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Today’s Real Estate News and Advice

Updated: July 4, 2019

 

Washington Report: Hope Now Alliance
The Bush Administration ratcheted up its efforts to keep financially-stressed homeowners out of foreclosure this week with a surprise move: Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said major lenders have agreed to put a halt to foreclosures — even where they have every legal right to proceed — in order to allow more time to modify the terms of loans, whenever feasible. FULL STORY->

 

Realty Viewpoint: Mortgage Rates Could Soar, Predicts Economist
There are few real estate economists more respected than Mark Dotzour, chief economist of the Real Estate Center at Texas A & M. He says the time to refinance is now, that there may not be a better time for years to come. FULL STORY->

 

Mortgage Rates Move Little in Freddie Mac’s 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 5.72 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending February 14, 2008, up from last week when it averaged 5.67 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.30 percent.

 

Keeping it Priced Right Even in a Declining Market
In any real estate market, price is the key. It’s just not as important in an increasing (seller’s) market than in a declining (buyer’s) market. What if you miss the target the first time? How can you show the seller why they need to adjust their price and to what price?

 

Ask Dr. Real Estate: Why Am I Not Getting the Business?
As is the case with much conventional wisdom, you need to look deeper before you embrace it unreservedly and accept it as gospel. While joining organizations and volunteering your efforts in worthwhile causes is admirable, you need to examine both your motives and your tactics. Here are some specifics. FULL STORY->

 

Ask Realty Times
Will the economic stimulus plan improve the real estate market? Should I give a gift to my broker at closing? If the advertised price of a home is wrong must the owner sell at a discount? Peter G. Miller looks at the week’s most interesting questions for Realty Times. FULL STORY->

 

Interest Rate Update
Today’s Interest Rates from Realty Times are based on a 30 year amortization rate, with good credit and no origination fees. Inflationary fears have rates on the rise. Wall Street is keeping a close eye on ay hint of rising prices and that’s going to translate into higher raters. If you like today’s rates you might think about locking. FULL STORY->

 

Investor Report: Private Mortgage Insurance Changes
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller of residential investment real estate, you need to know about two policy changes that could put a financial damper on some of your deals. FULL STORY->

Interest Rate Update
Today’s Interest Rates from Realty Times are based on a 30 year amortization rate, with good credit and no origination fees. With no major economic news today to report, mortgage rates are stable. Here are todays rates.

 

Realty Viewpoint: Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae Reform Should Proceed Cautiously
Conforming loan limits backed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have been temporarily raised, but the battle to improve lending is far from over. FULL STORY->

 

Do Foreclosures Affect Neighborhood Value?
tba FULL STORY->

 

Market Conditions: Pitt County, North Carolina
Realtor Don Carson has seen a slowdown in the residential sales market in Pitt County as we move into 2008, with sales down 7 percent from last year. But, buffered by the strong local economy, this area should be resistant to the economic swings affecting the rest of the nation, says Carson.FULL STORY->

 

Cash Back Confusion
Whenever I talk or write about real estate and mortgage fraud, one of the topics that people seem to have the most trouble understanding is why cash back at closing deals are often wrong or flat out illegal. FULL STORY->

 

Real Estate Marketing Strategies: 7 Ways To Overcome The Myth That You Have To Be “Pushy” To Succeed
Haven’t we all been told that the ones who succeed are aggressive and pushy? Isn’t this why so many people are scared of marketing themselves? In my 30 years of coaching people, I have found that almost everyone has an aversion to marketing. In other words, they would rather do anything but market themselves and that’s what they usually do. FULL STORY->

 

Buyers Not Likely To Pay For Improvements
Home improvements can add value to your home, but probably not as much as you’d expect if you complete them shortly before you sell your home. Here’s why. FULL STORY->

 

Will Higher Loan Limits Matter?
With the decision in Washington to raise mortgage loan limits, the grim reality is that investors overseas increasingly determine what real estate financing is available in the U.S. Columnist Peter G. Miller explains. FULL STORY->

 

Realty Viewpoint: Low Household Formation Bad News For Housing
Between the birth rate and immigration, legal and illegal, the U.S. should be adding about 1.2 to 1.5 million households annually. In 2007, we had half that number. What does household growth mean to housing? FULL STORY->

 

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