International Member Blogs
Economic outlook: The Fed from two sides
WASHINGTON – March 17, 2010 – Analysts took a sharp look at the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy statement and arrived, as per usual, with at least two distinct and separate conclusions.
The Fed said it would keep its federal funds rate – the more formal slang for the interest rate on its lending to banks – at zero to 0.25 percent, the historically low rate that it has held for 15 months. The Fed tossed in the caveat that it would keep rates “exceptionally low” for an “extended period,” which is now widely interpreted to mean at least six months.
NAR defends broker price opinions for HAFA
WASHINGTON – March 17, 2010 – A coalition led by the Appraisal Institute recently suggested that the federal government disallow broker price opinions (BPOs) for properties under the federal Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program.
In a letter sent March 12 to U.S.
Wells Fargo agrees to modify second mortgages
SAN FRANCISCO – March 18, 2010 – Facing criticism over the slow progress of its foreclosure-prevention efforts, the Obama administration has struck deals with two giant banks that would extend mortgage relief to homeowners with second mortgages.
Wells Fargo & Co. said Wednesday that it has agreed to modify home-equity loans in cases where borrowers have already qualified for relief under the U.S. Treasury’s mortgage-modification program. Wells Fargo joined Charlotte, N.C.-based Bank of America, which made a similar announcement in January.
Required GFE form criticized as impeding new mortgages
SAN JOSE, Calif. – March 18, 2010 – If you’re a prospective homebuyer exploring real estate this spring, there’s plenty to learn about, from bank-owned properties to the strict criteria for getting a mortgage these days. And now the federal government has added something to the mix, aimed at helping buyers shop for loans: the revamped Good Faith Estimate (GFE).
Designed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help borrowers better understand the terms of their loans, the new three-page form has been a required part of the mortgage application process since Jan.
Fannie Mae: Drop in home sales underscores fragile recovery
WASHINGTON – March 19, 2010 – Housing activity is expected to rebound later this year but at a slower pace than previously projected, according to the March 2010 Economic Outlook released today by Fannie Mae’s Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group.
The report says the drop in new and existing home sales disappointed analysts, but the setback is viewed as temporary with gains expected in the second quarter and trending up on a sustainable basis by year-end.
Canadians flock to buy U.S. real estate
ORLANDO, Fla. – March 19, 2010 – Canadians were the largest group of foreign homebuyers in the United States in 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors – and Florida Home Finders says they accounted for 30 percent of purchases by foreigners in the Sunshine State.
Canadians find U.S. properties less expensive, and they’re rushing to take advantage of a favorable exchange rate and warmer climate.
The NAR 2009 Buyer-Seller Survey and What it Means to Your Marketing
[ by Steven R. Meinking ] The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released their 2009 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. There is so much useful information in the NAR survey that it is difficult to unpack. So I will highlight some crucial points that will have a major impact on your real estate website marketing in the coming year. |
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comScore Media Metrix Ranks Top-Growing Properties and Site Categories for February 2010
Valentine’s Day Brings Traffic to Personals, e-Cards, and Gift Sites
Tax Sites Continue to Grow As Filing Deadline Gets Nearer
10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell
RISMEDIA, March 19, 2010—(MCT)—By Jean Patteson -Want to sell your home? Get out the bucket, mop and Mr. Clean. The key to making a positive first impression is simple, said Sandra Rinomato, host of HGTV’s popular “Property Virgins” show.
“Get it clean, clean, clean,” said Rinomato. “If your house isn’t clean, it instantly sends up negative thoughts that the home is not well maintained. If your house is spotless, you’re ahead of the game,” she said.
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