Real Estate News from Homes101™

July 3, 2008

Real Estate Outlook: Resales Up, Rate Dip

They're not overwhelming yet, but definite signs of improvement continue to pop up in real estate around the country.

Gas Prices Too High To "Waste" My Time with Buyers?

I'm a little tired of hearing how real estate agents can't afford to work with buyers anymore -- UNLESS that buyer has signed a buyer agency agreement AND has an iron-clad loan commitment in hand -- because of the high cost of gas. What a crock.

Mind Your Star Spangled Manners

Given the long and bloody fight that culminated in the nation's independence way back in 1776, Americans still have a lot of U.S. flag flying to do in 2008.

What if the Same Company Represents Buyers?

Usually, when there is talk of dual agency in real estate one has in mind a situation where both buyer and seller are represented by the same agent. The problem, presumably, is that it is difficult, if not impossible, for the same agent to represent parties that have competing interests. (Note: Dual agency is not illegal, but it does require disclosure and the consent of principals.) But buyers and sellers aren't the only ones in the marketplace who have competing interests. Consider the case of different buyers who want the same property. In some areas around the country today REO sales are eliciting multiple offers. Can the same agent represent different buyers in such situations?

Realty Viewpoint: Reroute The Commute

The nation is learning a tough lesson -- that designing our lifestyles around cheap gas was a short-sighted mistake for two reasons.

Mortgage Rate Reverse Trend and Fall Off this Week

McLEAN, VA -- 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 6.35 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending July 3, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 6.45 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.63 percent.

July 2, 2008

Why Shun Investors?

There has been some joy in the real estate marketplace during the past few days, in large measure because the National Association of Realtors announced that home sales rose in May.

Condo Trends: Conversion Bailouts Latest Loan Fraud Scheme

Want to invest in a new condo with a guaranteed cash flow? Sound too good to be true -- it may be and it could be you're looking at the latest loan fraud scheme on the market.

Realty Viewpoint: Bears Maul Stocks, Focus Off Of Housing

It's official. Wall Street has declared a bear market.

HOA Model Remodeling

Owning your own home is an American dream and, for many, a reality. In urban settings, homeowner associations have become a dominant form of new construction, often representing over two thirds of new homes. While HOA homeowners have many rights and privileges, they often concede certain freedoms usually enjoyed in more traditional home ownership. One particular area of concession involves remodeling.