Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/economy/~3/xGctBfmSEqI/us-usa-housing-blight-idUSBRE85707320120608
Saturday, June 9, 2012
U.S. cities struggle with blighted bank-owned homes
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The smell of rotting food and decay inside 10956 South Wilmington Avenue, Los Angeles, was overwhelming. 
Friday, June 8, 2012
Fannie Mae and a Second Credit Report
Fannie Mae has announced that it will start requiring a second credit report just prior to closing a mortgage. What does this mean to you, the consumer? When you apply for a home loan, the investor requires a tri-merge credit report with your mid-score being, at present, at 640 or above. The higher your credit [...]
Source: http://www.homemortgagenewsblog.net/fannie-mae-and-a-second-credit-report.html
71 Percent of Buyers Facing Competing Offers
There are numerous signs out there that housing is recovering, and the folks at Redfin have presented yet another one ? the preponderance of multiple offers.
Seventy-one percent of respondents in the brokerage’s Real-Time Home-Buyer Tracker�reported that when they signed an offer on a property, they faced competing offers. The survey sampled�nearly 6,000 buyers who had worked with Redfin agents in 18 major metropolitan areas.
Other valuable information in the survey included:
28 percent believe now is a good time to sell, up from 13�percent last quarter.
58�percent believe 2012 prices will increase, up ...
Seventy-one percent of respondents in the brokerage’s Real-Time Home-Buyer Tracker�reported that when they signed an offer on a property, they faced competing offers. The survey sampled�nearly 6,000 buyers who had worked with Redfin agents in 18 major metropolitan areas.
Other valuable information in the survey included:
28 percent believe now is a good time to sell, up from 13�percent last quarter.
58�percent believe 2012 prices will increase, up ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/cHkYliDmyB4/
REFILE-US STOCKS-Wall St ends best week of year as aid for Spain's banks seen near
* S&P financial index up 1.2 pct with hopes for Spanish aid 
Retirement Planning with HECM Saver Reverse Mortgages
The HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) Saver is a relatively new version of the reverse mortgage. Its value is to help with financial planning and its greatest benefit is reduced closing costs. The Saver does not have an upfront mortgage insurance premium and therefore is comparable with closing costs found on traditional mortgages. Here are [...]
Glee Creator Ryan Murphy Lists Malibu Home, Hosts Obama at His Other Home
Ryan Murphy is best known for creating hit shows like “Glee,” “Nip/Tuck” and “American Horror Story,” but in real estate circles he is also known for [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/nt-ZXCdcr_I/
Weed-ing Out the Best Commissions Model
As Slater puts it in “Dazed and Confused” ? “That’s what I’m talking about, man!”
A Colorado man shipped 12 pounds, or $18,000 worth, of marijuana to his real estate agent.
According to an Associated Press blurb, the Rehoboth Beach Police, who promptly arrested the man for drug trafficking, said the real estate agency contacted them after an employee opened the package and discovered the drugs. Cheech and Chong would be proud.
The commissions model has been tweaked numerous times, with many a discount firm opting to charge flat service fees rather than ...
A Colorado man shipped 12 pounds, or $18,000 worth, of marijuana to his real estate agent.
According to an Associated Press blurb, the Rehoboth Beach Police, who promptly arrested the man for drug trafficking, said the real estate agency contacted them after an employee opened the package and discovered the drugs. Cheech and Chong would be proud.
The commissions model has been tweaked numerous times, with many a discount firm opting to charge flat service fees rather than ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/lcYhkLvApwY/
Former renter values benefits of owning her new Shea home
New Shea homeowner Susan Bustillos had been a renter since 2008. But as she watched market conditions trending in her favor, she knew her time had come. ?With interest rates and housing so low, we decided the time was right,? said Bustillos. ?We knew we needed to find our own house.? Read more here.
Source: http://stlhba.hbablog.com/2012/06/08/former-renter-values-benefits-of-owning-her-new-shea-home/
Tips for Renting With Bad Credit
When you have bad credit, you don?t just have trouble making purchases on credit. You also run into difficulties when you try and rent an apartment. [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/2jmjvJopEhU/
Father Know$ Be$t
With Father?s Day just around the corner (Sunday, June 17), here are a few personal finance tips, compliments of ?Dad? ? mine, and likely yours, too: [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/epkQBa4iEpI/
Arizona Legislation May Hurt Chandler Employer Safelite AutoGlass
According to the Arizona Republic Article printed Saturday March 24, Safelite AutoGlass halted expansion of Chandler operations due to current legislation of House Bill 2197.� According to the article, Safelite is ready to hire an additional 300 employees at the facility located at Chandler Boulevard and Dobson Road in Chandler.� The capital investment would be [...]
Source: http://www.ThompsonGroupAZ.com/arizona-legislation-may-hurt-chandler-employer-safelite-autoglass/
Housing Market: Double-Dip in 2011?
A few months have passed since I last offered an update on the state of the housing market. Since then, there have been a number of developments which suggest that 2011 could witness double-digit declines in housing prices, and that the long-awaited double-dip will finally materialize. In an analysis of the housing market, it’s difficult [...]
Hunger Games? Josh Hutcherson Buys Home Previously Owned by Heath Ledger, Ellen DeGeneres
Josh Hutcherson decided to cement his arrival in Tinseltown with a purchase of a Hollywood Hills home.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/jz477DRQ2L0/
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Should we cut FHA loan limits?
The FHA loan limit should be cut in half, according to a new report written by two professors at George Washington University.
The 2012 FHA Assessment Report, the fourth in the series, suggests that not only should loan limits fall, but that the measure used to create loan limits locally should also be yanked back into [...]
The 2012 FHA Assessment Report, the fourth in the series, suggests that not only should loan limits fall, but that the measure used to create loan limits locally should also be yanked back into [...]
Chicago Illinois Mortgage Rates Week in Review for the Week Ending 04/09/2012
Feeling frustrated because you haven?t heard enough about Greece lately? For a good portion of the last year, the financial news seemed to talk about nothing but Greece. Band aids have been applied, and when the band aid didn?t stop the bleeding, the financial equivalent for duct tape was generously wrapped around it, but it [...]
Steve McNair?s House Re-Listed Three Years After NFL Star?s Murder
Coming up on the third anniversary of Steve McNair’s death, the NFL quarterback legend’s home is again listed for sale. This time, unlike in 2009 when [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/1Gva-onEmoI/
CHA Accepting Applications for Housing
The Chicago Housing Authority has re-opened wait lists for some of its public housing. This week, the CHA began taking applications for housing in select neighborhoods. Applications are being accepted at Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church, 4100 S. King Drive, for housing in the following communities: *Douglas (3 and 4 bedrooms) *Oakland (1 and 3 bedrooms) [...]
Source: http://www.chicagolandrealestateforum.com/2012/06/05/cha-accepting-applications-for-housing/
FHA Financing Soars 500 Percent from 2006
The granddaddy of housing construction data, the U.S. Census Bureau’s “Characteristics of New Housing” report, just came out for 2011, and it features numerous stats on the single-family home market.
Perhaps the most interesting data, though, involves financing, and how radically it’s changed from 2006.
Regarding home financing, the report found:
20 percent of homes were financed by the FHA in 2011, a 500 percent increase from 2006, while conventional financing tumbled 45 percent from 90 percent of the market in 2006 to just 62 percent in 2011.
Cash purchases were also way up, ...
Perhaps the most interesting data, though, involves financing, and how radically it’s changed from 2006.
Regarding home financing, the report found:
20 percent of homes were financed by the FHA in 2011, a 500 percent increase from 2006, while conventional financing tumbled 45 percent from 90 percent of the market in 2006 to just 62 percent in 2011.
Cash purchases were also way up, ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/if4BawAeDZs/
Best Buy founder resigns, puts large stake in play
(Reuters) - Best Buy Co Inc founder and chairman Richard Schulze resigned from the company's board on Thursday and put his 20.1 percent ownership stake in play, heightening the boardroom drama... 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/wealth/~3/yWEpqv1wNxE/us-bestbuy-schulze-idUSBRE8560PH20120607
5 Mistakes Your Homebuyers Should Avoid
As we’ve chronicled on several occasions, housing is coming back, and now that the market is improving, many features of the post-boom market no longer apply.
Here are five of the most common remnants of the past housing market that you and your homebuyers should deftly avoid.
Low-ball offers�? we love real estate deals as much as the next buyer, but the days of hugely discounted sales are dwindling; sellers know the market is more competitive, and they’re likely to scoff at an offensively-low offer and see the next available buyer instead.
Sleeping ...
Here are five of the most common remnants of the past housing market that you and your homebuyers should deftly avoid.
Low-ball offers�? we love real estate deals as much as the next buyer, but the days of hugely discounted sales are dwindling; sellers know the market is more competitive, and they’re likely to scoff at an offensively-low offer and see the next available buyer instead.
Sleeping ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/GWsrZaB284M/
equity investment mortgage industry investment firms wells fargo
Chicago Illinois Mortgage Rates Week in Review for the Week Ending 04/13/2012
In a lot of ways, the weather here in the Chicago area has mirrored the economy. After a short, mild Winter, Spring came early this year. Flowers are blooming and everything is green. It looks like Spring and feels like Spring, but for anyone familiar with weather in these parts, the fear is still there [...]
Did the FHA?s Foreclosures Really Rise by 73 Percent?
Lender Processing Services (LPS) made quite a stir last week with its report that foreclosures on Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-guaranteed homes rose by 73 percent in April.
Naturally, the FHA, feisty as ever, is not taking that claim mildly, and it has released its own numbers to contradict the now widely-cited LPS study. Here are the main areas of contention regarding the data:
LPS stated there were 63,129 foreclosure filings in April for FHA loans, but a spokesman from HUD has said that their data shows only 19,000 foreclosures for the month, ...
Naturally, the FHA, feisty as ever, is not taking that claim mildly, and it has released its own numbers to contradict the now widely-cited LPS study. Here are the main areas of contention regarding the data:
LPS stated there were 63,129 foreclosure filings in April for FHA loans, but a spokesman from HUD has said that their data shows only 19,000 foreclosures for the month, ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/qGXNdmpmZFc/
CoreLogic: Home Prices Rise in April
Cue the housing bulls: CoreLogic’s Home Price Index showed an increase in home values from March to April, as well as increasing home values from April 2011 to April 2012: “Home prices nationwide, including distressed sales, increased on a year-over-year basis by 1.1 percent in April 2012 compared to April 2011. This was the second [...]
Source: http://www.totalmortgage.com/blog/mortgage-rates/corelogic-home-prices-rise-in-april/17233
New Home Sales Rise For 7th Month Out Of 8
The April New Home Sales report suggests that the market for newly-built homes is as strong as the market for existing ones.
Related posts:
Related posts:
- New Home Sales Approach Bull Market Territory According to the Census Bureau, the number of new homes...
- New Home Sales Figures Better Than Reported According to the Census Bureau, the number of new homes...
- There Are 22 Percent Fewer Homes for Sale Than in June 2010 According to Census Bureau data, the number of new homes...
Source: http://www.floridamortgageblogger.com/2012/05/24/home-sales-april-2012/
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Homeowners Swayed By Low 15-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Rates
15-year mortgage rates are below 3 percent. It's no wonder so many people want them.
Click for the complete post : Homeowners Swayed By Low 15-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Rates.
capital markets equity investment mortgage industry investment firms
DIY Home Staging + Storage Done Right
Home staging, which is the art of preparing your home to be viewed by potential buyers, can be an expensive enterprise. Professional home stagers usually charge [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/At0nzU8N18E/
Job numbers disappoint. Will lower mortgage rates follow?
The graphs and charts say it all. After a stable and optimistic first quarter, employment has once again begun to trend downward.
Only 69,000 new jobs were added in the U.S. last month, and the unemployment rate rose for the first time in nearly a year, finishing the month of May at 8.2 percent.
While the first [...]
Only 69,000 new jobs were added in the U.S. last month, and the unemployment rate rose for the first time in nearly a year, finishing the month of May at 8.2 percent.
While the first [...]
Lights, Camera, Curtains? On the Set of Movie Homes
While Hollywood can do its best to recreate a setting in a studio, sometimes the best thing to do is go and film on location.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/8p6AJEQaBOo/
Design A Dream Closet in Your Chicago Home
If you’re into fashion, then you might be a shopaholic. And if you’re a shopaholic, you probably have more clothes than you know what to do with, which means you need a Chicago home with room enough to house your treasured fashions, or you need to customize and build a new dream closet. Now, if you?re already in the market for a new home, obviously the first option is great. But if it?s just your threads needing new space, nothing [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/dreamtown/~3/netO8MIw3lo/design-a-dream-closet-in-your-chicago-home
NAHB?s ?Business Management for Building Professionals? Designation Course is June 14 at HBA
Attend this course to earn an NAHB Designation (like CAPS, CGP & CGR) or simply take it for general industry knowledge. Learn about management skills like planning, staffing, directing and controlling to overcome obstacles. Case studies and student interaction will also be part of this day-long program. Fee structure includes course materials, beverages and lunch. [...]
4 Things You MUST Know About the Supreme Court?s Recent Ruling on Transaction Fees
The Supreme Court’s rulings have a habit of disappearing in the daily news cycle, but its most recent ruling could have a transformative effect on the entire real estate landscap.
The ruling for Freeman et. al. v. Quicken Loans, deserves some examination ? there are four things you must know about it.
First, some backstory: Brought by a number of homeowners against Quicken Loans, the lawsuit alleged that the lender charged unearned fees for work it did not provide. But the Court ruled in unanimous favor of Quicken Loans and stated that ...
The ruling for Freeman et. al. v. Quicken Loans, deserves some examination ? there are four things you must know about it.
First, some backstory: Brought by a number of homeowners against Quicken Loans, the lawsuit alleged that the lender charged unearned fees for work it did not provide. But the Court ruled in unanimous favor of Quicken Loans and stated that ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/vogZuLfwitA/
Mortgage Rates In Motion : Weekly MBS Prices At 5-Minute Intervals
Real-time mortgage market updates for June 1, 2012. Updates provided by MBSQuoteline, an MBS subscription provider for loan officers.
Click for the complete post : Mortgage Rates In Motion : Weekly MBS Prices At 5-Minute Intervals.
The Best Day in the History of US Mortgage Rates
No balloons?no singing?no dancing.� While today being the day with the lowest rates in history is great news for those wanting to refinance their current mortgage or to purchase a new home, it is certainly not something to celebrate.� Since mortgage rates tend to move in opposition to the general US economy, the historical bottom [...]
Zillow?s 2012 Webby Acceptance Speech: Zillow. Phone Home.
Monday night in New York City, Zillow’s Real Estate Mobile App was honored as the Webby Award winner for Utilities and Services in Mobile – Tablet [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/dBliYFvjJp4/
Dah-ling! Zsa Zsa Gabor?s Home is Back on the Market With a New (Higher) Price
Zsa Zsa Gabor's home has bounced on and off the market many times over the last several years.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/NghLy6XgzC0/
5 signs real estate markets are improving
We’re in the midst of spring selling season and mixed among� all the negative news about unemployment and the worrisome news from overseas� there are signs that the real estate market has begun taking its first� tentative steps to recovery. Could the horrible housing recession that we have been� experiencing since 2007 finally be coming [...]
Source: http://stlhba.hbablog.com/2012/06/05/5-signs-real-estate-markets-are-improving/
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Social Media Series Starting June 6
Bring your laptop, smartphone or Ipad to the HBA and take part in four special programs on Social Media. June 6 learn about Twitter, June 13 learn about the Emerging Trends (Pinterest, Google+ and Four Square), June 20 learn about YouTube and Facebook and on June 27 learn about Blogging and SycroCloud. Each course is [...]
Source: http://stlhba.hbablog.com/2012/06/04/social-media-series-starting-june-6/
Win a Free Amazon Gift Card!
Who couldn’t use an Amazon gift card? �They’re great, and we’re giving away TWO $100 Amazon E-Gift Cards! Simply click the link below to fill out the form to enter. �For each action that you take you will receive the corresponding number of entries in the contest (listed in the right column). Good Luck! [...]
Source: http://www.totalmortgage.com/blog/mortgage-rates/amazon-gift-card-contest/17197
Fatigue, poor driving record blamed for fatal N.Y. bus crash
NEW YORK, June 5 (Reuters) - A New York bus crash last year
that killed 15 people was caused by a driver who was severely
fatigued and had a terrible driving record, the National
Transportation... 
that killed 15 people was caused by a driver who was severely
fatigued and had a terrible driving record, the National
Transportation...
Nevada Introduces Pilot Principal Reduction Program ? Will it Work?
On Friday the Governor Brian Sandoval of Nevada announced a new principal reduction pilot program that would aim to help struggling underwater homeowners with mortgage relief. �The program will provide up to $50,000 worth of assistance to homeowners. �Terry Johnson, the director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry was quoted in the Las [...]
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ARMs : An Alternative to The 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage
Borrowers often ask about the pros and cons of choosing a 30 year-fixed mortgage versus an adjustable-rate mortgages.
Click for the complete post : ARMs : An Alternative to The 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage.
3 Reasons the Luxe Life is Here
The Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago made a big splash last week when it listed one of the most expensive slices of real estate in the city’s history ? an 89th-floor, 14,260 square-foot,�$32-million penthouse.
Trump Tower, though, is not the only outlet unleashing high-priced luxury properties onto the marketplace, and other arenas have offered us three reasons to feel pretty peachy about luxury properties in 2012:
As Gary Lucido pointed out in a recent blog, within a week of the Trump Tower listing, properties at the Palmolive and 21 E ...
Trump Tower, though, is not the only outlet unleashing high-priced luxury properties onto the marketplace, and other arenas have offered us three reasons to feel pretty peachy about luxury properties in 2012:
As Gary Lucido pointed out in a recent blog, within a week of the Trump Tower listing, properties at the Palmolive and 21 E ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/1bwGf_FOF9Q/
Kelsey and Camille Grammer?s Beverly Hills Home on Market Again
The Grammers' former hideaway is back on the Beverly Glen market for $17.999 million.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/qpV7DvTSFJk/
Zillow Negative Equity Report Shows 1 in 3 Mortgage Holders Underwater
Home values have started to eke upward in places. But, so far, this has done little to buoy millions of underwater homeowners who, according to a [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/q6po0sQpHcQ/
Short Sales Increasing; Bank-Owned Sales Decreasing
Short sales are better for home valuations nationwide than foreclosures.
Click for the complete post : Short Sales Increasing; Bank-Owned Sales Decreasing.
interest interest bearing checking interest bearing savings insurance
Interview with Dr. Housing Bubble: ?You shouldn?t take on a mortgage that is 3 times your annual household income.?
Today we bring you an interview with Dr. Housing Bubble, whose blog promises to take a critical look at the policies that have created one of the largest asset bubbles ever known to mankind and whose mission is to�provide a candid account of what is going on in today?s housing market. Below, Dr. Housing Bubble [...]
Florida Mortgage Update for the Week Of June 4, 2012
Mortgage markets improved last week in response to ongoing concerns for the European Union and an across-the-board weakening in U.S. economic data -- including the much-watched jobs report.
Related posts:
Related posts:
- Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of April 30, 2012 Mortgage markets were mostly unchanged last week for the second...
- Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of April 23, 2012 Mortgage markets were mostly unchanged last week, breaking a three-week...
- Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of April 16, 2012 Mortgage markets improved last week as a global flight-to-quality continued....
Source: http://www.floridamortgageblogger.com/2012/06/04/mortgage-rates-week-june-4-2012/
Chicago Illinois Mortgage Rates Week in Review for the Week Ending 04/13/2012
In a lot of ways, the weather here in the Chicago area has mirrored the economy. After a short, mild Winter, Spring came early this year. Flowers are blooming and everything is green. It looks like Spring and feels like Spring, but for anyone familiar with weather in these parts, the fear is still there [...]
Monday, June 4, 2012
Steve McNair?s House Re-Listed Three Years After NFL Star?s Murder
Coming up on the third anniversary of Steve McNair’s death, the NFL quarterback legend’s home is again listed for sale. This time, unlike in 2009 when [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/1Gva-onEmoI/
What Happened to My Managing Broker? Mergers, Acquisitions and the Managing Broker
By: Christian J. Barron and Stephanie Sims
More often than not, managing brokers do not stay with a company after a merger. Every company has its own culture of business and day-to-day operation, and, typically, there?s only one managing agent, and it?s difficult for a leader to become a follower overnight.
Furthermore, every company has its own culture of business and day-to-day operation, and usually one culture will prevail after a merger or, especially, an acquisition. These transactions can have a big impact on the lives of agents within the brokerages being ...
More often than not, managing brokers do not stay with a company after a merger. Every company has its own culture of business and day-to-day operation, and, typically, there?s only one managing agent, and it?s difficult for a leader to become a follower overnight.
Furthermore, every company has its own culture of business and day-to-day operation, and usually one culture will prevail after a merger or, especially, an acquisition. These transactions can have a big impact on the lives of agents within the brokerages being ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/eajVmPvm5wI/
Featured Chicago Open House Listings for Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13
Wending through the labyrinth of Chicago homes for sale and feeling a little lost? Let Dream Town guide you toward the perfect property ? one that features the space you need and the amenities you’d like, all in the Chicago neighborhood that you love most. Let the search begin this weekend! Visit one of our featured open houses, including a luxurious two-bedroom condo in the East Village and a spacious, newly-constructed single-family home in Mayfair Crossing. Take a few minutes [...]
With sales, prices up and down, mortgage rates remain stable
It seemed as though the real estate market might actually be showing signs of stability last week. Stability is a pretty big deal when you consider where we’ve been and what we?ve been dealing with since the market reached its peak in 2007.
Home sales
On May 22, the National Association of Realtors reported that sales and [...]
Home sales
On May 22, the National Association of Realtors reported that sales and [...]
Staples and discretionary stocks, it's that easy
CHICAGO (Reuters) - To maintain your mettle as an investor in the face of mixed economic signals, you have to be able to be able to do what F. Scott Fitzgerald said was the test of first-rate... 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/wealth/~3/50ZR8As6e_U/us-column-wasik-staples-idUSBRE8530UF20120604
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Nevada Introduces Pilot Principal Reduction Program ? Will it Work?
On Friday the Governor Brian Sandoval of Nevada announced a new principal reduction pilot program that would aim to help struggling underwater homeowners with mortgage relief. �The program will provide up to $50,000 worth of assistance to homeowners. �Terry Johnson, the director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry was quoted in the Las [...]
How to Create Online Listing Flyers
While teaching a class this week on Postlets, and showing agents how easy it is to create Zillow listings over on Craigslist, I discovered a way [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/kBcuU9nXzrI/
Pianalto says jobs report hasn't changed her outlook: WSJ
(Reuters) - The grim U.S. jobs report for May does not warrant further easing of monetary policy, Sandra Pianalto, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, was quoted as saying on Monday. 
Manufacturing sector growth wanes in May: ISM
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The pace of growth in manufacturing slowed modestly in May but a gauge of new orders rose to its highest in over a year, according to an industry report released on Friday. 
interest bearing checking interest bearing savings insurance free markets
Interview with Dr. Housing Bubble: ?You shouldn?t take on a mortgage that is 3 times your annual household income.?
Today we bring you an interview with Dr. Housing Bubble, whose blog promises to take a critical look at the policies that have created one of the largest asset bubbles ever known to mankind and whose mission is to�provide a candid account of what is going on in today?s housing market. Below, Dr. Housing Bubble [...]
Two Upcoming Housewalks Open Doors to Historic Chicago Real Estate
If visiting historical Chicago homes is your thing be sure to mark your calendars for two exciting house tours. The “A Walk Through Time” tour on Sunday,� June 10 from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. is the annual fundraising house tour of the Prairie Avenue Historic District. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit historic mansions [...]
equity investment mortgage industry investment firms wells fargo
53 Percent of Cook County Condo Transactions Paid in Cash
The subprime mortgage market collapse in 2007 heralded a new era of lending, one defined by caution and conservatism ? and as a result, as housing demand continued to grow, mortgage supply dwindled.
But as a new study by the Institute of Housing Studies at DePaul University points out, in the Cook County markets, cash transactions have stepped in to fill that void, especially in high-foreclosure areas, where cash financed an incredible 70 percent of transactions. Here are some of the studies other major findings:
Between 2005 and 2011, financed home purchases ...
But as a new study by the Institute of Housing Studies at DePaul University points out, in the Cook County markets, cash transactions have stepped in to fill that void, especially in high-foreclosure areas, where cash financed an incredible 70 percent of transactions. Here are some of the studies other major findings:
Between 2005 and 2011, financed home purchases ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/tMfUD7DzOrQ/
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Chezi Rafaeli, Coldwell Banker, Lists the $32 Million Chicago Trump Tower Penthouse
Chezi Rafaeli, a luxury real estate agent from Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Gold Coast office, has listed a $32 million penthouse residence in the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago.
This listing goes on the record as one of the city?s most expensive condo listings in history.
Some of the properties details include:
Located on the 89th floor on the top floor of Trump Tower (which is the tallest residential building in the western hemisphere), the unit is 1,170 feet above ground.
At 14,260 square-foot, penthouse comprises the entire floor (the only one ...
This listing goes on the record as one of the city?s most expensive condo listings in history.
Some of the properties details include:
Located on the 89th floor on the top floor of Trump Tower (which is the tallest residential building in the western hemisphere), the unit is 1,170 feet above ground.
At 14,260 square-foot, penthouse comprises the entire floor (the only one ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/XDygpAAK6j8/
Best Places to Buy in 2012
The 2012�buying and selling season is well underway�and the housing market is finally showing signs of life. Agents are sharing stories of bidding wars in many [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/qoTdFg8oLgo/
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Hunter?s Fairway Sotheby?s International Realty Second Office Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony ? 4.19.12
Hunter?s Fairway Sotheby?s International Realty had a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate its second location in the Village of Barrington. There was plenty of appetizers and champagne at the new office?s location at 100 E. Station Street at Cook Street Plaza.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/ZnZIKCU7RFo/
A harsh lesson on charitable contributions
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A California entrepreneur got a harsh lesson on the rules of charitable contributions this week when the U.S. Tax Court denied his $18.5 million deduction for real estate... 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/wealth/~3/vvYmjj14JnY/us-column-feldman-idUSBRE8500WB20120601
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At 195K, Historic Scripps Home Tells Detroit?s Sad Real Estate Tale
Detroit is hardly lacking for symbols of its Great Recession free fall, but there’s fresh evidence that the Detroit real estate market continues to be the [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/fWXwOnC4wCY/
Prudential Rubloff Properties Adds Ivas Couple to Sales Team
Principals of Prudential Rubloff Properties Michael Pierson and Chris Eigel announced the addition of Diana and Chuck Ivas to their sales team in an issued press release May 31.
The couple, who have consistently ranked in the “Top 20 Teams of Northern Illinois,” will bring their decorated real estate experience to Prudential Rubloff Properties’ location in Hinsdale.
Diana, who has 20 years of real estate sales experience, focuses on marketing and showing properties. Her husband, Chuck, joined her in business shortly after his former career as a decorating contractor, and focuses ...
The couple, who have consistently ranked in the “Top 20 Teams of Northern Illinois,” will bring their decorated real estate experience to Prudential Rubloff Properties’ location in Hinsdale.
Diana, who has 20 years of real estate sales experience, focuses on marketing and showing properties. Her husband, Chuck, joined her in business shortly after his former career as a decorating contractor, and focuses ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/D-wj77DuU8E/
4 Mistakes That You Can Avoid While Refinancing Your Mortgage
In response to the economic depression in the late 2008, the Federal Reserve has been given the authority to spend a huge amount of money in the credit markets in order to bring down the mortgage refinancing rates. By doing this they will help the struggling homeowners to refinance their mortgages and pay them off [...]
Keller Williams Welcomes Ashley Carter
Keller Williams Preferred Realty recently welcomed Ashley Carter, formerly of Koenig & Strey Real Living.
Carter brings 13 years of industry experience to Keller Williams Preferred Realty in Orland Park, which he chose because of its “agent-centric focus.”
Carter received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Iowa in 1993, and then worked for the Meredith Corporation in Des Moines. He then moved onto working with Apple in their Kansas City sales office. After transferring to Apple’s Boulder, Col. location, he got his start in the real estate ...
Carter brings 13 years of industry experience to Keller Williams Preferred Realty in Orland Park, which he chose because of its “agent-centric focus.”
Carter received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Iowa in 1993, and then worked for the Meredith Corporation in Des Moines. He then moved onto working with Apple in their Kansas City sales office. After transferring to Apple’s Boulder, Col. location, he got his start in the real estate ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/PTwvZEZ9UQs/
Sky(scraper)?s the Limit This Month
It’s a new month, and this month happens to celebrate the American dream of owning a home. That’s right. June is National Homeownership Month, and with record-low mortgage rates, dropping housing prices and a large inventory of homes for sale, it couldn’t be a better time to buy. Check back to Chicago Real Estate Forum [...]
Source: http://www.chicagolandrealestateforum.com/2012/06/02/skyscrapers-the-limit-this-month/
Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of May 21, 2012
Mortgage rates fell to a new all-time low last week. Not everyone can get access, however.
Related posts:
Related posts:
- Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of January 23, 2012 For the first time this year, conforming Florida mortgage...
- Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of February 13, 2012 Consider locking in your Florida Mortgage rate this week, as...
- Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of April 23, 2012 Mortgage markets were mostly unchanged last week, breaking a three-week...
FHA Streamline Refinance ? New Program Will Help Some Chicago Area Home Owners Save Money
Starting in June, FHA will begin a new program that will help some home owners with FHA mortgages save a lot of money, but many other wise qualified homeowners won?t be able to take advantage of this new program. The new FHA program will allow borrowers who currently have an FHA mortgage to refinance with [...]
Win a Free Amazon Gift Card!
Who couldn’t use an Amazon gift card? �They’re great, and we’re giving away TWO $100 Amazon E-Gift Cards! Simply click the link below to fill out the form to enter. �For each action that you take you will receive the corresponding number of entries in the contest (listed in the right column). Good Luck! [...]
Source: http://www.totalmortgage.com/blog/mortgage-rates/amazon-gift-card-contest/17197
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Preparing for your home purchase
There are some obvious do?s and don?ts when it comes to homebuying:
Do: Shop around for the best mortgage rate
Don?t: Give out your social security number to every single person who asks for it
Do: Get preapproval
Don?t: Sign or agree to anything you haven?t read or are uncomfortable with
But preparing for a home purchase needs to go [...]
Do: Shop around for the best mortgage rate
Don?t: Give out your social security number to every single person who asks for it
Do: Get preapproval
Don?t: Sign or agree to anything you haven?t read or are uncomfortable with
But preparing for a home purchase needs to go [...]
HARP 2.0 : Approved By Fannie Mae, Denied By Freddie Mac?
HARP applications with Freddie Mac are being denied at an alarming rate. In response, Freddie Mac will "fine-tune" its underwriting process.
Click for the complete post : HARP 2.0 : Approved By Fannie Mae, Denied By Freddie Mac?.
East Valley Homes under $150,000
Wow! Homes are selling fast in the East Valley cities of Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa and San Tan Valley.� If you are a buyer looking to purchase a home in today?s market with a price range under $150K, you may be finding it very difficult to get a nice home ? or a home [...]
Source: http://www.ThompsonGroupAZ.com/east-valley-homes-under-150000/
Is a summer homebuying season in the works?
The ringing sound of record low mortgage rates is greeting the unofficial start of summer. Typically a sleepier time of year for the housing market, the incessant clang appears to be serving as a wakeup call to potential homebuyers. Should current trends persist, we may have a summer housing market of note in 2012, rather [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hsh/~3/am2QEnIWB84/
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Buyer?s Agent Wanted
Our team is expanding and we are looking for Buyer’s Agents to give top quality service to our clients.� If interested, please contact us for an interview! Qualifications Arizona Real Estate License Good Communication Skills Professional Appearance Computer and Internet Ability About Us Our team provides leads, great marketing, and a supportive team environment A [...]
Reasons for Pursuing a Short Sale
Homeowners who purchased Phoenix Arizona Homes between 2002 and 2009 may owe more than their home is worth. Homeowners who refinanced or took out a home equity line of credit are in the same situation. Reports estimate that half of all homeowners in the Valley owe more than their home is worth. Many of these [...]
Source: http://www.ThompsonGroupAZ.com/reasons-for-pursuing-a-short-sale/
Oprah Winfrey Slices Price of Luxe Chicago Condo She Never Lived In
She must really want it sold. Otherwise, why would media mogul Oprah Winfrey slash the price for her stunning 4,600-square-foot Chicago condo? Winfrey has re-listed the [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/aAYDLgo70Uc/
The Best Day in the History of US Mortgage Rates
No balloons?no singing?no dancing.� While today being the day with the lowest rates in history is great news for those wanting to refinance their current mortgage or to purchase a new home, it is certainly not something to celebrate.� Since mortgage rates tend to move in opposition to the general US economy, the historical bottom [...]
Keller Williams Welcomes Ashley Carter
Keller Williams Preferred Realty recently welcomed Ashley Carter, formerly of Koenig & Strey Real Living.
Carter brings 13 years of industry experience to Keller Williams Preferred Realty in Orland Park, which he chose because of its “agent-centric focus.”
Carter received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Iowa in 1993, and then worked for the Meredith Corporation in Des Moines. He then moved onto working with Apple in their Kansas City sales office. After transferring to Apple’s Boulder, Col. location, he got his start in the real estate ...
Carter brings 13 years of industry experience to Keller Williams Preferred Realty in Orland Park, which he chose because of its “agent-centric focus.”
Carter received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Iowa in 1993, and then worked for the Meredith Corporation in Des Moines. He then moved onto working with Apple in their Kansas City sales office. After transferring to Apple’s Boulder, Col. location, he got his start in the real estate ...
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/PTwvZEZ9UQs/
Gardens Add More Than Just Flourish for These Upscale Properties
In luxury real estate, outdoor spaces are nearly as opulent as the interiors.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/Vt4a3hWceRo/
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Don?t Fall to Foreclosure: Get Help First
The national, Illinois and Chicago real estate markets are all still dealing with high foreclosure rates, though the numbers are larger closer to home. According to the CoreLogic National Forelosure Report for April, about 1.4 million homes nationwide, or 3.4 of all U.S. homes with a mortgage, were in the national foreclosure inventory last month. [...]
Source: http://www.chicagolandrealestateforum.com/2012/05/31/dont-fall-to-foreclosure-get-help-first/
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Featured Chicago Open House Listings for Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13
Wending through the labyrinth of Chicago homes for sale and feeling a little lost? Let Dream Town guide you toward the perfect property ? one that features the space you need and the amenities you’d like, all in the Chicago neighborhood that you love most. Let the search begin this weekend! Visit one of our featured open houses, including a luxurious two-bedroom condo in the East Village and a spacious, newly-constructed single-family home in Mayfair Crossing. Take a few minutes [...]
Friday, June 1, 2012
5 Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend: June 1-June 3
Just about everything is moving outdoors as Chicago neighborhoods prepare for street festivals, quirky comedies and youthful orchestras. But first, check out Friday night’s Flash Fashion Show, featuring Illinois’ own state troopers raising funds and awareness for families affected by cancer. Head over to Grant Park early Saturday morning for SELF Magazine’s 19th annual “Workout in the Park” and then take a load off as you enjoy a unique “24-hour play.” To enjoy the outdoors on Sunday, visit Millennium Park, [...]
Chicago Home Prices Fall according to New S&P Report
Sweet Home Chicago is probably the wrong title for the Windy City after hearing news from the recently released Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. Like the Cubs and Bulls, Chicago real estate cannot seem to catch a break. The Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller home price index reported that home prices fell in March, [...]
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Featured Chicago Open House Listings for Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3
Festivals are in full swing and the summer sun is begging you to venture outdoors. When you do, Dream Town invites you to visit one of our weekend open houses, showcasing a variety of Chicago homes for sale, whether you’re seeking a condo, townhouse or single-family home. For a growing family that’s in need of new, expansive space, visit our single-family homes in Roscoe Village, Wilmette, La Grange Park and Mayfair; styles vary from classic Chicago bungalow to attractive brick [...]
Zillow Negative Equity Report Shows 1 in 3 Mortgage Holders Underwater
Home values have started to eke upward in places. But, so far, this has done little to buoy millions of underwater homeowners who, according to a [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/q6po0sQpHcQ/
New Home Sales Rise For 7th Month Out Of 8
The April New Home Sales report suggests that the market for newly-built homes is as strong as the market for existing ones.
Related posts:
Related posts:
- New Home Sales Approach Bull Market Territory According to the Census Bureau, the number of new homes...
- New Home Sales Figures Better Than Reported According to the Census Bureau, the number of new homes...
- There Are 22 Percent Fewer Homes for Sale Than in June 2010 According to Census Bureau data, the number of new homes...
Source: http://www.floridamortgageblogger.com/2012/05/24/home-sales-april-2012/
Shop Around for a Mortgage
What a mundane and seemingly obvious piece of advice! And yet, according to the results of a recent survey by LendingTree.com, 40 percent of mortgage shoppers obtained just a single quote before settling on a mortgage. Given that the same poll established that 96% of consumers will comparison shop for most items, this is nothing [...]
Source: http://news.mortgagecalculator.org/shop-around-for-a-mortgage/
Job growth seen stepping up in May
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Jobs growth probably snapped back in May from weather-related distortions that had slowed hiring, suggesting the economy was still expanding moderately despite strong headwinds... 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/economy/~3/xtqSjYYDSIM/us-jobless-idUSBRE84U0N720120601
Banco do Brasil sees loans up near top of estimate
SAO PAULO, June 1 (Reuters) - State-controlled Banco do
Brasil, the nation's largest bank by assets, expects
its loan book to grow this year near the top of its 17 percent
to 21 percent estimate, a... 
Brasil, the nation's largest bank by assets, expects
its loan book to grow this year near the top of its 17 percent
to 21 percent estimate, a...
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Dartmouth, Brown lead Ivies in investing with trustees
BOSTON (Reuters) - At Dartmouth College and Brown University, the old school tie might come with a silver lining. 
Mortgage Rates : Real-Time MBS Pricing, May 24, 2012
Real-time mortgage market updates for May 24, 2012. Updates provided by MBSQuoteline, an MBS subscription provider for loan officers.
Click for the complete post : Mortgage Rates : Real-Time MBS Pricing, May 24, 2012.
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Majority of Generali board seek to oust CEO-sources
MILAN, June 1 (Reuters) - A majority of directors on the
board of Italy's insurance giant Generali are in
favour of ousting chief executive Giovanni Perissinotto at an
extraordinary board meeting on Saturday, sources close to the
board said on Friday. 
board of Italy's insurance giant Generali are in
favour of ousting chief executive Giovanni Perissinotto at an
extraordinary board meeting on Saturday, sources close to the
board said on Friday.
Pricing My Home Right
Pricing a home correctly is defined as pricing a home in a price range of comparable Phoenix Arizona Homes sold in the last 3 to 6 months. A home priced more than 5% under the lowest sale may be considered under priced. A home priced more than 5% above the highest sale would be considered [...]
Source: http://www.ThompsonGroupAZ.com/pricing-my-home-right/
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