The government pledged unlimited financial aid to Fannie, Freddie to keep the recovery rolling and the housing market stable. Read more.
A new mandate for foreclosure mediation may not help owners keep their homes; in most cases, it's not even true mediation. Read more.
Realtors say many are too low. Appraisers say they're protecting homeowners. Everyone agrees it's more complicated. Read more.
Some house hunters will consider a new home abandoned before completion, but look for potentially expensive problems. Read more.
Grubb & Ellis predicts the commercial market will decline slowly in 2010, recover in 2011, and "no bubble will burst." Read more.
Tomorrow, Florida Realtors' Legal Hotline switches to a new phone system and a new process for accessing attorneys. Before you dial (407-438-1409), you must have your Florida real estate license number or NRDS number in front of you. Here's why: You'll have a limited amount of time to type the number into the phone system. If you don't have your license/NRDS number, you'll have to hang up and call back. Once in the system, your call will be placed in queue. If your call is about ethics, MLS or procuring cause, the system will be direct you to an attorney who specializes in that area.
To increase a mailings' response rate, include a client testimonial. Third-party recommendations can carry a lot of weight. Read more.
Demand will be strong early as buyers seek tax credits, and any increase in foreclosures could impact sale prices. Read more.
The average fixed rate on a 30-year mortgage was 5.14% last week, up from 5.05% one week earlier. Read more.
On Jan. 1, a handful of legislative bills became effective, changing TRIM notices, as well as sinkhole coverage and loss rules. Read more.
HUD instructs lenders to help at-risk owners by cancelling penalties, extending payments or offering a mortgage modification. Read more.
Floridians have increased expectations for the future, but report that their current outlook is a bit less rosy. Read more.
HUD lifted a 1% cap on FHA origination fees to help lenders comply with new GFEs effective Jan. 1; HUD-1 also changed. Read more.
Miami: Banks take losses on short sales