Much has been said about the dire situation many homeowners face as they risk foreclosure. Although a housing rebound may be close, families continue to lose their homes. Another group being affected by the foreclosure crisis are home renters whose landlords were unable to keep their investment properties. Sometimes there is ample warning for a [...]

The Federal Reserve has rolled out a number of tax-based incentives to spur growth in a variety of sectors. Tax credits for home improvements and appliances that are more green have made the transition to a less energy-dependent lifestyle a little easier. Then, there is the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, which has done its [...]

First-time buyers who want to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit need to start thinking about closing as soon as possible. Even though December 1 is still months away, when you add in possible delays to an already lengthy process, those few months start to look like barely enough time to settle a [...]

It’s easy to understand why a seller may be inclined to try a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). Home values have slid, making the prospect of saving the commission seem more attractive. FSBO sites online are easy to find and uploading a picture or two is common knowledge these days. But without really understanding the [...]

Summer has always been a time for increased activity in the Real Estate market. Even this year, one full of declines in most sectors, has seen its share of summer growth with increases in home sales and median home values month over month. The good news has led many to forecast the stabilization of the [...]

As MLS inventories rose and home prices fell from their highs in 2006, the market shifted from one of the most booming seller’s markets to one in which buyers had the clear upper hand. In fact, buyers who can currently qualify for a loan have the opportunity to buy with unprecedented value. Much of that [...]

Recent legislation under the Truth In Lending Act has made home appraisals more consistent with actual home values compared to the low-ball appraisals that many homeowners were receiving. However, even with an appraised amount more consistent with the homeowners wishes, sellers are unlikely to get their asking price if it is not in line with [...]

Mortgage interest rates continue to fluctuate with the shifting economy. We recently saw rates fall due to economic pressure from unemployment and slow economic recovery. Now, however, the slight climb has to do with the mortgage-backed bonds that determine the interest rates. Buyers who are trying to plan their next move should be watching this [...]