY-> Washington Report: Higher Costs, Tougher Standards HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan made it official last week: Applicants for FHA insured mortgages in the coming months are going to be hit with higher costs and tougher credit standards. FULL STORY-> If Your Listing Isn't Selling Columnist Jennifer Allan shares the first article in her seller-centric series on selling your listings. FULL STORY-> Signs of the Bottom of Your Real Estate Market We've been watching a buyer's market for so long, we've almost forgotten how to see the signs of the building of a seller's market. Keep in mind, a seller's market slowly builds (over months) while a buyer's market can hit overnight. FULL STORY-> Signs of the Bottom of Your Real Estate Market We've been watching a buyer's market for so long, we've almost forgotten how to see the signs of the building of a seller's market. Keep in mind, a seller's market slowly builds (over months) while a buyer's market can hit overnight. FULL STORY-> If Your Listing Isn't Selling Columnist Jennifer Allan shares the first article in her seller-centric series on selling your listings. FULL STORY-> Washington Report: Higher Costs, Tougher Standards HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan made it official last week: Applicants for FHA insured mortgages in the coming months are going to be hit with higher costs and tougher credit standards. FULL STORY-> Rental Competition Causing Landlords to Make Housing Rental-Friendly As students returned to their schools this semester, many searched for the ideal home to rent. That's good news for homeowners-turned-landlords. When the housing crisis hit, many homeowners who couldn't sell their properties decided to rent them. But the rental market can be a tough market these days due to falling rents. FULL STORY-> Investor Report: REO Listings Fannie Mae calls its latest REO home sales program "First Look," but investors might want to call it "Second Look." FULL STORY-> Actions or Attitudes The two A's of success are Actions and Attitudes. You have to have both to achieve sustainable success in life. Having one without the other will only allow you to achieve a mild level of success. Having both will enable you to accomplish anything! FULL STORY-> Long-Term Rates Set Another Low in Freddie Mac Weekly Survey Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.71 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending December 3, 2009, down from last week when it averaged 4.78 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.53 percent. The 30-year has never been this low since Freddie Mac began its weekly survey in 1971. FULL STORY-> How Mortgage Management Affects Credit Scores Columnist Broderick Perkins shares how you manage your mortgage can help or hurt your credit score. FULL STORY-> Creating A Business Model from the Current Distressed Asset Marketplace Peter L. Mosca shares an excerpt of his radio show interview with Scott Griffith, President, ERA Griffith Realty, Rob Verhaaren, Managing Director of Universal Equity Group, and Blaine Walker, President, RealSource. The guests explore the driving forces in today’s distressed market activity, the importance of conducting due diligence and ways to maximize profitability. FULL STORY-> Uncertainty in Housing Continues as Affordability Hits Record-High Yet Starts Decline Nationwide housing affordability, bolstered by affordable interest rates and low house prices, hovered for the third consecutive quarter near its highest level since the series was first compiled 18 years ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI). FULL STORY-> More Real Estate News and Advice... |