Real Estate Seattle

Effective April 1, servicers managing Freddie Mac loans will no longer be allowed to foreclose on properties in the name of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS). This was one of a several changes announced yesterday by Freddie Mac through Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide Bulletin 2011-5.

According to the directive, Freddie has "eliminated the option for the foreclosure counsel or trustee to conduct a foreclosure in the name of MERS. Effective for Mortgages registered with MERS that are referred to foreclosure on or after April 1, 2011, Servicers must prepare an assignment of the Security Instrument from MERS to the Servicer and instruct the foreclosure counsel or trustee to foreclose in the Servicer’s name and take title in Freddie Mac's name." In states where required the servicer must also record the prepared assignment; Freddie Mac will not pay the recording fees.

Other changes to foreclosure and bankruptcy procedures in the Bulletin include:

Servicers are permitted to postpone a scheduled foreclosure sale when a designated counsel handles the foreclosure, provided the newly scheduled sale date is within the state foreclosure timelines defined in the Guide.
Revision of requirements to add certain prohibitions relating to foreclosure and bankruptcy referrals, and, as applicable, adding remedies that Freddie Mac may exercise. These include prohibiting any arrangement with attorneys or trustees that result in financial or other direct or indirect benefits to the servicers or an affiliate or allowing vendors and others to influence the selection of counsel.
Providing additional details about servicing obligations and expressly prohibiting Servicers from charging Freddie Mac, trustees, or attorneys for obligations compensated by the servicing spread.

...(read more)

Forward this article via email: Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

Source: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/03242011_freddie_mac_servicers_mers.asp

Realty Economy Interest Rates Celebrity Foreclosures

Moments ago at the Web 2.0 Expo in San Francisco, we officially announced the launch of the Zillow BlackBerry App for Research in Motion’s BlackBerry smartphones. The launch of this new app — along with our apps for iPhone, iPad and Android — means more than 90 percent(1) of U.S. smartphone users can now access [...]

Source: http://www.zillow.com/blog/2011-03-31/zillow-launches-zillow-blackberry-app/

Housing Starts President Obama Hope for home owners Fannie Mae

REThink Real Estate

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/RjLBv34uvPM/sell-later-sell-higher-a-reality-check

Luxury Home Prices Mortgage Rescue Scams Real Estate Vacation Properties

On March 11, 2011, President Obama directed the Department of the Interior (DOI) to determine the acreage of public lands (onshore and offshore) that have been leased to oil and gas companies and remain undeveloped, noting that companies should be encouraged to produce energy from leases that they are holding. Today, the results are in.

The report reaches several important conclusions: first, although the Department of Interior has made available significant acreage for resource development over the past two years, substantial acreage has not been leased by industry. Secondly, there are tens of millions of acres that are currently under lease that remain idle. Because these areas are not undergoing exploration, development, or production, taxpayers are not getting the full advantage of America’s resource potential. When it comes to onshore oil and gas development, nearly 57 percent of all leased acres are inactive – meaning they are neither being explored nor developed. In total, 22 million leased onshore acres – acres already in the hands of oil and gas companies – are not being used. That’s roughly the size of Indiana.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/29/results-are-drilling-down-unused-leases

Foreclosures Home Sales Outlook Housing Starts President Obama

There are some things people feel strongly about: the coffee they drink, the state of their college’s basketball team, and surprisingly, what kind of light bulbs they use in their homes. First victim: 100-watt incandescent bulb Brace yourself: Starting in January 2012, to meet the requirements of the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007, which was signed into [...]

Source: http://www.zillow.com/blog/2011-03-31/dimming-the-lights-on-incandescent-bulbs/

Real Estate Agents Housing Market Mortgage Home Loan

Your quick look at the week that was on WhiteHouse.gov

Protecting Civilians in Libya: As U.S. forces participate in a U.N. coalition to establish a no-fly zone over Libya, President Obama spoke on the humanitarian importance of our mission in North Africa. He also answered questions from the media during press conferences in Chile and El Salvador.

President Obama Confers With Tom Donilon, Bill Daley, and Ben Rhodes

President Barack Obama confers with National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, right, Chief of Staff Bill Daley, left, and Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, following a conference call on Libya with his national security team, in San Salvador, El Salvador, March 23, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The Affordable Care Act Turns One: On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In the 12 months since, millions of Americans have benefited from improvements to the American health care system. WhiteHouse.gov had a whole week of coverage:

Read about the benefits the Affordable Care Act has provided to seniors, small businesses, women, and young adults.
Watch President Obama's surprise phone call to a young man in Michigan who can pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.
Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President and Chair of the Council on Women and Girls, authored a guest blog post.
Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis wrote a special post on the Department of Labor blog.
Vice President Biden recorded a video message to mark the one-year anniversary.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/25/weekly-wrap-healthy-anniversary

Freddie Mac Mortgage Crisis Real Estate Agents Housing Market

It?s no secret that the $75 billion government-sponsored loan modification program, Making Home Affordable, has fallen short of expectations since its introduction two years ago. As of the end of Jan. 2011, there had been about 550,000 permanent modifications made nationwide, according to the January Housing Scorecard. That’s good news for some, but bad news [...]

Source: http://blog.foreclosure.com/2011/03/white-house-threatens-to-veto-bill-aimed-at-ending-making-home-affordable/

Foreclosures Home Sales Outlook Housing Starts President Obama

The Affordable Care Act is bringing much needed changes to the insurance market for women. For too long, too many women could not get the affordable, high quality coverage they deserved. Some insurance companies considered simply being a woman a “pre-existing condition” and charged more or covered less. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, that’s all changing and women and their families are eligible for important new benefits that will ensure they have access to better care at a lower cost.

Women with insurance will benefit from the law. If you are in a new insurance plan, you can choose the primary care doctor or OB-GYN in your insurer’s network without a referral. Go to your insurer’s website or call the customer service number to find out which providers are in your network.

Recommended preventive services, like mammograms and flu shots, are now available at no out-of-pocket costs to you, if you are in a new insurance plan. This means that your insurance company cannot charge you a deductible or copays. Click here to find a list of preventive services that will be covered.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/24/better-benefits-better-health-women

Short Sale Waterfront Homes Real Estate Agent Foreclosure Homes

Media reports surface of possible covert operations

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/US-Lawmakers-Vent-Frustrations-About-Libya-118954094.html

Home Sales Outlook Housing Starts President Obama Hope for home owners

Russian venture capitalist pays record $100 million for California mansion

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/ACFmcDBCwlY/nar-sales-1m-plus-homes-rise-4-in-february

Hope for home owners Fannie Mae Freddie Mac Mortgage Crisis

Popular program returns after wildly successful campaigns in 2009 and 2010 awarded $18,000 in educational grants to financially-assist 10 students Foreclosure.com today announced that it will once again reward five college students with scholarships who can best provide a solution(s) to its latest essay topic for 2011. The subject of the Foreclosure.com Scholarship Program 2011 [...]

Source: http://blog.foreclosure.com/2011/03/foreclosure-com-announces-2011-scholarship-program-will-once-again-award-9000-to-five-college-students/

Luxury Home Prices Mortgage Rescue Scams Real Estate Vacation Properties

The specter of shadow inventory looming in the background of the housing crisis may be even worse than anticipated according to data released Monday by Lender Processing Services (LPS).

The February Mortgage Monitor report indicates that, while delinquencies continue to decline, there is an enormous backlog of foreclosures in the pipeline that may be as great as 30 times the monthly sales volume of already foreclosed homes. This implies foreclosed homes will continue to come on the market for many years into the future, continuing downward pressure on home prices in the hardest hit areas thanks to an abundance of vacant and often deteriorating housing units.

While there have been occasional spikes over the last year, the February Mortgage Monitor report shows that both delinquencies and foreclosures starts have declined steadily over the last year. Foreclosure starts in March 2010 numbered 250,174; there were 204,916 starts in February 2011 (a decrease of 0.2 percent from January) and the delinquency rate over the same 12 month period has declined from 9.66 percent to 8.80 (down 1.2 percent from January.) However the backlog of foreclosures in the pipeline has continued to expand. There are 6.86 million mortgages in some state of delinquency or foreclosure nationwide, an 8.80 percent delinquency rate, and 2.17 million of those loans are 90+ days delinquent and 2.2 million are in foreclosure. In March 2010 there were 7.3 million delinquent mortgages with 2.87 million 90 days or more delinquent and 1.99 million in foreclosure.

A major reason for the backlog is the steadily increasing amount of time loans are spending in the foreclosure pipeline. The average time a loan in the 90+ day bucket has been delinquent by February was 351 days and those in foreclosure had been delinquent for 537 days. In January 2011 those figures were 344 and 523 respectively and 12 months earlier, in March 2010, the figures were 278 and 426 days. A full 30 percent of loans in foreclosure have not made a payment in over two years.

...(read more)

Forward this article via email: Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

Source: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/03292011_shadow_inventory_option_arms.asp

Home Warranties Commercial & Investment Homes Foreclosures

Geopolitical realities reinforce strong ties between the two countries

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Indonesias-Democratic-Development-Economic-Interests-Drive-Support-for-Timor-Bid-in-ASEAN-118905234.html

Home Sales Outlook Housing Starts President Obama Hope for home owners

From a restored mansion in Westchester County to a European-inspired home in Chappaqua, here's a look at the top four homes in the region featured in the Wall Street Journal in February. Please vote for your favorite one.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/video/the-best-ny-houses-of-february/9322D087-76E3-41C6...

Waterfront Homes Real Estate Agent Foreclosure Homes Realty Market

The recession prompted Americans to cook at home more to save money, but they may continue to do so even as the economy improves. That could change the look of our kitchens. Amy Hoak reports on the latest trends from the International Builders' Show.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/video/kitchen-designs-that-make-home-cooking-fun/A5953E...

Real Estate Agent Foreclosure Homes Realty Market Realty

Case could have a major impact on businesses and rights of employees across United States

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/US-Supreme-Court-Hears-Massive-Wal-Mart-Discrimination-CaseUS-Supreme-Court-Hears-Massive-Wal-Mart-Discrimination-Case-118880749.html

Household Moving House Plans Home Warranties Commercial & Investment

As the President lays out the State of the Union, I thought this would provide some useful background:

$398 billion. R&D spending in the United States. The U.S. Accounts for about 1/3 of global R&D. China about 10%.

36.5 million. Number of workers who are unemployed, working part-time for economic reasons, discouraged or marginally attached to the labor force.

23%. Percentage of homeowners with mortgages who owe more than their homes are worth.

4th. U.S. ranking in global competitiveness according to the World Economic Forum.

Last President to talk about "competitiveness" in a state of the union speech: George W. Bush.

10%. Share of GDP devoted to federal health programs by 2035. Share today: 5%.

144% Greek public debt as a share of GDP. U.S. public debt as share of GDP: 59%

Source: http://www.pbs.org/nbr/blog/2011/01/state_of_the_union_by_the_numbers_research_spending_unemployment_obama_stateoftheunion.html

Household Moving House Plans Home Warranties Commercial & Investment

The debate over what counts as a "Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM)" may be coming to an end in the near future. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has scheduled a meeting of its Board of Directors for next Tuesday to vote on the issue. A draft of the proposed rule will be made available to the public at that time.

QRMs are home loans that will be exempt from the requirement that mortgage lenders retain a 5 percent share of each loan they originate that is packaged for securitization - keeping so-called "skin in the game." Dodd-Frank specifically identified loans guaranteed or originated by FHA, VA, and USDA as qualified for exemption but left other products, including loans written by Fannie and Freddie, up to federal regulators to determine.

...(read more)

Forward this article via email: Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

Source: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/03232011_risk_retention_qrm.asp

Housing Starts President Obama Hope for home owners Fannie Mae

New TV, radio ads to feature agents' expertise

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/0QiMhfiqZuA/century-21-buys-back-tv-ads-in-a-big-way-super-bowl

Freddie Mac Mortgage Crisis Real Estate Agents Housing Market

Five US soldiers accused of being part of squad that deliberately killed Afghan civilians

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/Karzai-Condemns-US-Troops-for-Civilian-Murders-118903844.html

Hope for home owners Fannie Mae Freddie Mac Mortgage Crisis

It seems like plenty of celebrities have homes in South Florida, and Cher is no exception. Cher’s former Miami Beach home, which is now for sale for $10.2 million, was not only the unstoppable diva’s primary residence in the mid 1990s, but has been home to several members of the rich and famous club. Built in [...]

Source: http://www.zillow.com/blog/2011-03-24/chers-former-home-listed-with-a-4-7-million-price-cut/

President Obama Hope for home owners Fannie Mae Freddie Mac

Some recent comments in the press have attempted to paint a picture that an agreement on energy issues signed during the President’s trip to Brazil shows a lack of commitment to domestic oil and gas production. Let’s be clear – this administration is committed to developing a broad range of energy sources, and we know that high prices at the pump are forcing Americans to make tough choices. That is why we continue to take steps that, over the long run, will save Americans money at the pump and lessen our reliance on foreign oil. We stand by our desire to be a strategic partner of Brazil on energy issues, but when it comes to domestic production our record speaks for itself, and regardless what some would like to claim, that record makes clear that we are fully committed to developing domestic resources safely, responsibly, and efficiently.

It has been less than a year since the largest oil spill in U.S. history. In that time, this Administration has worked aggressively to implement unprecedented new safety and environmental standards that build on the lessons learned from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Contrary to misleading claims, production has continued. Following the development of important new standards, the Department of the Interior (DOI) has worked with industry to ensure they meet the standards, and as a result has to date issued 39 permits for new shallow water wells. In February, oil companies were finally able to develop the first deepwater containment systems – designed to contain spills if the worst happens, as it did in the case of the Deepwater Horizon. Based on that ability – evaluated on a case-by-case, permit-by-permit basis –since February 28th, DOI has issued six deepwater drilling permits. Each permit needed to comply with all of the new standards, including demonstrating that they could contain an underwater oil spill like the one that released 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico just last year.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/27/facts-domestic-oil-and-gas-production

Housing Market Mortgage Home Loan Short Sale

Prime ministers mix diplomacy with sports as two nations face off in World Cup semi-final match

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Indian-Pakistani-Leaders-Meet-Amid-Cricket-Showdown-118902354.html

Real Estate Agents Housing Market Mortgage Home Loan

Prime Minister Naoto Kan says situation at crippled nuclear plant remains 'unpredictable'

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/east-pacific/Japanese-PM-Cites-Challenges-After-Plutonium-Found-in-Soil-118826674.html

Home Sales Outlook Housing Starts President Obama Hope for home owners

Letter to the Editor

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/LORvaR8cBSk/broker-get-politicians-auction-block

Commercial & Investment Homes Foreclosures Home Sales Outlook

A year ago, young adults were one of the most vulnerable groups of Americans in the health insurance market. However, since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, many of you can now stay on your parent’s family plan until you turn 26. It doesn’t matter whether you’re married, living with your parents, in school, or financially independent. This is a huge improvement that is freeing people to make decisions about their education, their careers, and their lives without being hemmed in by outdated insurance rules.

Before President Obama signed the health law, you typically had to go off your parent’s plan at 19 or whenever you left school. This put many young people in a tight spot, especially if they were living with a pre-existing condition like cancer, diabetes, or asthma—since it was very hard to get quality, affordable health insurance. Now, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the class of 2011 will be the first to graduate with this new option on the books. Already, nearly 1.2 million young Americans will be able to gain insurance coverage this year as a result. This means as you start your career, you can pursue the jobs or opportunities that are best for you without worrying about health insurance.

Check out our facebook page on this to learn more, or watch this video with step-by-step instructions on how to access this important benefit.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/25/better-benefits-better-health-young-adults

Freddie Mac Mortgage Crisis Real Estate Agents Housing Market

Reverse mortgage. It’s been one of the most popular real estate search terms throughout the past year. But what is a reverse mortgage, exactly? Well, first, you must be at least 62 years old to be eligible for what is often referred to as a “lifetime mortgage.” Secondly, you must agree to stay in the [...]

Source: http://blog.foreclosure.com/2011/03/reverse-mortgage-disadvantages-and-advantages/

Luxury Home Prices Mortgage Rescue Scams Real Estate Vacation Properties

Former US president says his goal was to help improve relations between the US and Cuba

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/americas/Carter-Meets-Cuban-Dissidents-118920399.html

Waterfront Homes Real Estate Agent Foreclosure Homes Realty Market

Today at 5:05 EDT, White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls, and Preeta Bansal, General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, will join Shine for a discussion about women in the workplace, education and work-life balance.

Watch for the discussion at 5:05pm ET on whitehouse.gov/live, and add to the conversation on facebook.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/30/watch-live-505-edt-answering-your-questions-women-workplace-education-and-work-life-

Interest Rates Celebrity Foreclosures Most Expensive Homes Luxury Home Prices

Today we announced the results from an internal Omniture report that revealed more than 200,000 active real estate agents in the U.S. are using Trulia each month to manage their listings and leads. That’s an amazing 300% increase since last year! ?Trulia is quickly becoming the go-to place for real estate professionals to manage [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TruliaBlog/~3/7DiRVI1eCx0/

Commercial & Investment Homes Foreclosures Home Sales Outlook

Jonathan to participate in final presidential debate but biggest rivals boycotting because he refused to take part in earlier debate

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Nigerian-President-Will-Not-Face-Main-Rivals-at-Final-Debate-118909674.html

Housing Market Mortgage Home Loan Short Sale

Movers 1. Palm Bay, FL 93% 2. Maricopa, AZ 92% 3. Grand Rapids, MI 67% 4. Pompano Beach, FL 64% 5. Palm Coast, FL 60% 6. Louisville, KY 58% 7. Mesa, AZ 54% 8. Sterling Heights, MI 48% 9. Naples, FL 46% 10. Venice, FL 44% Shakers 1. Queens, NY -68% 2. Jersey City, NJ -37% 3. Arlington, VA -33% 4. Bethesda, MD -33% 5. Queen Creek, AZ -33% 6. Staten Island, NY -32% 7. Washington, DC -31% 8. Austin, TX -29% 9. San Francisco, CA -29% 10. Round Rock, TX -28% In a year-over-year comparison of the most popular cities being searched for on Trulia.com, we continued to see fierce interest throughout February in hard-hit [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TruliaBlog/~3/xx0E3-7a8lU/

Waterfront Homes Real Estate Agent Foreclosure Homes Realty Market

Geopolitical realities reinforce strong ties between the two countries

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Indonesias-Democratic-Development-Economic-Interests-Drive-Support-for-Timor-Bid-in-ASEAN-118905234.html

Home Sales Outlook Housing Starts President Obama Hope for home owners

Executive profile: Harold Crye

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/XlDJZGgWKIs/regional-real-estate-company-embraces-social-media-agent-coaches

Real Estate Agents Housing Market Mortgage Home Loan

At least 53 people have been killed after gunmen stormed into provincial council headquarters

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Death-Toll-Rises-in-Iraqi-Siege--118852909.html

Hope for home owners Fannie Mae Freddie Mac Mortgage Crisis

On March 11, 2011, President Obama directed the Department of the Interior (DOI) to determine the acreage of public lands (onshore and offshore) that have been leased to oil and gas companies and remain undeveloped, noting that companies should be encouraged to produce energy from leases that they are holding. Today, the results are in.

The report reaches several important conclusions: first, although the Department of Interior has made available significant acreage for resource development over the past two years, substantial acreage has not been leased by industry. Secondly, there are tens of millions of acres that are currently under lease that remain idle. Because these areas are not undergoing exploration, development, or production, taxpayers are not getting the full advantage of America’s resource potential. When it comes to onshore oil and gas development, nearly 57 percent of all leased acres are inactive – meaning they are neither being explored nor developed. In total, 22 million leased onshore acres – acres already in the hands of oil and gas companies – are not being used. That’s roughly the size of Indiana.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/29/results-are-drilling-down-unused-leases

Housing Starts President Obama Hope for home owners Fannie Mae

On March 11, 2011, President Obama directed the Department of the Interior (DOI) to determine the acreage of public lands (onshore and offshore) that have been leased to oil and gas companies and remain undeveloped, noting that companies should be encouraged to produce energy from leases that they are holding. Today, the results are in.

The report reaches several important conclusions: first, although the Department of Interior has made available significant acreage for resource development over the past two years, substantial acreage has not been leased by industry. Secondly, there are tens of millions of acres that are currently under lease that remain idle. Because these areas are not undergoing exploration, development, or production, taxpayers are not getting the full advantage of America’s resource potential. When it comes to onshore oil and gas development, nearly 57 percent of all leased acres are inactive – meaning they are neither being explored nor developed. In total, 22 million leased onshore acres – acres already in the hands of oil and gas companies – are not being used. That’s roughly the size of Indiana.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/29/results-are-drilling-down-unused-leases

Vacation Properties Loans and Mortgages Household Moving House Plans

The White House Easter Egg Roll is now less than one month away! Each week brings new exciting information and opportunities related to this year’s event.

On Monday, the official 2011 White House Easter Egg Roll logo and souvenir eggs were announced. The logo features a jumping Easter Bunny, representing this year’s theme Get Up and Go!, in support of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative to raise a healthier generation of kids.

This year’s eggs come in the pastel colors purple, pink, green, and yellow. The eggs are handmade in the United States from wood that is harvested using strict environmentally friendly practices. Each egg will feature a stamp of the logo, and the signatures of both the President and First Lady. The souvenir eggs can be purchased online through the National Parks Foundation.

Eggs for the 2011 Easter Egg Roll photographed on the South Lawn of the White House.

Finally, there are only 5 days left to enter the 2011 White House Easter Egg Roll Poster Contest. This contest is open to local Elementary and Middle School students in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The winning artist will have the opportunity to bring their whole class to this year’s Easter Egg Roll. The submission deadline is Monday, April 4th at 11:59 pm EDT. You can learn more about the contest here.

Here’s an example of just one of the many great submissions we’ve received so far:

2011 Easter Egg Roll poster contest submission by Caroline, age 10.

The Easter Egg Roll has been an important White House tradition for over one-hundred and twenty years, and has grown to become the largest event held at the White House each year. This year’s Egg Roll will be attended by visitors from every corner of the United States, who will travel great distances for their visit to the People’s House. Bringing members of the public in for the Easter Egg Roll is just one important way that we’re working to make this the most open and accessible White House ever.

26 days and counting! Time to start getting excited!

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/29/2011-white-house-easter-egg-roll-get-and-go

Real Estate Agent Foreclosure Homes Realty Market Realty

Prime ministers of two countries mix diplomacy with sports as two nations face off in World Cup semifinal match

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Indian-Pakistani-Leaders-Meet-Amid-Cricket-Showdown-118902354.html

Home Warranties Commercial & Investment Homes Foreclosures

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) released its February Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) Monday. The index is a leading indicator for the housing sector; it measures sales activity based on sales of single-family homes, coops and condos where contracts have been signed but the transactions have not closed.

According to the data, pending home sales increased in February but with notable regional variations. The national Index rose 2.1 percent to 90.8 in February compared to 88.9 in January. This, however, is a drop of 8.2 percent from the Index figures in February 2010.

Data comes from a large national sample which represents about 20 percent of existing-home sale transactions. The index is derived from a base of 100 representing the average level of contract activity during 2001, the year the index was established. NAR notes that base year coincided with the first of five years of notable health in the real estate industry. The February Index figure indicates that sales contracts were signed at 90.8 percent of the level of that initial year.

...(read more)

Forward this article via email: Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

Source: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/03282011_nar_pending_home_sales.asp

Real Estate Agent Foreclosure Homes Realty Market Realty

Case could have a major impact on businesses and rights of employees across United States

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/US-Supreme-Court-Hears-Massive-Wal-Mart-Discrimination-CaseUS-Supreme-Court-Hears-Massive-Wal-Mart-Discrimination-Case-118880749.html

Household Moving House Plans Home Warranties Commercial & Investment

The President issued the following statement this afternoon:

Michelle and I were saddened to learn about the passing of Geraldine Ferraro. Geraldine will forever be remembered as a trailblazer who broke down barriers for women, and Americans of all backgrounds and walks of life. Whether it was as a public school teacher, assistant district attorney, Member of Congress, or candidate for Vice President, Geraldine fought to uphold America's founding ideals of equality, justice, and opportunity for all. And as our Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Commission, she stood up for those ideals around the world. Sasha and Malia will grow up in a more equal America because of the life Geraldine Ferraro chose to live. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, John Zaccaro, her children and grandchildren, and their entire family.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/26/president-obama-passing-geraldine-ferraro

Fannie Mae Freddie Mac Mortgage Crisis Real Estate Agents

Candace Jackson has details about a home that Charlie Sheen is in escrow to purchase in the same Beverly Hills neighborhood in which currently he lives.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/video/news-hub-charlie-sheen-buys-a-house/B63F786E-7857...

Real Estate Agents Housing Market Mortgage Home Loan

U.S. Poet Laureate W.S. Merwin finds inspiration for his poems in his own backyard: a 19-acre palm forest on the island of Maui in Hawaii. WSJ reporter Julia Flynn Siler tours the grounds.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/video/ws-merwin-from-poetry-to-palms/E731AC5E-527E-42FD...

Mortgage Rescue Scams Real Estate Vacation Properties Loans and Mortgages

The recession prompted Americans to cook at home more to save money, but they may continue to do so even as the economy improves. That could change the look of our kitchens. Amy Hoak reports on the latest trends from the International Builders' Show.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/video/kitchen-designs-that-make-home-cooking-fun/A5953E...

Fannie Mae Freddie Mac Mortgage Crisis Real Estate Agents

Prime Minister Naoto Kan says situation at crippled nuclear plant remains 'unpredictable'

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/east-pacific/Japanese-PM-Cites-Challenges-After-Plutonium-Found-in-Soil-118826674.html

President Obama Hope for home owners Fannie Mae Freddie Mac

Ed. Note: As part of the Startup America: Reducing Barriers Roundtable series, National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling and U.S. Small Business Administrator Karen Mills will take your questions and suggestions about what processes and regulations we need to adjust to foster a more nurturing environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. Watch and participate today at 12:00pm EDT on whitehouse.gov/live.

I had the pleasure yesterday of sitting down with nearly 100 leading entrepreneurs, investors, underwriters, academics, and fund managers—including Chuck Newhall, the legendary co-Founder of one of the Nation’s most prestigious venture capital firms, New Enterprise Associates—at the Treasury Department’s Access to Capital Conference. The event was one of a number of creative forums the Administration has held to generate new, actionable ideas to ensure that small businesses have the resources to achieve high growth.

The event built on President Obama’s January launch of Startup America, an initiative to celebrate, inspire, and accelerate high-growth American entrepreneurship that includes a number of commitments to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs. Capital, invested by the private sector, is what helps entrepreneurs realize their dreams and turn ideas into startups, and it’s what turns small businesses into fast-growing companies that create jobs and fuel sustainable economic growth.

At yesterday’s conference, we took an important step forward in that mission with an open and honest dialogue about how best to cultivate investment and growth. And we made real progress.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/23/access-capital-fueling-business-growth-and-job-creation-0

Fannie Mae Freddie Mac Mortgage Crisis Real Estate Agents

Former head of notorious S-21 prison has asked to be acquitted and released but prosecution wants life term, 45 years

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Prosecution-Wants-Increased-Sentence-for-Khmer-Rouge-War-Criminal-Duch-118835589.html

Commercial & Investment Homes Foreclosures Home Sales Outlook

Images captured by unmanned MESSENGER probe, which earlier this month became first spacecraft to orbit Mercury

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/science-technology/Messenger-Probe-Sends-1st-Mercury-Images-118876679.html

Foreclosures Home Sales Outlook Housing Starts President Obama

From a restored mansion in Westchester County to a European-inspired home in Chappaqua, here's a look at the top four homes in the region featured in the Wall Street Journal in February. Please vote for your favorite one.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/video/the-best-ny-houses-of-february/9322D087-76E3-41C6...

President Obama Hope for home owners Fannie Mae Freddie Mac

The country is on the verge of a double-dip in housing prices according to new survey from MacroMarkets LLC. The financial technology company asked a panel of 111 economists, real estate experts, investment and market strategists to project the path of housing prices over the next five years based on the S&P/Case Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index.

Robert Shiller, MacroMarket's cofounder and chief economist said panelists' sentiments regarding the housing market continue to deteriorate. "Now they are expecting only a weak recovery and even that is not until 2013." Shiller blamed the outlook on market fundamentals; high unemployment, high inventory, and continuing foreclosures and tight credit.

Terry Loebs, MacroMarkets managing director said that overall, the March expectations data are the most pessimistic collected to date. After the weak performance in the fourth quarter of 2010, home prices nationally are only 1 percent above what would be a new post-housing crash low. "Many more experts are now projecting a double-dip after witnessing the double-dead cat bounce that came in the wake of expired government stimulus programs," Loebs said.

...(read more)

Forward this article via email: Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

Source: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/03242011_housing_prices.asp

Home Loan Short Sale Waterfront Homes Real Estate Agent

From a restored mansion in Westchester County to a European-inspired home in Chappaqua, here's a look at the top four homes in the region featured in the Wall Street Journal in February. Please vote for your favorite one.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/video/the-best-ny-houses-of-february/9322D087-76E3-41C6...

Mortgage Home Loan Short Sale Waterfront Homes

Real Estate Tax Talk

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/ElqqHNmUx6E/the-truth-about-estimated-taxes-a-primer-real-estate-profes

Mortgage Rescue Scams Real Estate Vacation Properties Loans and Mortgages

Request loan recast when financial disaster strikes

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/F8RnhLmdeVs/little-known-secret-reduce-mortgage-payment

Foreclosure Homes Realty Market Realty Economy

People in Real Estate: Richard Courtney

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/Ux1i82QM_wo/brokers-book-beatles-business-tips

House Plans Home Warranties Commercial & Investment Homes

Candace Jackson has details about a home that Charlie Sheen is in escrow to purchase in the same Beverly Hills neighborhood in which currently he lives.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/video/news-hub-charlie-sheen-buys-a-house/B63F786E-7857...

Housing Starts President Obama Hope for home owners Fannie Mae

Last week, through our Advise the Advisor program, I asked parents, teachers, and students about how they’re sharing the responsibility in preparing our students for the 21st Century.

Thousands of you—from teachers, students, and parents to grandparents, concerned citizens, and others—sent us ideas about our education system. A team here reviewed every submission. We want to share some of those submissions, and some thoughts.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/22/what-i-heard-parents-teachers-and-students-about-education-reform

Interest Rates Celebrity Foreclosures Most Expensive Homes Luxury Home Prices

Julian Barnes discusses the likelihood a no-fly zone will be established over Libya and the role the U.S. would probably play. Plus, stocks soar, a midnight deadline looms for the NFL and Charlie Sheen buys a house.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/video/pm-report-libya-no-fly-zone-will-it-fly/1113B429-...

Homes Foreclosures Home Sales Outlook Housing Starts

That’s because a “startling” 87 percent of first-time homebuyers feel that finding a move-in ready home is important to them, according to a recent survey conducted by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Homebuyers these days are so fussy, in fact, that they “walk out of well-priced houses solely because of relatively minor imperfections” such as: The [...]

Source: http://blog.foreclosure.com/2011/03/picky-homebuyers-missing-out-on-great-real-estate-deals/

Waterfront Homes Real Estate Agent Foreclosure Homes Realty Market

One of the greatest challenges facing our country is the coming retirement of more than 1 million baby-boomer teachers. This challenge has presented us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to help reshape education in America by recruiting and training the next generation of great American teachers.

Teaching is a rewarding and challenging profession where you can make a lasting impact. Teachers have a positive influence on students, schools, and communities, now and into the future. Schools across the nation are in need of a diverse set of talented teachers, especially in our big cities and rural areas, and especially in the areas of Math, Science, Technology, Special Education, and English Language Learning.

That’s why the department launched the TEACH campaign -- a bold new initiative to inspire and empower the most talented and dedicated Americans to become teachers. We know that next to parental support, there is nothing more important to a child’s education than the quality of his or her teachers.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/28/changing-face-american-education

Housing Market Mortgage Home Loan Short Sale

Hitwise: Traffic from social media sites jumps 61% year-over-year

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/iXutggHWTk4/rental-interest-drives-real-estate-search-traffic

Mortgage Crisis Real Estate Agents Housing Market Mortgage

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending March 18, 2011.

The MBA's loan application survey covers over 50% of all U.S. residential mortgage loan applications taken by mortgage bankers, commercial banks, and thrifts. The data gives economists a snapshot view of consumer demand for mortgage loans. In a falling mortgage rate environment, a trend of increasing refinance applications implies consumers are seeking out lower monthly payments. If consumers are able to reduce their monthly mortgage payment and increase disposable income through refinancing, it can be a positive for the economy as a whole (may boost consumer spending. Also allows debtors to pay down personal liabilities faster). A trend of declining purchase applications implies home buyer demand is shrinking.

Excerpts from the Release...

The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 2.7 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index increased 2.8 percent compared with the previous week.

The Refinance Index increased 2.7 percent from the previous week. The four week moving average is up 3.3 percent. The refinance share of mortgage activity remained constant at 66.4 percent of total applications.

The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index increased 2.7 percent from one week earlier. The unadjusted Purchase Index increased 3.0 percent compared with the previous week and was 15.3 percent lower than the same week one year ago. The four week moving average is up 1.0 percent.

"Recently lower mortgage rates have failed to bring potential refinance candidates off the fence" said MND's Managing Editor Adam Quinones. "This isn't a big surprise as most qualified borrowers simply don't have an incentive to refinance because they already did last year when rates were near record lows. Other than that, qualification issues continue to prevent many folks from lowering their monthly payment. We do however expect a modest increase in purchase activity heading into the spring buying season."

...(read more)

Forward this article via email: Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

Source: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/03232011_mba_applications.asp

Interest Rates Celebrity Foreclosures Most Expensive Homes Luxury Home Prices

Separate subscriptions offered for 'Property Facts,' 'Property Comps'

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/v2aw-B208UQ/loopnet-offers-commercial-real-estate-data-comps

Vacation Properties Loans and Mortgages Household Moving House Plans

It?s no secret that the $75 billion government-sponsored loan modification program, Making Home Affordable, has fallen short of expectations since its introduction two years ago. As of the end of Jan. 2011, there had been about 550,000 permanent modifications made nationwide, according to the January Housing Scorecard. That’s good news for some, but bad news [...]

Source: http://blog.foreclosure.com/2011/03/white-house-threatens-to-veto-bill-aimed-at-ending-making-home-affordable/

Mortgage Crisis Real Estate Agents Housing Market Mortgage

Don't underestimate power of video testimonials, charity events

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/rsdJ6wugFTY/5-social-media-tips-win-real-estate-clients

Mortgage Crisis Real Estate Agents Housing Market Mortgage

Majority Leader Eric Cantor just wrapped up a speech to students and faculty at Stanford today, lauding the private sector as a source of innovation in our economy. Absolutely true. We have the most dynamic private sector in the world.

You can find Cantor's speech here.

Cantor's point is that the people, not the government will generate jobs and growth:

Individual initiative in the private sector has been and always will be the wellspring of America's prosperity provided we don't stifle it.

Also true.

But Cantor, while hailing the innovation that comes out of Stanford's famous labs, failed to mention that federal and state governments lavished $36 billion on university research in 2009. The federal government is the largest source of university research dollars. And Stanford is one of the top universities in the country receiving federal dollars for research.

Turns out a lot of government money is involved in helping along private sector innovation.

Source: http://www.pbs.org/nbr/blog/2011/03/majority_leader_eric_cantor_sp.html

Home Sales Outlook Housing Starts President Obama Hope for home owners

Last August, in honor of Women’s Equality Day and the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we had a thoughtful conversation with the BlogHer community about how far women have come since gaining the right to vote in 1920. And given the recent release of the new White House report, “Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being”, we thought it would be an opportune time to revisit the conversation.

On Wednesday, March 30, join White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls, and Preeta Bansal, General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, for a discussion with Shine about women in the workplace, education and work-life balance.

Submit your questions and thoughts here, and Shine editors will select as many as they can pose in the time we have on Wednesday at 4:45pm ET on whitehouse.gov/live.

So that means….

Now:
Submit your questions for Valerie Jarrett and Preeta Bansal here.

Wednesday, March 30:
Watch for the answers at 4:45pm ET on whitehouse.gov/live, and add to the conversation on facebook.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/23/women-america-continuing-conversation

Home Loan Short Sale Waterfront Homes Real Estate Agent

Debate continues over including a 20 percent down payment requirement in new regulations defining "Qualified Residential Mortgages" (QRMs) under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. A QRM would be exempted from the rule requiring lenders to retain a 5 percent interest in each mortgage it securitizes; a policy called "risk retention."

The Community Mortgage Banking Project (CMBP) released a report Thursday criticizing such a down payment requirement because, among other reasons, it would be good for mega banks. And how do we know the report asked; because Jamie Dimon told us so! Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan Bank was quoted in a recent report from Citigroup as saying that such a requirement could ultimately end up as a positive for the larger players such as JP Morgan and Wells Fargo given they have the scale to hold the 5 percent of non-qualifying mortgage on their balance sheet.

Glen Corso, managing director of the CMBP said "Today, the three largest banks - JP Morgan, Wells Fargo and Bank America - account for more than half of the mortgage lending in the country. A 20 percent down payment requirement as part of the QRM will simply accelerate that concentration while making loans more expensive for responsible borrowers. This is not what the Dodd-Frank Act reforms were supposed to do."

...(read more)

Forward this article via email: Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

Source: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/03172011_dodd_frank_act_qrm.asp

President Obama Hope for home owners Fannie Mae Freddie Mac

REThink Real Estate

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/FMmfCmVHWm0/the-win-win-real-estate-backup-offer

House Plans Home Warranties Commercial & Investment Homes

Freddie Mac is now publishing YouTube videos to share information with the public about foreclosure myths and scams.

In each video a housing consumer presents a myth which a Freddie Mac housing counselor then responds to with facts and concrete guidance. In the third video for example, the counselor tells a borrower that one late payment will not trigger a foreclosure. He then advises the borrower to immediately contact his lender if missing a payment was inevitable. He offers a short explanation about what will be discussed on that call, a list of the information the consumer should have available when making that call, and also directs the consumer toward a HUD-approved housing counselor for more information.

Myth 1: If my house is foreclosed I can never buy a house again; the foreclosure will stay on my record forever.

Myth 2: I should stop paying my mortgage so I can get assistance with my mortgage payments.

Myth 3: If I miss even one payment I could lose my house.

Myth 4: I am getting many offers for help from a variety of people. They are probably all scams.

Myth 5: My lender is not responding to my inquiries. I should probably just give up and face foreclosure.

...(read more)

Forward this article via email: Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

Source: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/03212011_freddie_mac.asp

Homes Foreclosures Home Sales Outlook Housing Starts

Don?t underestimate the impact of a solid email campaign Social media is like the sexy, enigmatic guest at a cocktail party that everyone can?t stop talking about. It?s still shiny, new and let?s face it?shrouded in a haze of mystery. Though its users are in the millions globally, many of us are still wrapping our [...]

Source: http://www.homefinder.com/news/opening-doors/2010/11/02/email-campaign/

Vacation Properties Loans and Mortgages Household Moving House Plans

NATO says strike based on intelligence reports tracking Taliban

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/NATO-Strike-in-Afghanistan-Kills-Civilians-118703194.html

Interest Rates Celebrity Foreclosures Most Expensive Homes Luxury Home Prices

Build an online real estate following

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inmannews/~3/niI3ASItkPs/3-basics-social-media-engagement

Home Loan Short Sale Waterfront Homes Real Estate Agent

Freddie Mac is now publishing YouTube videos to share information with the public about foreclosure myths and scams.

In each video a housing consumer presents a myth which a Freddie Mac housing counselor then responds to with facts and concrete guidance. In the third video for example, the counselor tells a borrower that one late payment will not trigger a foreclosure. He then advises the borrower to immediately contact his lender if missing a payment was inevitable. He offers a short explanation about what will be discussed on that call, a list of the information the consumer should have available when making that call, and also directs the consumer toward a HUD-approved housing counselor for more information.

Myth 1: If my house is foreclosed I can never buy a house again; the foreclosure will stay on my record forever.

Myth 2: I should stop paying my mortgage so I can get assistance with my mortgage payments.

Myth 3: If I miss even one payment I could lose my house.

Myth 4: I am getting many offers for help from a variety of people. They are probably all scams.

Myth 5: My lender is not responding to my inquiries. I should probably just give up and face foreclosure.

...(read more)

Forward this article via email: Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

Source: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/03212011_freddie_mac.asp

Interest Rates Celebrity Foreclosures Most Expensive Homes Luxury Home Prices

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Monday, March 28, 2011