Chinese e-commerce group Alibaba is in discussions with banks
ahead of a potential debut US-dollar bond.
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/usmarkets/~3/bqDl8SX7VEg/alibaba-bonds-idUSL3E8M535F20121105
Monday, November 5, 2012
Alibaba set to test the China premium
Nov 5 (IFR) - Fresh from buying back a stake from Yahoo!,
Chinese e-commerce group Alibaba is in discussions with banks
ahead of a potential debut US-dollar bond. 
Chinese e-commerce group Alibaba is in discussions with banks
ahead of a potential debut US-dollar bond.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Fed Says Credit Crunch Continues to Ease
Demand for new lines of credit among businesses increased significantly in the third quarter, and banks continued to ease lending ...
5 Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend: October 12-14
Zombies and geeks are taking over our Chicago neighborhoods! And hot on their trail are evenings of social experimentation, behind-the-scenes architectural tours and international culinary adventures. Just another weekend in the city, right? Slake your cultural interests with one-a-kind explorations during Open House Chicago and at the Elever pop-up restaurant. Then help 137 Films celebrate eight years of documentary filmmaking, before you head to the park for Professor Evil’s new play. And wrap it all up with a “Bear Down” [...]
HARP 2 : States Get Help From Unlimited Loan-To-Value Rule
The HARP 2 program is one year old. Homeowners are getting a boost from the program's newest unlimited loan-to-value (LTV) clause.
Click for the complete post : HARP 2 : States Get Help From Unlimited Loan-To-Value Rule.
Chicago Illinois Mortgage Rates Week in Review for the Week Ending 08/17/2012
Over the last month, mortgage rates have ran up to the highest level in the last four months. Though rates are still very low historically, the perception has changed and those waiting on the sidelines for rates to drop lower, are now reassessing and wondering if we’ve already seen the bottom in mortgage rates. What [...]
Home Warranties Take Some of the Worry out of Home Buying
Two products ? the home warranty and the builder warranty ? typically insure appliances and major systems in a home, whether it?s new or just new to you.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/97ozFILevJg/
RPT-UPDATE 3-U.S. fiscal cliff, Europe's debt woes worry G20
* U.S. budget uncertainty looms large over G20 meeting
* Ministers to discuss global debt, financial regulation
* Talks precede U.S. election, China Communist Party
congress
By Krista Hughes and Julien Toyer
MEXICO CITY, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Finance chiefs of leading
economies pressed the United States on Sunday to avert a series
of spending cuts and tax hikes that could hurt global output,
though some countries saw Europe's debt crisis as the No. 1
danger.
Unless a fractious 
* Ministers to discuss global debt, financial regulation
* Talks precede U.S. election, China Communist Party
congress
By Krista Hughes and Julien Toyer
MEXICO CITY, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Finance chiefs of leading
economies pressed the United States on Sunday to avert a series
of spending cuts and tax hikes that could hurt global output,
though some countries saw Europe's debt crisis as the No. 1
danger.
Unless a fractious
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/financialsNews/~3/rGhV-iMxLxE/g-idUSL1E8M40RO20121104
"Wage scar" threatens U.S. labor recovery: Manpower CEO
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A "wage scar" caused by workers accepting lower pay could slow the pace of U.S. economic recovery for years to come, the chief executive of global staffing services company... 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/economy/~3/9fDGO254oR0/us-manpower-jobs-idUSBRE8A111X20121102
Fannie, Freddie offer mortgage relief to Hurricane Sandy?s victims
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have reached out to their servicers, urging them to adopt mortgage-relief policies for homeowners severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
“Freddie Mac has authorized the nation’s mortgage servicers to provide a full range of mortgage relief options to affected borrowers with mortgages owned or guaranteed by [...]
“Freddie Mac has authorized the nation’s mortgage servicers to provide a full range of mortgage relief options to affected borrowers with mortgages owned or guaranteed by [...]
Pets make life more complex for those hit by Sandy
NEW YORK (Reuters) - It is one thing to show up at a friend's apartment and sleep on the couch for a few days after a natural disaster displaces you from your home. 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/wealth/~3/8uEVEmOrW6E/us-sandy-storm-pets-idUSBRE8A205T20121103
Homebuilding Industry Reunion ? 10.15.12
Homebuilding Industry Reunion – 10.15.12 was originally published on Chicago Agent Magazine, the leading source for news and perspective for real estate professionals in the Chicagoland area.
The Homebuilding Industry Reunion featured complementary hors’d oeuvres and reduced price drinks at TwelveWestElm, a club owned by Jim Raymond, a former builder. Attendees were encouraged to reconnect, make new connections and find out what past acquaintances had been up to.
Homebuilding Industry Reunion – 10.15.12 was originally published on Chicago Agent Magazine - For the well-informed real estate professional, the leading source for news and perspective for real estate professionals in the Chicagoland area.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/rJmcEHrnqVw/
G20 flags U.S. fiscal cliff, Europe's debt woes
* Talks precede US election, China Communist Party congress 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/financialsNews/~3/hMGv5ppvrsU/g-idUSL1E8M400920121104
Mortgage Rates : Falling On Hurricane Sandy?s Aftermath
Mortgage rates improved Wednesday on the expected economic fallout from Hurricane Sandy. Strong jobs data could wipe those gains out quickly, however.
Click for the complete post : Mortgage Rates : Falling On Hurricane Sandy’s Aftermath.
Popular Refinance Programs for Owners With Equity
When considering refinancing, the first step is to identify your goal. Do you just want a lower monthly payment? Do you want to get cash in exchange for some of the equity you have built up in your home?
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/Za82Dzxlb8w/
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Housing Overview: Stan Humphries? Presentation
Thanks to everyone who attended our forum on California?s housing market. Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries opened the event with an overview of the nation?s housing [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/KoU3TlsufuI/
Pending Home Sales Index Hits A 2-Year High
In May, for the second time in 3 months, the Pending Home Sales Index crossed the 100 barrier.
Related posts:
Related posts:
- Low Florida Mortgage Rates and Affordable Home Prices Boost Housing Market The housing market continues to show signs of improvement, propelled...
- Florida Home Sales Strong As Spring Selling Season Hits Despite sparse home inventory, the National Association of REALTORS reports...
Source: http://www.floridamortgageblogger.com/2012/07/03/pending-home-sales-index-2012/
Sandy to test revamped federal flood insurance program
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Superstorm Sandy is threatening to drag the U.S. government's debt-ridden flood insurance program back into the political crosshairs just months after Congress attempted to put... 
Rates Edge Higher Despite Renewed Jobs Woes
After falling steadily all week mortgage rates are edging higher this morning despite a weak jobless claims report this morning.� Strong earnings have investors leaning toward equities this morning, leaving bonds, including mortgage-backed securities, a little less popular. Weekly jobless claims posted a big reversal from their surprising results last week.� Claims for first time [...]
New Cook County Condos at the Luxurious 474 North Lakeshore Drive
Don’t miss out on a chance to own a new Cook County condo at 474 North Lakeshore Drive.� In addition to being in one of downtown Chicago’s best locations, these condos offer spacious walk-in closets, washer and dryer hook-ups and wall-to-wall bedroom carpeting. One bedrooms at North Lakeshore Drive start at $299,000, and residents can [...]
Homebuilding Industry Reunion ? 10.15.12
Homebuilding Industry Reunion – 10.15.12 was originally published on Chicago Agent Magazine, the leading source for news and perspective for real estate professionals in the Chicagoland area.
The Homebuilding Industry Reunion featured complementary hors’d oeuvres and reduced price drinks at TwelveWestElm, a club owned by Jim Raymond, a former builder. Attendees were encouraged to reconnect, make new connections and find out what past acquaintances had been up to.
Homebuilding Industry Reunion – 10.15.12 was originally published on Chicago Agent Magazine - For the well-informed real estate professional, the leading source for news and perspective for real estate professionals in the Chicagoland area.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chicagoagentmagazine/news/~3/rJmcEHrnqVw/
What Will the Boss Think if They Read Your Tweet?
Come learn all the do?s and don?ts for social media use on and off the job at this informative seminar being presented by Carl Lumley (Curtis, Heinz, Garrett & O?Keefe PC) and Gregg Lemley (Ogletree Deakins) on November 14. Contact: Jaime Weyrauch (x133 or WeyrauchJ@hbastl.com). Event information here.
Source: http://stlhba.hbablog.com/2012/11/01/what-will-the-boss-think-if-they-read-your-tweet/
UPDATE 1-Guinea and UAE sign bauxite supply deal
DUBAI, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee
(CBG) signed a long-term supply agreement with the United Arab
Emirates for bauxite, the main raw material in aluminium, the
Gulf country's state news agency reported. 
(CBG) signed a long-term supply agreement with the United Arab
Emirates for bauxite, the main raw material in aluminium, the
Gulf country's state news agency reported.
Mortgage Rates Unexpectedly Drop After Strong October Jobs Data
The October jobs report was much stronger-than-expected but U.S. mortgage rates are dropping anyway. FHA mortgage rates are benefitting the most.
Click for the complete post : Mortgage Rates Unexpectedly Drop After Strong October Jobs Data.
Got tree damage from Sandy? What to do next
NEW YORK (Reuters) - If a tree falls, how do you get your insurer to listen? 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/wealth/~3/HT0d9cqVTnM/us-storm-sandy-trees-idUSBRE8A11CL20121102
Zillow Dishes Up Dinner at FareStart
Last week, 20 members of the Zillow team put down their phones, shut their laptops and headed to Guest Chef Night at FareStart to serve dinner for a cause.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/Dlg3HT3GvpM/
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 [...]
Friday, November 2, 2012
Sandy to test revamped federal flood insurance program
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Superstorm Sandy is threatening to drag the U.S. government's debt-ridden flood insurance program back into the political crosshairs just months after Congress attempted to put...
Mortgage Rates : Improving On Hurricane Sandy, Low Inflation
Mortgage rates improved Monday on stable inflation data and on the expected fallout from Hurricane Sandy. Markets closed early and will re-open Wednesday.
Click for the complete post : Mortgage Rates : Improving On Hurricane Sandy, Low Inflation.
Fannie/Freddie Raise Mortgage Fees
Beginning on April 1, Fannie Mae follow in Freddie Mac’s footsteps and formally raise the fees that they charge lenders, which will almost certainly pass these fees on to borrowers. The bottom line is that for virtually all borrowers, obtaining a mortgage is set to become significantly more expensive. As mentioned earlier, Fannie/Freddie are currently [...]
Source: http://news.mortgagecalculator.org/fanniefreddie-raise-mortgage-fees/
We need to forgive unpaid tax bills
?In normal times, most of us would never consider forgiving unpaid tax bills, but these are not normal times.?
-Dave Liniger, RE/MAX co-founder and chairman
Not all eyes are on the election. Some of us are looking past it, focusing on changes and proposed changes to the mortgage and real estate markets that could undermine home [...]
-Dave Liniger, RE/MAX co-founder and chairman
Not all eyes are on the election. Some of us are looking past it, focusing on changes and proposed changes to the mortgage and real estate markets that could undermine home [...]
Economy better, but still a ways to go
Below is an excerpt from the latest Market Trends newsletter. Sign up and receive it in your inbox Friday evening:
Economic growth was stronger in the third quarter than the second, a welcome pickup from a truly poor period. Despite the increase, there?s no present indication that any Fed policies supporting the economy will be [...]
Economic growth was stronger in the third quarter than the second, a welcome pickup from a truly poor period. Despite the increase, there?s no present indication that any Fed policies supporting the economy will be [...]
Tory Burch?s Hamptons Mansion Sells at Deep Discount
The fashion designer's home finally sold after a series of price cuts.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/IOiQrG4we-4/
Private sector added 158,000 jobs in Oct: ADP
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Companies added 158,000 jobs in October, data from a payrolls processor showed on Thursday in a revamped report on the private sector labor market. 
Making Your Next Move Easier on the Kids
Chances are, there will be tears along the way, but these tips may help ease the shock and make the experience a positive one for the whole gang.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/OLFzuKgFXYo/
5 Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend: October 12-14
Zombies and geeks are taking over our Chicago neighborhoods! And hot on their trail are evenings of social experimentation, behind-the-scenes architectural tours and international culinary adventures. Just another weekend in the city, right? Slake your cultural interests with one-a-kind explorations during Open House Chicago and at the Elever pop-up restaurant. Then help 137 Films celebrate eight years of documentary filmmaking, before you head to the park for Professor Evil’s new play. And wrap it all up with a “Bear Down” [...]
Fannie, Freddie offer mortgage relief to Hurricane Sandy?s victims
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have reached out to their servicers, urging them to adopt mortgage-relief policies for homeowners severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
“Freddie Mac has authorized the nation’s mortgage servicers to provide a full range of mortgage relief options to affected borrowers with mortgages owned or guaranteed by [...]
“Freddie Mac has authorized the nation’s mortgage servicers to provide a full range of mortgage relief options to affected borrowers with mortgages owned or guaranteed by [...]
Nikkei reaches one-week high on raised hopes for U.S. recovery
* Nikkei may stay strong until mid next week-analyst
* Weak yen boosts exporters, with Honda up 3.3 pct
* Sharp almost doubles net loss forecast, stock falls
* Sony up after small Q2... 
* Weak yen boosts exporters, with Honda up 3.3 pct
* Sharp almost doubles net loss forecast, stock falls
* Sony up after small Q2...
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/usmarkets/~3/Qag6e6YjmPY/markets-japan-stocks-idUSL3E8M244W20121102
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Military Members May Have Trouble Dealing With Student Loans
These days, many military members face significant economic issues for a number of reasons, and one that has recently drawn ...
?Nightmare on Elm Street? House Was Truly Scary Before Rehab
The house that Freddy Krueger haunted was a real nightmare ? though not on Elm Street ? when Angie Hill bought it in 2006.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/XiCa2LKejig/
Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of June 11, 2012
Mortgage markets worsened last week, breaking a multi-week winning streak for mortgage rates.
Related posts:
Related posts:
- Florida Mortgage Update for the Week Of June 4, 2012 Mortgage markets improved last week in response to ongoing concerns...
- Florida Mortgage Rate Update for the Week of April 9, 2012 In a week of up-and-down trading, mortgage markets improved for...
- Florida Mortgage Update for the Week of February 27, 2012 Mortgage markets improved in a holiday-shortened week last week, drawing...
Source: http://www.floridamortgageblogger.com/2012/06/11/mortgage-rates-week-june-11-2012/
Broad jobs gains needed before Fed pullback-Lockhart
CHATTANOOGA (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve would like to see broad improvement in the U.S. labor market before pulling back on its latest monetary stimulus plan, Atlanta Fed Bank President Dennis... 
Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/news/economy/~3/3QTgwDG0Imo/us-usa-fed-lockhart-idUSBRE8A016620121101
Chicago Illinois Mortgage Rates Week in Review for the Week Ending 07/13/2012
This was a slow week for news and economic reports, and it seems we have hit the slow days of summer a little early this year. The trend in mortgage rates is slowly moving lower. Last week we saw the best rates ever, before pulling back somewhat on Friday. The focus is still on the [...]
Diane Keaton Adds New Book Called ?House? to Her Housing Collection
The coffee-table offering by arty book purveyor Rizzoli doubles down on Keaton's outsized reputation as a housing connoisseur.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ZillowBlog/~3/Ib3hSvShWB8/
Simple Real Estate Definitions : Home Inspections
A home inspection is a thorough, top-to-bottom check-up of a home's structure and systems.
No related posts.
No related posts.
Source: http://www.floridamortgageblogger.com/2012/06/06/home-inspections/
Changes in Correspondent Lending Landscape; Stats Show Very Slow Return of Borrowers that Default
With our without the storm damage, here in the U.S. there are 41 million potential trick-or-treaters (children age 5 to 14; see joke at bottom) across the United States. And they can be ringing doorbells or throwing toilet paper rolls at 115 million occupied housing units across the nation in 2011 - thanks to the Census Bureau for those numbers.
My wife said, "I think we should do something really scary for the kids this Halloween." I said, "We could take them to your mother's." Some think the future of our industry is scary - but it isn't. Our industry continues to evolve. Companies are certainly interested in moving into the void left by Wells wholesale, Bank of America, and MetLife. We can look for Nationstar, which some call "Wells-lite" due to the hiring of ex-Wells wholesale employees, to be a presence in the correspondent channel in 2013. And not the onesy-twosy best efforts business model, but an entire new correspondent lending channel with 100% mandatory and AOT execution with a goal (from what I've heard) of $24-30 billion in the first year. Redwood Trust has signaled its intention to move into the agency channel in addition to its success in jumbo securitization. And don't expect the existing correspondent lenders to continue to watch their best clients divert their pipelines to the agencies while doing nothing. We've already seen Wells beef up their operations centers. We can expect 9 of the top 10 correspondents (in the 2nd quarter: Wells Fargo, Chase, U.S. Bank Home Mortgage, Flagstar Bank, BB&T, Franklin American, Ally/ResCap (GMAC), SunTrust, CitiMortgage, and PHH) to lower their margins, remind clients about sales caps, pay attention to rumors of Fannie raising its minimum net worth to $5 million, increase operational efficiencies, and watch clients retaining servicing to grapple with capital issues. Are we having fun yet?...
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/channels/pipelinepress/10312012-mortgage-lending-fema-sandy.aspx
BofA vs. U.S. Government; Big Banks Becoming Bigger; How Will Ed DeMarco Cast his Ballot?
This short video isn't funny in the least, but should not be missed for anyone in the financial services sector, IT, or anyone else for that matter interested in privacy issues.
Remember a few years back when Countrywide, and Bank of America, would flex their muscles in front of their clients? Like, "We'll give you a great price, but we demand 50% of your volume be sold to us." And then there was, "We'll give you a warehouse line, but for our product only." That whole karma thing might just be for real. Looking at the big bank deals over the last 3-5 years, some worked out better than others, putting some banks at a disadvantage. An analysis by the WSJ finds Countrywide has cost Bank of America about $40 billion since the deal was closed. (Chase/WAMU and Wells/Wachovia did not go quite so badly, obviously.) And now Bank of America is being sued in Federal Court for civil mortgage fraud in a complaint seeking civil penalties as well as treble damages and penalties. The suit alleges that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lost over $1 billion because of defaulted loans fraudulently sold them by Countrywide Mortgage and BOA. The suit alleges the from at least 2007 through 2009 implemented a new loan origination process called the "Hustle," which was intentionally designed to process loans at high speed and without quality checkpoints, and which generated thousands of fraudulent and otherwise defective residential mortgage loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) that later defaulted. The Hustle continued under the ownership of BofA. Ah, fate...
...(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/channels/pipelinepress/10252012-bank-of-america-versus-us.aspx
Featured Chicago Open House Listings: October 21
Chicago is riddled with beautiful, historic architecture that echoes its rich and colorful past. From single-family homes and condominiums to commercial buildings and neighborhood districts, our city boasts 332 locations on the National Register of Historic Places, including houses designed by architectural giants like Frank Lloyd Wright. This weekend, Dream Town Realty invites you to visit yet another historic home, built in the 19th century and now lovingly restored to its original grandeur. Stop into the beautiful row home in [...]
Why Have Mortgage Rates Gone Up? Fiscal Cliff Breakdown; CFPB Still Looking to Hire
Occasionally I am asked about a graphic presentation on foreclosures in the United States, and how they've impacted different areas. Here you go.
Hey, those rumors about next week's MBA conference being "clothing optional" seem to be totally unfounded - or maybe someone is trying to play a joke on me. But here is something for real: a couple firms are advertising some free meeting room space at next week's convention. MERS always has a room, this time in the Columbus Hall G-H. And this time around DigitalRisk is offering up a place to hang out. It has free WiFi, refreshments, and a changing station. (Okay, "charging" station, I misread it, but at first I thought I could bring a baby.) "The Lounge" is also in the Columbus Hall near the registration desk. The meeting rooms beat scrambling for a seat in the bar, and then feeling bad about not ordering something from the waitress.
For something totally non-mortgage related on this autumn Friday, after 79 years chronicling American life, Newsweek magazine will publish its last print edition at the end of December and become digital-only. Darned digital media stuff!
Where is the CFPB hiring its staff? I am sure from multiple sources, but definitely some right out of school...
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Source: http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/channels/pipelinepress/10192012-fiscal-cliff-first-mortgage.aspx
VA Lending on the Upswing; 2013 Pre-forecast Forecasts; What Conference-goers are Talking About
The U.S. Census Bureau tells us that in many of the largest cities of the most-populous metro areas, downtown is becoming a place not only to work but also to live. Between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, metro areas with 5 million or more people experienced double-digit population growth rates within their downtown areas (within a two-mile radius of their largest city's city hall), more than double the rate of these areas overall. Why not skip having that car?! Sweet home Chicago experienced the largest numeric gain in its downtown area, with a net increase of 48,000 residents over 10 years. New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington also posted large population increases close to city hall. On the other end of the scale, New Orleans and Baltimore experienced the greatest population declines in their downtown areas (35,000 and slightly more than 10,000, respectively).
We all know that companies shrink, and companies grow. Due to its rapid growth, AFR, Inc. is searching for Quality Control Underwriters, Lock Desk Specialist, retail processors, wholesale Acct mangers, Underwriters, processing trainees, and a secondary marketing assistant. AFR is a Ginnie issuer, Fannie/Freddie seller servicer based in Parsippany, NJ, and is currently funding over $300 million per month and is primed for another growth cycle specifically in correspondent lending. AFR is licensed in 48 states and offers the ability to work remotely for some positions...
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/channels/pipelinepress/10222012-jobs-2013-forecast-acc.aspx
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