The Premier Homes of Utah "News"

6 Tips To Sell Your Home Faster

2011-04-13T08:13:00.000-06:00

In a declining real estate market where supply outstrips demand, a person can generally sell a house faster by lowering the price. But there are other ways to enhance a home's attractiveness besides lowering the asking price. If you're looking to sell your home in a cooling real estate market, read on for some tips on how to generate interest and get the best price possible.

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Down Payment Proposal Could Make A Mountain Out Of A Mortgage

2011-04-12T15:10:00.000-06:00

Most home buyers put down less than 20 percent when they take out a mortgage, a sign of how hard it has become to scrape together enough cash to purchase a home. It’s especially tough in the pricey Washington area, where more than half of borrowers put down less than 10 percent.

Prospective home buyers may soon face a rude awakening.

Seeking to avoid a repeat of the foreclosure crisis, the Obama administration and regulators have proposed rules that are all but certain to boost the interest rates and fees on many low-down-payment loans. Only borrowers putting down 20 percent could get the best deals.

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Tough Times Call For Small Projects Around Home

2011-04-12T08:04:00.000-06:00

When Dee Shidaker decides to fix up her home, she doesn't do it halfway.

That's why Shidaker -- who on a recent afternoon was shopping for screening at a Lowe's home improvement store at 4625 W. Charleston Blvd. -- recently finished a bathroom renovation project that included removing a bathtub, installing a soaking tub and putting in a new sink.

How long did it all take? "I don't know," Shidaker said, estimating "a couple of weeks to gut it and put in new drywall and tile the floor."

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60 Minutes Investigates 'Cutting Corners' On Foreclosures

2011-04-11T14:58:00.000-06:00

The mortgage crisis is far from over.

60 Minutes takes a new look at the state of the foreclosure crisis, interviewing homeowners, a regulator and so-called robo-signers, who approved thousands of foreclosure documents daily without reading them.

"It was just a matter of cutting corners," Sheila Bair, chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, tells CBS' Scott Pelley.

Home prices continue to fall, and record numbers of homeowners continue to lose their homes to foreclosure. Worse, the crucial documentation that should help organize this mess often makes matters more complicated, as homeowners and investors claim that banks botched or forged paperwork, raising concerns that many homeowners have been wrongfully kicked out of their homes.

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Which is Better: Renting or Buying a Home?

2011-04-11T11:58:00.000-06:00

Before our nation’s housing crisis began in 2007, the rent-vs.-buy question wasn’t really a question at all. Because the answer was: If you can afford it and you’re going to stay put long enough to recoup the transaction costs, you buy. Simple.

That’s because, for the generations leading up to the Great Recession, buying was always superior to renting for two reasons – one societal and one financial.

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10 Easy Ways To Brighten Home For Spring

2011-04-08T08:13:00.000-06:00

Many homeowners equate the arrival of spring with cleaning. But spring is also the perfect time to give your interior decor a face-lift.

Valley interior designers suggest welcoming spring into your home by incorporating simple decorating ideas that mirror nature's seasonal transformation. These 10 ideas will help you get started.

Multimillion-Dollar Homes on Sale for Half Price

2011-04-07T15:06:00.003-06:00

If you’ve dreamed of owning a million-dollar home, the time is now. According to the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), high-end homes in the U.S. are now listed for 27 percent less than their prices at the peak of the market in June 2006. That translates into hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings — and the possibility of buying a million-dollar home for, say, $500,000.

Los Angeles real estate agent Gary Gold of Hilton & Hyland confirms most of the homes in the million-dollar bracket are selling for a third less than the peak market price — and that many of his clients are taking advantage of the discount.

One Way to Sell Your House: Ask the Right Price

2011-04-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

In the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ 1991 hit “Learning to Fly,” the long-faced singer bemoans how “what goes up, must come down.”

That’s the feeling as the once red-hot real estate market across the country cooled for the past few years. Patch wondered what the local and national real estate scenes are now, and asked some Glen Ellyn experts in the field about it.

Beth Lindner is a Keller Williams Realty broker representing sellers. She finds that her area is holding its own.

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Proposed Settlement Would Force Banks To Allow Short Sales For Delinquent Homeowners

2011-04-06T15:54:00.000-06:00

Major banks may be forced to let severely delinquent homeowners sell their houses for less than the loan amounts owed as part of a broad settlement of federal and state investigations into botched foreclosure paperwork, according to government officials involved in the negotiations.

The requirement to allow so-called short sales would be in addition to forcing mortgage servicers to reduce the amount some homeowners owe on their loans, said two officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because negotiations are ongoing.

The goal of short sales would be twofold: provide a quicker and more economical way for banks to dispose of distressed real estate and to help stabilize the real estate market by clearing out a backlog of defaulted mortgages that are poised for foreclosure.

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Utah Law Gives Owners Some Protections In Foreclosure

2011-04-06T07:50:00.000-06:00

Gov. Gary Herbert has signed into law the only bill to emerge from the Legislature that attempts to deal with the thousands of home foreclosures expected in Utah this year.

One in every 273 homes in Utah had a foreclosure filing in February, the fourth-highest rate in the nation, according to RealtyTrac, a California company that collects real-estate data. It said 3,488 properties had some kind of foreclosure notice filed last month.

SB261 allows homeowners who were illegally foreclosed on to seek damages. It also requires that homeowners be given written notification that a foreclosure sale is proceeding despite any reduced payment agreement and are liable for damages if they do not.

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Don't Over Invest When Remodeling

2011-04-05T15:47:00.000-06:00

Everyone wants to improve the look of their home. Whether you're looking to sell or you just want to spruce it up, if you' re thinking about remodeling, According to Angie Hicks with Angie’s List the first thing you should do is access your home and your neighbors.

"When it comes down to it you don't want to over invest. You don't want the most expensive house on the block. So, know what your neighbors have and also know how long you're going to live in the house because that's going to determine whether you get a good return."

If you plan on moving in the next few years keep it simple.

"You want to think about improving cosmetic things that improve curb appeal, fix leaky faucets, and fix the little things because keep in mind when people are thinking about buying a house they are looking for reasons to rule it out. little things might make them start thinking about big things that could be wrong,” says Hicks.

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'Worst' Trashed House Attracts Lots of Offers

2011-04-05T07:44:00.000-06:00

A once luxury home in Huntington Beach, Calif., is moldy, cement was poured down the drains, and a Jacuzzi tub was left running water for months. But after being listed on the market for less than two weeks for $1,142,000, it has already received five offers. What’s more, two of the offers were “well over” the list price, the real estate agent Tom Moon told The Orange County Register.

Moon says the 3,321-square-foot house was the worst example of “malicious vandalism ” of foreclosed homes he had ever seen. Chemicals and cement had been poured down the drains and a floor in the home actually caved in from the weight of a pile of wet clothes and trash. Appliances, sinks, toilets, cabinets, countertops, and flooring were taken from the home too.

“This home needs drywall completion and installation of all interior decor,” Moon says. Mold remediation and new pipes have been completed since the home went on the market.

FHA Announces It Will Continue To Insure Wholesale Houses

2011-04-04T14:41:00.001-06:00

Once again the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has announced that it will be extending its anti-flipping waiver, allowing buyers to continue to use FHA-insured loans to purchase homes that are being resold within 90 days of their purchase[1]. The law was originally enacted in 2003 to “ease fraudulent transactions” in which investors bought houses for low prices and then sold them for higher ones, relying on the fast pace of appreciation and the buying mania at that time to make the house salable at a higher value (FHA believes that these values were inflated) rather than taking time to make improvements to the property. The FHA found that buyers in these transactions were more likely to default on their loans and that incidences of straw buyers and unethical appraisal methods were much higher on flips. As a result, the administration opted to stop insuring home loans on these properties.

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Why House Prices Will Keep Falling

2011-04-04T08:39:00.000-06:00

Tuesday's release of the monthly Case-Shiller U.S. house price index shows a 3.1% year-over-year decline for January. The index of 20 big U.S. cities fell to 140, just a point and change above its spring 2009 low in the wake of the financial meltdown.

The "dismal" showing included 11 cities hitting postbubble lows and "no real hope in sight for the near future," according to S&P's David Blitzer. Robert Shiller, the Yale professor who started the index along with Karl Case of Wellesley, said this month that "there's a substantial risk of home prices falling another 15%, 20% or 25%."

The latest declines have some wags declaring now the time to buy a house. They see a recovering economy boosting incomes, the collapse of the homebuilding industry trimming oversupply and low interest rates making property more affordable than ever.

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Free Home? Iowa Couple Investigated

2011-04-01T14:00:00.002-06:00

Authorities are investigating an Ankeny, Iowa, couple who--after only making one mortgage payment--were able to save their home from foreclosure and have their mortgage voided by using a loophole in a 100-year-old state law.

The couple was able to get their mortgage voided by using a law requiring both spouses’ signature on the mortgage documents. During court foreclosure proceedings on their home, Matt and Jamie Danielson blamed a hasty home loan approval by their lender and the fact that Jamie Danielson never signed the mortgage in 2007 as reasons to keep their house and void the mortgage. They won in court.

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Top 6 Cities Where Buying Is Better Than Renting

2011-04-01T07:56:00.000-06:00

Cities that had been hard-hit by the housing market crash now offer some of the best buys in real estate and where it makes much more sense to buy than rent, according to a new report from Deutsche Bank. The bank’s study measures affordability by the share of income that Americans are paying to own a home as well as the cost of owning vs. renting.
Here are six of the cities that topped Deutsche Bank’s list.

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Celebrity Real Estate: Divorced Stars' Homes For Sale (PHOTOS)

2011-03-31T14:53:00.000-06:00

Much has been is written about what happens to the kids, the love life, and even the pets after divorce, but what about the house?

If you're a celebrity, chances are you'll ditch it to move on to new--and sometimes better--digs. Here, 5 exes who put their marital homes on the market. Check 'em out and tell us: are you interested in purchasing a piece of celebrity-divorce history?

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Pending Sales of U.S. Existing Homes Unexpectedly Climbed 2.1% in February

2011-03-31T08:49:00.001-06:00

A gain in the number of Americans signing contracts to buy previously owned homes in February failed to make up for the ground lost a month earlier, a sign the U.S. housing market has yet to join the economic recovery.

The index of pending home resales increased 2.1 percent after a 2.8 percent drop the prior month, figures from the National Association of Realtors showed today in Washington. The median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey of economists called for little change.

Click Here to Read: Pending Sales of U.S. Existing Homes Unexpectedly Climbed 2.1% in February...

Banks Push to Weaken Dodd-Frank Risk Rules

2011-03-30T15:32:00.000-06:00

Bank regulators are set to hold an open meeting on Tuesday to discuss a controversial risk-retention rule for mortgages—and its even more controversial carve-out.

Under the Dodd-Frank financial reforms, banks are required to retain at least five percent of the risk on mortgages they securitize.

The idea was that banks would be more careful about making loans and structuring mortgage-backed securities if they were required to keep a part of the credit risk. From the start, that has had banks griping that this will choke off the mortgage market and raise borrowing costs of home-buyers.

Click Here to Read: Banks Push to Weaken Dodd-Frank Risk Rules...

Casual Chitchat Can Cost Money On Real Estate Deals

2011-03-30T08:29:00.002-06:00

The agent in Cory Brewer's Mercer Island, Wash., RE/MAX office received an offer that was far below his client's asking price. But before the contract could be presented to the seller, the would-be buyers posted on their Facebook page how badly they wanted the house and how much they really were willing to pay.

Oops! Bad move. The seller saw the posting and countered at the higher price. The buyers accepted because they loved the place that much, and the deal closed a few weeks later.

The moral to this little tale: When it comes to something you would rather the other side not know, treat them like the enemy and keep your yap shut. Or, as Brewer advises, "Don't talk publicly about what's in your real estate contract, at least not until afterward. You never know when something you say might come back to bite you."

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Are Short Sales A Good Bargain?

2011-03-29T15:06:00.002-06:00

In this economy, where many homeowners are desperate to sell their homes, short sales can be a great bargain for the well-informed homebuyer.

"A short sale," according to Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul realtor and real estate blogger Tom Sommers,"is when the seller is saying to the bank, "we can't afford to stay here due to financial hardship. Can you let us sell it for less than we owe?" That's what creates the short."

The bank often agrees to the short sale because it guarantees, even at a loss, a larger percentage of money back. Also, the bank doesn't have to go through the expense of the foreclosure process and doesn't have to kick anyone out of their home.

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For Real Estate, A Giant Spring Clearance Sale

2011-03-29T08:12:00.000-06:00

In suburban Chicago, it's paradise to be a homebuyer.

At the Millbrook Pointe development in quaint and pristine Wheeling, a $269,000, brick-and-stone townhouse comes with $25,000 in free upgrades, including wood-burning fireplaces, all-stainless steel kitchens and marbled bathrooms tricked out with double-bowl vanities and whirlpool soaker tubs.

Down the highway at the Patriot Place golf course villas in Bolingbrook, buyers are lavished with lawns sodded to perfection, absurdly low seller financing and a year of free insurance that will pay the mortgage if you lose your job.

At the Sunset Ridge estates, the amenity bonanza gets even more surreal: Buy a customizable colonial for as little as $170,000 and get a brand new, $17,000 Chevy Cruze. The 2011 model. For free.

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Design Your Door for Curb Appeal in 2011

2011-03-28T10:06:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the growing trend of people residing in their current homes longer than in previous years, homeowners nationwide are currently embracing ways to enhance the curb appeal of their houses. And, with a new 2011 federal energy tax credit of up to $500, there’s even more incentive for homeowners to upgrade their entryways.

“Changes to the exterior keep a home ‘fresh-looking’ and create a rewarding home ownership experience,” says Tom Kraeutler, host of the national home improvement radio show The Money Pit. “Replacing a home’s entryway with a fiberglass door can significantly increase the curb appeal of a house while providing homeowners with enhanced energy efficiency benefits.”

What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About Termite Inspections

2011-03-28T02:26:00.001-06:00

So you’ve just spent the past few months fixing up all of your home’s little eyesores, cleaning every window in the house, and planting plenty of flowers out front to boost the property’s curb appeal. The house looks great! You proceed to put it on the market.

Then it happens. A buyer walks-in, loves the place –and all of the hard work you recently put into it–and makes an offer. You accept the offer and go into escrow. Then the termite inspection comes in: You have a major infestation.

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Republicans Seek to Sell Off Disposable Federal Real Estate to Help Pay Debt

2011-03-25T13:43:00.000-06:00

Three Republican lawmakers are seeking to force Uncle Sam to sell about 3.3 million acres of land he no longer needs to help pay down the national debt.

Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Mike Lee of Utah and Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah introduced legislation this week in their respective chambers that would order Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to dispose of the federal property that the Clinton administration identified in a 1997 report as suitable for sale.

Click Here to Read: Republicans Seek to Sell Off Disposable Federal Real Estate to Help Pay Debt...

With Short-Sale Offer Refused, Foreclosure May End Up The Best Option

2011-03-25T08:52:00.001-06:00

The only way to save the most money (and know for sure you’re getting a good deal) is for at least two of these to be true. The best scenario is when you’re lowering the interest rate, lowering the monthly payment and shortening the term of the loan.

While renewing for a 30-year term might make sense for some people, you’re not maximizing the amount of money you can save.

If you have already paid down eight years of the loan, you’ll actually lose money in almost every scenario if you stretch the loan term back to 30 years. For example, if you have 22 years left on your loan, shortening the loan term to 20 or 15 years (preferably 15) means you save years of payments on the mortgage. That translates into thousands of dollars.

Click Here to Read: With Short-Sale Offer Refused, Foreclosure May End Up The Best Option...

Why Short Sales Take So Long

2011-03-24T14:56:00.000-06:00

Most folks these days know what a short sale is, but here’s a quick review: A short sale is when a home is bought for less than what the seller owes the bank.

The lender being “shorted," or getting paid less than they are owed, has to agree with the terms of the new buyer and the purchase price being offered.

Click Here to Read: Why Short Sales Take So Long...

A Tidal Wave Of FHA Foreclosures Are About To Hit The Market

2011-03-24T07:16:00.000-06:00

Last month I reviewed an interesting article on The Wall Street Journal website. The article stated that mortgage default rates were dipping for nearly all loan types with the one exception being FHA types of financing. Those default rates had actually amplified over the past year. Why you may ask? Well, when the market crashed the government enacted tax incentives for first time home buyers and plenty of potential new buyers inundated the market. Most of those consumers were cash strapped therefore most were encouraged to use Federal Housing Administration financing for the low down payment opportunities. And, in plenty of states, if a buyer used this financing there were incentives for $100 down payments. Many states still make available this program while others have abandoned it. My mind began to rattle when I began to think about what actually has transpired over the past several years.

Click Here to Read: A Tidal Wave Of FHA Foreclosures Are About To Hit The Market...

Boost Your Curb Appeal During Difficult Months

2011-03-23T15:02:00.000-06:00

Now that virtually all the winter’s snow has melted and it’s easier to navigate the streets, let’s consider something calculated to get people slamming on the brakes:

Curb appeal, that special something that makes prospective buyers stop for a better look at a house for sale.

In normal market times, the National Association of Realtors says, 49 percent of buying decisions are based on curb appeal.

Click Here to Read: Boost Your Curb Appeal During Difficult Months...

Young Home Buyers Will Lead Housing Market Recovery, Says NAHB

2011-03-23T07:15:00.000-06:00

Generation X—young families and adults ages 31 to 45—are likely to lead the home-buying recovery as it gets underway, according to real estate experts who spoke at an educational webinar produced by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in partnership with Builder magazine.

These potential home buyers are most likely to think it’s a good time to get off the fence—and have strong opinions about the design features their new homes will include.

Click Here to Read: Young Home Buyers Will Lead Housing Market Recovery, Says NAHB...

Erin Nordegren – Tiger Woods ex Snaps up Luxury Beach Front Home

2011-03-22T14:20:00.000-06:00

Eighteen months after the divorce that rocked America , the ex wife of legendary golfer Tiger Woods, Elin Nordegren has splashed out on a 1932 built two storey luxury mansion in an exclusive North Palm Beach area known as Seminole Landing. The stunning beach front property is situated just 11 miles from her ex husband Wood’s residence.

Click Here to Read: Erin Nordegren – Tiger Woods ex Snaps up Luxury Beach Front Home...

Buying a First Home

2011-03-22T08:12:00.003-06:00

Last fall, Gretchen Steinmiller Torres and her husband, Dustin, bought their first place, a $204,000, four-bedroom, 2½-bath house in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio -- even though they didn't have immediate plans to use much of the space.

"We have a baby room in our house with no baby," says Ms. Torres, 29 years old, adding that the newly constructed home is in a good school district. Now they just have to grow into it.

Click Here to Read: Buying a First Home...

Decorating Green: Bamboo Fabrics Available For Your Home!

2011-03-21T15:07:00.000-06:00

As individuals (and consumers), we can make the choice to have a greener home. We can choose Energy Star appliances. We can put in skylights to reduce our energy use in the home. We can stock our linen closets with organic towels and organic sheets. We can fill our closet with bamboo clothing. And now, thanks to the Brentano Company, there are even more eco-friendly fabrics available for a wide range of interior applications such as drapery, panel and upholstery fabric.

Founded in 1990 by Iris Wang and E-Kwan Chen, Brentano is committed to providing beauty + performance. With their growing collection of eco-fabrics, they are also committed to making textiles meet rigorous standards of environmental consciousness while maintaining their beauty.

Click Here to Read: Decorating Green: Bamboo Fabrics Available For Your Home!...

How to Jump Through Condo-Lending Hoops

2011-03-21T07:52:00.000-06:00

Borrowers run into two problems when getting a mortgage on a condominium: strict standards that make it hard to qualify for a condo loan, and high costs.

These issues beset condo buyers who want to get mortgages as well as people who already own condos and want to refinance.

"Condos are like the canary in the coal mine, a leading indicator of the health of the real estate market," says John McClellan, a branch manager with Supreme Lending in Austin, Texas. "Recently, lenders' biggest losses came from condos, so they are viewed as risky." Some lenders reject condo loans altogether.

FTC Cracks Down On Foreclosure Fraud Operation

2011-03-18T14:48:00.000-06:00

As many homeowners continue to have trouble meeting their mortgage payments, foreclosure scams have proliferated.

Saying it is cracking down on foreclosure scams, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) broke up a national operation based in Florida that it says targeted financially distressed consumers using direct mail, the Internet, and telemarketing. These borrowers were falsely promised loan modifications.

Giving an idea of how pervasive these foreclosure scams are, the state of Florida foreclosure prevention website, the Hardest Hit Fund, begins by warning about copycat websites. Website visitors, the Hardest Hit Fund website warns, should verify that the website is the official site before providing personal information. Application for and participation in the program is free.

Click Here to Read: FTC Cracks Down On Foreclosure Fraud Operation...

Five Mortgage And Foreclosure Myths

2011-03-18T07:44:00.000-06:00

In a mortgage market that changes as quickly as this one, today’s fact is tomorrow’s fiction. For buyers, misinformation can be the difference between qualifying for a home loan or not.

Sellers and owners, knowledge is foreclosure-preventing, smart decision-making power! Without further ado, let’s correct some common mortgage misconceptions.

Click Here to Read: Five Mortgage And Foreclosure Myths...

Major Changes Ahead For Mortgage System

2011-03-17T15:47:00.000-06:00

Fundamental changes are probably ahead for the American mortgage system as the federal government pushes to unwind its unprecedented involvement in the housing market.

These changes could significantly raise the down payments demanded by lenders, curtail the availability of long-term mortgages with fixed interest rates, and increase the cost of borrowing in general.

The government's effort to scale back its role in housing could show up in small ways soon. In April, the Federal Housing Administration plans to raise the annual premium it charges borrowers by a quarter of a percentage point. In October, the maximum size of loans that the federal government backs is scheduled to drop to $625,500 from $729,750. The most dramatic proposal - eliminating mortgage financiers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - could take five to seven years.

Click Here to Read: Major Changes Ahead For Mortgage System...

House Votes To Kill FHA Short Refis

2011-03-17T08:44:00.006-06:00

In a largely symbolic move given the Obama administration's veto warnings, the House of Representatives has voted to kill the Federal Housing Administration's short refinancing program.

HR 830, The FHA Refinance Program Termination Act, was approved by the House in a 256-171 vote, with 18 Democrats joining 238 Republicans in favor of ending the program.

Critics say the program -- which allows underwater borrowers who are current on their loans to refinance into an FHA-insured mortgage if their lender agrees to write off at least 10 percent of their principal -- has gotten off to a slow start. Taxpayers may be on the hook for up to $8 billion to reimburse lenders for a share of their potential losses on the loans, critics say.

Click Here to Read: House Votes To Kill FHA Short Refis...

Foreclosed Homeowners Get Unexpected Windfalls

2011-03-16T15:28:00.000-06:00

Dozens of former homeowners who lost their houses to foreclosure have been calling public trustee offices across Colorado to see whether they have any money coming to them.

"We had no idea until we saw it in the newspaper," said Anthony Michaels of Denver, whose mother, 92-year-old Fayetta Curry, and his younger sister, Sharon Parker, were among a list of individuals due funds from a foreclosure auction.

The Denver Post on Tuesday highlighted how county public trustees and treasurers have hundreds of thousands of dollars in unclaimed funds that belong to homeowners whose houses were sold at auction.
Michaels' family members were among those eligible to collect more than $635,000 in unclaimed money but never knew it.

U.S. Inquiry on Military Family Foreclosures

2011-03-16T08:22:00.000-06:00

The Justice Department is investigating allegations that a mortgage subsidiary of Morgan Stanley foreclosed on almost two dozen military families from 2006 to 2008 in violation of a longstanding law aimed at preventing such action.

A department spokeswoman confirmed on Friday that the Morgan Stanley unit, Saxon Mortgage Services, is one of several mortgage and lending companies being investigated by its civil rights division. The inquiry is focused on possible violations of a federal law that bars lenders from foreclosing on active-duty service members without a court hearing.

Click Here to Read: U.S. Inquiry on Military Family Foreclosures...

Realtors Seek Reforms On ‘Short Sales'

2011-03-15T14:23:00.000-06:00

With fewer than three of every five short sales successfully closing in California, desert Realtors have joined their peers statewide to ask regulators, elected officials, business organizations, lenders and others to initiate reforms.

Homeowners with proven hardships can negotiate “short sales,” essentially agreements that enable them to sell their homes for less than the balances owed in order to avoid foreclosure.

Those who own homes and are “upside down” in their mortgages, as well as mortgage lenders, may want to take advantage of the federal Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative program, or HAFA, California Desert Association of Realtors officials said.

Click Here to Read: Realtors Seek Reforms On ‘Short Sales'...

Doors A Missed Design Opportunity To Spruce Up Home

2011-03-15T08:28:00.000-06:00

It’s a design opportunity that’s easily missed: Even the most stylishly decorated rooms often have bland wooden doors with cheap hardware.

High-end designers have always made doors a priority, says Brian Patrick Flynn, an interior designer and founder of decordemon.com. “If you look at any Fifth Avenue apartment” in New York City, he says, “you’ll probably fall in love with their doors because they blend architecture with decorating and make it really special.”

But many of us ignore the doors in our homes, not realizing what a difference they can make to the look of a room.

Click Here to Read: Doors A Missed Design Opportunity To Spruce Up Home...

Banks’ Loan Quagmire Snares 3 In Utah Family

2011-03-14T15:12:00.000-06:00

If the Olsens of Utah County are any indication, the dysfunction among the nation’s banks who service mortgages runs long and deep.

Three members of the same family have experienced mounting frustrations, dislocations and months of stress in trying to renegotiate loans on their homes after they had financial setbacks. Each had bought or constructed homes near the height of the housing market only to see their finances and homeownership threatened for a variety of reasons in the economic meltdown.

Each at some point made decisions about their loans and their dealings with the banks out of frustration or naivete about negotiating with large and, based on their experiences, what appears to be poorly administered processes at the institutions.

Click Here to Read: Banks’ Loan Quagmire Snares 3 In Utah Family...

Tips On Redesigning Your Home, Your Way

2011-03-14T10:28:00.000-06:00

Ask around and you might hear a few horror stories about custom building a home.

Yet when builders do a good job structurally, the difference between the dream experiences and the nightmares often starts with the decision-making process.

Clients face a bounty of options regarding styles, finishes, materials and colors. Unless they're accustomed to their own success as designer, or have chosen to work with a professional, the intrepid may find themselves drowning in indecision.

Success begins with "being honest with yourself" and your builder about "purpose, personal style and budget," said builder/remodeler Erin Widener Speckhart, president of Virginia Beach-based Widener Corp.

Click Here to Read: Tips On Redesigning Your Home, Your Way...

Professor Shares Tips On Buying A Home

2011-03-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

Buying a house is not just about getting the most for the money, contrary to popular opinion.

Bryan Sudweeks, an associate professor at the Marriott School of Management, taught the class “Buying a Home” as part of the Show Me the Money financial planning seminar at the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center on Saturday.

“The single biggest mistake young couples make out of school is buying too big a home,” he said.

Click Here: Professor Shares Tips On Buying A Home...

Report: Gender Matters When Buying A Home

2011-03-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Are homebuyers looking for brand-new buys? Or, are fixer-uppers the way to go? According to the 2011 TD Canada Trust Home Buyers Report that decision may depend on your gender.

Mobile Mortgage Specialist Barry Rathburn says some people just don't want to take a chance. "I found women tend to be more conservative than men... less willing to take a risk. Most men are renovators at heart; they can see where they can change things to make a lifestyle situation out of the house."

Click Here: Report: Gender Matters When Buying A Home...

Real Estate Porn: Take A Look At Kate Moss’ Leopard Living Room

2011-03-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

First it was burgled, then it was flooded, then it was exorcised — and now it’s for sale. Kate Moss‘ five-bedroom London abode is on the market for 7 million pounds (about $11 million US), though the paid the equivalent of $12 million for it back in 2007. So, what does 11 million big ones get you?

Click Here to Read: Real Estate Porn: Take A Look At Kate Moss’ Leopard Living Room...

Homeowners in Danger of Foreclosure Are Most Vulnerable to Con Artists and Financial Scams

2011-03-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

As foreclosures continue to rise across the nation, homeowners in financial distress need to be vigilant in protecting themselves against con artists and scams, according to Oyezz Real Estate, a leading local firm specializing in “short sales” as alternatives to foreclosure.

“When someone is under financial stress, they are much more vulnerable to becoming a victim of fraud,” says John Anderson, president of Oyezz. “Homeowners have to look past the smooth talk and appealing promises and thoroughly research the people and companies they choose to help them address their problems.”

The number one rule, Anderson says, is that homeowners should never pay anyone or any company an up-front fee to conduct a loan modification, arrange a short sale, or stop a foreclosure.

Click Here to Read: Homeowners in Danger of Foreclosure Are Most Vulnerable to Con Artists and Financial Scams...

Some Tips On Buying A New-Construction Home

2011-03-09T15:47:00.001-07:00

Homebuilders are eager to rack up sales this spring, and many are offering incentives and even some price reductions on homes.

So how best to find a good deal on a new home?

While homeowners looking to sell their property might balk at an offer that is too low and pull their home off the market, homebuilders have money invested in land and construction costs and can't afford to just sit on the homes they build.

With a little research, anyone considering purchasing a new construction home can improve their chances of negotiating a better deal, says Michael Corbett, real estate expert and author of "Before You Buy! The Homebuyer's Handbook for Today's Market."

Click Here: Some Tips On Buying A New-Construction Home...

Utah Man Taking On Bank Of America In Loan Modification Dispute

2011-03-08T15:38:00.001-07:00

Many Americans have applied for the federal government's loan modification program, meant to keep them in their homes. Instead, less than a quarter of those who signed up have gotten any help.

The banks are being sued by several states and consumer class action lawsuits for their failure to follow through. But a Pleasant View man is standing up to Bank of America on his own.

Click Here to Read: Utah Man Taking On Bank Of America In Loan Modification Dispute...

How to Get Homes Sold in this Buyer’s Market

2011-03-08T08:32:00.001-07:00

You know it’s a buyer’s market. But you really need to sell your home now. Here are six tips to get homes sold even in today’s real estate market:

Click Here to Read: How to Get Homes Sold in this Buyer’s Market...

Florida Marlins’ Wes Helms Brings His Work Home

2011-03-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

Neighbors in the small Alabama town of Sterrett always knew where to find Wes Helms on his 53-acre farm over the winter. The man called “Uncle” on the Marlins often was ensconced in his custom-made, 3,000-square foot batting cage, working on a swing that deserted him last season.

Helms had gone from coauthoring a major-league pinch-hitting record with Ross Gload in 2009 to anchoring the worst pinch-hitting club in the National League in ’10. His pinch-hitting average plummeted from .347 to .114 in one year, and his pride plunged with it.

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Luxury 2BR Apt., $700 a Month: A Craigslist Scam!

2011-03-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

The ad on Craigslist last week sounded too good to be true. A two-bedroom apartment was available in Hoboken for a mere $700 a month, much lower than the usual starting price of around $1,500. This particular unit boasted marble floors, a laundry room, and a sixth-floor window overlooking Washington Street.

But across the country, ads like this one that sound too good to be true usually are. Details in the ads in Hudson County do make them seem legitimate – including the number of blocks the unit is from the local PATH station, and photos of the interior. One recent ad even provided an address on Second Street in Hoboken.

Foreclosures Drive Home Sales In Utah

2011-03-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Nearly one-fifth of all home sales in Utah last year were foreclosures, a new report shows.

The state’s share of distressed property sales, 19.7 percent, is lower than many other states, including neighboring Nevada (57.4 percent), Arizona (49.2 percent), Colorado (24.7 percent) and Idaho (28.4 percent).

Nationally, foreclosed homes accounted for nearly 26 percent of all U.S. residential sales, according to a report by RealtyTrac, which tracks foreclosures nationally.

In a normal market, foreclosures typically account for 1 percent to 5 percent of the home-sale market, said Daren Blomquist, managing editor of the RealtyTrac. Even though foreclosures are a smaller share of overall home sales in the state, “19 percent is still abnormally high,” he added.

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Southern Utah Housing Market Sees Bright Spot

2011-03-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sales of new homes tumbled 11.2 percent between December and January as home builders struggle to compete in markets saturated with foreclosed homes.

Economists call it a worrisome sign, because it follows the worst year for new home sales in nearly 50 years. But there may be a bright spot on the horizon for real estate, at least in Southern Utah.

It isn't hard to find a brand new house for sale in St. George. In fact, "for sale" signs seem to be everywhere after the region suffered greatly in the nationwide housing crisis.

But there is one market in Southern Utah that is suddenly booming.

Click Here to Read: Southern Utah Housing Market Sees Bright Spot...

Top 8 House-Hunting Mistakes

2011-03-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

Buying a home is a very emotional process, and allowing those emotions to get the best of you can cause you to make any number of mistakes. Since buying a home has many far-reaching implications, from where you will live to how hard it will be to make ends meet, it’s important to keep your emotions in check and make the most rational decision possible.

There are eight common emotional mistakes that people make when buying a home. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you find the best home-sweet-home.

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BofA May Owe Fannie, Freddie $230 Million for Foreclosure Delay

2011-03-03T08:07:00.002-07:00

Bank of America Corp. said it will probably have to pay government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac an additional $230 million because of delays foreclosing on mortgages bought by the firms.

Bank of America’s agreements with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac “provide for timelines to resolve delinquent loans through workout efforts or liquidation, if necessary,” the Charlotte, North Carolina-based lender said today in its annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission. “In the fourth quarter of 2010, we recorded an expense of $230 million for compensatory fees that we expect to be assessed by the GSEs as a result of foreclosure delays.”

Click Here to Read: BofA May Owe Fannie, Freddie $230 Million for Foreclosure Delay...

America's Most Expensive Homes

2011-03-02T15:04:00.002-07:00

Candy Spelling, widow of television giant Aaron, has listed the Manor, Los Angeles' largest, and arguably most opulent, house up for sale at US$150-million, out-pricing every other listed home in the country. Just down the street the owner of a sprawling classical style marble mansion is asking for US$125-million, making it the second most-expensive home in America. Yet another home for sale is in the triple-digit millions, a massive but secluded US$100-million Lake Tahoe ranch.

Banks Could Face Billions In Fines Over Foreclosures

2011-03-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

Two of the nation's largest banks may face billions in potential fines or enforcement actions from state and federal regulators over allegations of improper foreclosure paperwork.

Wells Fargo & Co. and Bank of America say they're being investigated by several government agencies over their foreclosure practices.

Regulators could seek upward of $20 billion in penalties for problems with the foreclosures, which would come from the Treasury Department and Department of Housing and Urban Development, is still in the works, according to several news reports.

Click Here to Read: Banks Could Face Billions In Fines Over Foreclosures...

Real Estate 101: What New Home Buyers Need To Know

2011-03-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

So you've decided to buy a house, but you're not sure if your finances are quite up to speed. Even if you hope to buy six months from now, there are numerous improvements and adjustments to be made in the interim, prior to taking on a mortgage.

First-time home buying is well documented as an arduous process, and much of that can be attributed to the sheer number of new and unexpected issues. Therefore, the more you know, the better you're likely to fare. Here, briefly, are some aspects buyers should consider when shoring up finances to buy a house.

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Buying A Home Long-Distance

2011-03-01T07:52:00.002-07:00

Although the Iribhogbes knew exactly what they wanted in a house, they were unable to shop around the traditional way. In fact, they closed on their house three weeks before they even saw it.

"I will tell you right now, everything was by faith," Alvin Iribhogbe said. "We believed in her."

"Her" was their Realtor -- Maria Vaill of Re/Max. Alvin and his wife, Adeola, had been living in Germany since 2007, where he was stationed for his job as a dental lab technician with the Army.

Click Here to Read: Buying A Home Long-Distance...

Yankees' Alex Rodriguez Takes Advantage of New York Tax Loophole

2011-02-28T15:46:00.002-07:00

New York Yankees baseball player Alex Rodriguez paid $6 million for his new five-bedroom, 3,000-square-foot penthouse on Manhattan's coveted Upper West Side. While city assessment records say Rodriguez would normally owe approximately $60,000 each year in property taxes, thanks to a loophole in the city tax code called 421A, the Huffington Post has reported that he will pay only $1,200 this year.

That loophole will let Rodriguez and the rest of his well-to-do neighbors enjoy paying almost no property tax for the next several years since the program grants a 98 percent real estate tax abatement for as much as 25 years to condominium owners in newly built housing. New York City's Independent Budget Office has reported the 421A program will cost New York City more than $900 million this year in lost tax revenues.

Click Here to Read: Yankees' Alex Rodriguez Takes Advantage of New York Tax Loophole...

Writing a Hardship Letter: Questions that Sellers Should Consider

2011-02-25T15:11:00.002-07:00

I review short sale packages for a living. It’s what I do. One part of the package that is interesting to me is the hardship letter.

In order to participate in a short sale, a borrower must have some sort of hardship. The bank actually requests a copy of a hardship letter.

The reason that the hardship letter is interesting to me is because it’s a tell—like in poker. It shows exactly where the seller is at with regard to their mortgage, their home, and even their emotional state. Some hardship letters are longer than my kids’ book reports, and others do not share enough information.

Click Here to Read: Writing a Hardship Letter: Questions that Sellers Should Consider...

Real Estate Terms And Jargon Made Simple, Understandable

2011-02-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

You may be able by now to decipher what “double, non-fat, hold the whip, caramel macchiato” means, but today’s terminology in real estate has become more technical and confusing. Just as a barista staring you down and waiting for your order can be intimidating in the coffee shop, trying to read some property listing descriptions in today’s world requires a higher level of understanding.

To help sort through the technical jargon, here are some common terms heard in real estate today.

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Buying An "As Is" Home Is Sometimes Not Clear-Cut

2011-02-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Buyers who are looking at listings sometimes see a home listed as “as is.” That term seems pretty obvious, but oftentimes buyers and sellers are not on the same page as to what "as is" means.

"Generally, 'as is' means you are purchasing that property in its present condition with conditions," says Phyllis J. Pezenik, the vice president and managing director of DJK Residential.

So buyers and sellers should come to an agreement on what to expect, according to Pezenik. First, both sides need to know what things are expected to be included, unless otherwise stated.

Click Here to Read: Buying An "As Is" Home Is Sometimes Not Clear-Cut...

There's Life After Bailing On A Mortgage

2011-02-24T08:40:00.001-07:00

The typical questions about ethics and blame were not what three Huffington Post writers had in mind last year when they asked readers, "Are you considering walking away? Have you already walked away from an underwater mortgage?"

Nearly one in four American mortgages is worth more than the home it's tied to. That's about 10.8 million mortgages. Borrowers of 58 of those mortgages responded to the reporters. In the ensuing year, 10 homeowners lost touch with The Huffington Post but 48 stayed in contact and reported on their experiences. Today, just eight are still in their homes.

Click Here to Read: There's Life After Bailing On A Mortgage...

Britney Spears Splurges on $20 Million Luxury Mansion?

2011-02-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Britney Spears, 29, may be moving into new digs. The currently-hot singer/entertainer has reportedly purchased a luxury tudor-style mansion in the Hidden Hills section of Los Angeles, for a mere $20 million, reports MailOnline. The home is only a few miles from the $1.8 million house where she lives now. Britney had a good year, financially, coming in third on the Forbes magazine women-in-entertainment list, and she may have decided to invest some of her millions in property.

Click Here to Read: Britney Spears Splurges on $20 Million Luxury Mansion?...

The Foreclosure Of Patricia Kluge’s (Once) $100 Million Estate

2011-02-23T02:34:00.002-07:00

In 1990 self-made media billionaire, John Kluge, and his third wife, Patricia, called their marriage quits. The divorce settlement broke records, which perhaps is not all that surprising since Kluge was, with a$5 billion empire, the world’s wealthiest man that year.

Patricia Kluge walked away with alimony payments of $1.6 million per week (the interest accrued on one billion dollars per year at the time). But she also snagged some prime real estate: a hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands valued then at $20 million and an opulent 45-room Virginia estate called Albemarle.

Click Here to Read: The Foreclosure Of Patricia Kluge’s (Once) $100 Million Estate...

When Real Estate Means More Than A Place To Live

2011-02-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

Residential housing, at its most irrational, is focused solely on the social-emotional needs of the buyer or seller. Many people think owning a home proves one or more of the following things:

1. Proves you are grown up.
2. Proves you are successful.
3. Proves you are independent.
4. Proves you are a good “catch” in the dating world.
5. Proves you are a good spouse.
6. Proves you are a good parent.
7. Proves you are not a “loser” in a divorce.

This is all nonsense, but it is socially reinforced nonsense. Owning a house proves none of this, but owning property (whether it is a house or a condo) remains a socially-sanctioned outward marker of responsibility and worthiness. Being unable to buy, or losing a house to divorce or financial setback strikes some people as irresponsibility or unworthiness.

Click Here to Read: When Real Estate Means More Than A Place To Live...

Banks Push Home Buyers to Put Down More Cash

2011-02-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

The down payments demanded by banks to buy homes have ballooned since the housing bust, forcing many people to rethink what they can afford and potentially shrinking the pool of eligible buyers.

Last week, the Obama administration called for gradually raising down payments to a minimum of 10% on conventional loans, meaning those that can be bought or guaranteed by mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. And mortgage data show that private lenders are already pushing sharply higher the required down payments, mainly to mitigate their risk as home prices continue to fall.

Click Here to Read: Banks Push Home Buyers to Put Down More Cash...

Oh my, oh MERS!

2011-02-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

First the robo-signing controversy. Then the U.S. Bank v. Ibanez ruling. Now the next bombshell ruling in the foreclosure mess has just come down from a New York federal bankruptcy judge.

The case is In Re Agard, and it essentially throws a huge monkey wrench into a hugely important cog of the entire U.S. mortgage market, the Mortgage Electronic Registration System, Inc. known as MERS.

Click Here to Read: Oh my, oh MERS!...

Facing Foreclosure Without Missing A Payment: One Couple's Housing Nightmare

2011-02-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

For the past 30 days, Kendra and Todd Parker have been trying to figure out what to tell their four children, fearing that they, like millions of other Americans facing foreclosure, could be tossed out of their home.

But unlike the vast majority of homeowners in their predicament, Kendra Parker says she can prove she and her husband have not missed a single mortgage payment.

Click Here to Read: Facing Foreclosure Without Missing A Payment: One Couple's Housing Nightmare...

Which REO Should I Buy?

2011-02-18T14:29:00.003-07:00

As we start the new year of 2011, it promises to be more of the same. The economy is still sluggish, unemployment remains high, and foreclosure rates are continuing to climb. The retirement accounts people have been counting on for years are now evaporating under the added strain of bad economic conditions, increased taxes and government intervention and a general malaise of the public towards the future.

Due to these factors many investors are finding it necessary to take a more active role in their investment strategies. They are no longer willing to let some “wall street” yuppie with no business experience handle their retirement accounts or more to the point, their family’s future. To some investors the answer is to take a more active role in controlling their investments by becoming involved with more tangible assets, ones they can see, touch, and feel – like real estate. For these awakened investors, owning rental property can be an extremely effective way to protect their capital and generate cash flow.

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Kelly-Moore Paints Unveils Its Top 10 Home Design Trends for 2011

2011-02-18T10:52:00.001-07:00

Today's home, now more than ever, has become an epicenter for personal retreat. It's a place to escape and seek revitalization and renewal -- a safe haven and sanctuary to unwind and be at peace with the outer environment.

Mary Lawlor, manager of color marketing at Kelly-Moore Paints Company, Inc., a leader and innovator of waterborne-coating technology and the first major paint company to offer recycled paints, has identified 2011's Top 10 Home Design Trends to help homeowners reflect this sentiment.

Click Here to Read: Kelly-Moore Paints Unveils Its Top 10 Home Design Trends for 2011...

You’d Better Pay Attention to the Short Sale Settlement Statement

2011-02-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

In the past, the average real estate agent didn’t spend too much time scrutinizing the estimated closing statements. Usually, that task would be left to escrow officers, title officers or lawyers. With short sales being the new normal, scrutiny of these statements in the early stages of a short sale transaction is vital.

Why? Well . . . the banks request the settlement statement as part of the short sale package. The short sale lien holders want to see their bottom line. How much money are they going to net? How many cents on the dollar will they be forgiving?

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Fed Official Calls For Major Foreclosure Reforms

2011-02-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

A top federal regulator told bankers on Friday that a major investigation into Wall Street's foreclosure system has revealed a "broken" process that takes advantage of homeowners, further intensifying the debate over regulatory remedies to potential foreclosure fraud.

Mortgage companies have been accused of submitting fraudulent paperwork in the foreclosure process, prompting a brief suspension of foreclosures by several major servicers in the fall. This spectacle has undermined public faith in President Barack Obama's signature foreclosure-relief effort, the Home Affordable Modification Program, which relies on servicers to implement all of its critical components. The National Consumer Law Center estimates that half of the foreclosure cases it takes on are driven by improper actions by mortgage servicers, rather than fundamental problems with a borrower's ability to pay off a mortgage.

Click Here to Read: Fed Official Calls For Major Foreclosure Reforms...

They're Rich And Famous And In Foreclosure

2011-02-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

How does Nicolas Cage get behind on his mortgage payments? The same way other rich and famous people do.

"They've stretched themselves higher than they probably should have," says John Anderson, owner of Twin Oaks Realty in Minneapolis and a National Association of Realtors expert in foreclosures. Some couldn't keep up when the rates on their adjustable rate mortgages shot up, Anderson says. Price drops at the high end of the market were so steep that a sale wouldn't cover the debt. In other words, high-end homeowners face the same problems that plague the not-so-rich-and-famous.

Real Estate That's Changed Hands in World's Priciest Divorces

2011-02-16T15:44:00.002-07:00

Valentine's Day might be a time to celebrate love for one another, but let's not forget what happens when things turn sour. Of the umpteen romances that began with Champagne and strawberries, chocolate and love letters, many have ended in acrimony, alimony, and the financial strain of divorce. When some of the world's richest people break it off, the resulting settlements are sizable, and often include some eye-popping real estate. Rupert Murdoch, he of many hideouts, holds the dubious honor of participating in the most expensive divorce of all time: a whopping $1.7B. But seeing as we've already given the media mogul enough attention in these parts, we will delve into the ranks to find some more real estate lost or gained as a result of conjugal discord. So while you spend the night cuddling with a special someone—hey, even if you're all alone!—just be happy you haven't spent more than $150M on a marital mistake...yet.

Click Here to Finish Reading: Real Estate That's Changed Hands in World's Priciest Divorces...

Despite Fears About Buying A Home, Now May Be The Time

2011-02-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Interest rates are near historic lows. Real estate is more affordable than it was three years ago. And the inventory of homes for sale gives buyers more choices than they’ve had in years.

So why aren’t more people buying?

Certainly, there are scores of potential buyers who no longer can qualify for loans under today’s tighter lending criteria. And others can’t because of layoffs, pay cuts and other recessionary hardships.

Even among those who can and want to buy, many are still holding off out of fear that it just isn’t the right time, but are they missing an opportunity?

“Consumer confidence is really low,” said Eric Allen, director of Metrostudy in Salt Lake City, which tracks the housing market.”

Click Here to Read: Despite Fears About Buying A Home, Now May Be The Time...

Garage For Sale — Oh, And With A House Attached

2011-02-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

Molly and Stan Hyman are hitting the road and they've put their garage up for sale.

And by the way, their six-car garage comes with a house.

The Burbank couple are automobile enthusiasts and restorers who in 1995 custom-built their garage/house to give themselves room to rebuild and showcase vehicles.

Click Here to Read: Garage For Sale — Oh, And With A House Attached...

Towards A Fannieless Future Or Maybe Not

2011-02-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well the Obama administration’s proposal(s) for remaking the country’s mortgage finance system has finally arrived. It, to my mind, is both a reminder of the paucity of leadership we currently enjoy as well as an important document around which to frame, hopefully, a private system which delivers unsubsidized mortgages.

As with health care, Obama has once again displayed his preference for allowing Congress to bang out the nuts and bolts of a major policy. He has perhaps taken it a step further this time by offering up a menu of possible structures, lest he be tagged with advocating something that might need a defense in the 2012 elections.

Click Here: Towards A Fannieless Future Or Maybe Not...

Mystery European Buys ‘The Castle’ Home For $17.5-Million

2011-02-14T14:37:00.002-07:00

A historic stone mansion at 174 Teddington Park Avenue has been sold for $17.5-million, just three years after investors paid $13.5-million for the property and sunk another $5-million into renovations.

Kris and Margaret Isberg also severed a 100 x 190-foot lot from the site as part of the sale, squeezing another $6-million out of the property and ensuring a tidy $5-million profit on their investment.

Click Here to Read: Mystery European Buys ‘The Castle’ Home For $17.5-Million...

How To Do Short Sales: The Benefits For Everyone Involved

2011-02-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

Learning how to do short sales in the current changing marketplace is really challenging to keep up with, it’s an essential thing to do nowadays. If you’re able to disconnect and discover how to do short sales properly from individuals who can verify for you that they know what they’re speaking about then you’re going to be able to wrap your brain around the concept much easier.

You need to know the best way to be successful in this particular market to really make it and virtually all Real Estate Agents haven’t been educated the proper way. Most Realtors still don’t understand how to do them and in addition they say that they would rather not learn because of how hard they heard they are. Crazy huh? So… Precisely how to complete them the correct way without having to be scammed by fake authorities and worthless real estate “experts” who’re asking for you for precisely the same outdated re-written information.

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30% Of Mortgages Are Underwater

2011-02-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sometime, somehow, the foreclosure crisis will ease. But probably not anytime soon.

Home prices dropped 2.6% nationwide during the last three months of 2010, pushing more borrowers underwater, according to a quarterly real estate market survey from Zillow.com.

Now 27% of homeowners with mortgages owe more than their homes are worth. That's up from 23.2% a quarter earlier.

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Cost-Effective Ways To Boost Curb Appeal

2011-02-11T02:46:00.000-07:00

Anyone who's ever bought, sold or even just looked at a house can tell you first impressions matter. A house can be filled to the rafters with luxury touches, but if it lacks curb appeal, few potential buyers will ever step in the door to see what's inside.

With real estate sales still sluggish across the country, curb appeal is taking on a new meaning for many homeowners. While an attractive home exterior can still boost potential resale value, homeowners are also looking at curb appeal as a way to enhance the enjoyment of their homes. Giving the exterior of their home a facelift not only makes the house stand out on the street, it also allows homeowners to "move up" without the expense of remodeling or moving.

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America's Most Decadent Kitchens

2011-02-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

You need do no more research than watch a rerun of reality show The Osbournes to confirm that kitchens are the epicenter of American family life. We use them to cook, eat, congregate and mingle. So it's no wonder that home buyers fork over top dollar to create lavish spaces to dish out food.

Forbes has compiled a list of 15 U.S. homes for sale with dream kitchens a professional chef would salivate over. Our friends at Realtor.com, Trulia.com, Sotheby's International Realty and Coldwell Banker Previews International nominated dozens of luxury homes for the list. All contenders offered delectable cook spaces, but those selected from among homes ranging in price from $2 million to $68 million stood out for unique amenities or jaw-dropping layouts.

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Be Smart When Buying A Home Warranty

2011-02-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Consumers considering a home warranty need to do their homework and make sure they understand exactly what they are buying -- or possibly risk facing disappointment. Unfortunately, others have.

For the sixth consecutive year, companies that service home warranties -- service contracts designed to cover the cost of repair and replacement of common household appliances and home systems -- topped the worst-graded categories list compiled annually by Angie's List, an Indianapolis-based consumer ratings and review service with more than 1 million paid members.

Fifty-four percent of reviews submitted on home-warranty companies in 2010 rated poorly. Most of the complaints lodged concerned communication and professionalism, with many based on a misunderstanding about what the warranties covered and the quality of the repair work ultimately done.

Click Here to Read: Be Smart When Buying A Home Warranty...

To Rent or Buy a Home?

2011-02-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

In finding a house, it is critical to decide whether you’re going to rent it or buy it. Nonetheless, surveys say that buying a house will benefit you more in the long run compared to just renting a home; then again, all of it still basically comes down to what your needs are and what you can afford at the moment.

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The Art Of Buying Good Art For Your Home

2011-02-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

The walls are freshly painted, the hardwood floors gleam and the granite countertops complete your dream house — almost. Something is missing: a painting, print or sculpture that will complete the picture. But good art, you’re told, is quite expensive, and you’re not an expert.

What should you look for, and where? And how do you know if you’re getting good art?

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BofA Creates New Unit, Names Foreclosure Czar

2011-02-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

Bank of America Corp appointed on Friday a new foreclosure and loan modifications czar, and created a new unit to oversee problem home loans in a bid to sort out its ongoing foreclosure issues, becoming the first large U.S. bank to do so.

The new unit creates a seventh major division at the bank reporting directly to Chief Executive Brian Moynihan, an indication that the largest U.S. mortgage servicer is attempting to be more aggressive in resolving its problem loan portfolio.

Analysts said the move is a signal that major U.S. mortgage lenders have not yet turned the corner on dealing with the problem home loans on their books.

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Realtor, Home Seller Baffled When Bank Rejects Its Own Offer

2011-02-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

Stacy Baker fought for two years to sell her father’s house and to keep it from being auctioned off, but lost the fight even after her real estate agent said an offer was made to the bank that met its own conditions.

Baker’s father was 61 when he succumbed to complications from a heart transplant, and she said her father probably realized “it was the wrong decision after he bought it.”

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Understanding the Mansion Tax

2011-02-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

ccording to Wikipedia, a "mansion" is a "very large dwelling." U.S. realtors define a mansion as a dwelling of over 8,000 square feet, whereas a traditional European mansion was defined as a house which contained a ballroom and ten or more bedrooms.

While most homes in Edgemont and Scarsdale do not contain a ballroom, many property owners might feel as if they are taxed like mansions.

If you are lucky enough to afford a home valued at over a million dollars, you should be aware of New York tax law, section 1402-a, which imposes a one percent tax upon the buyer in the purchase of residential one, two or three family homes, including condominium or cooperative units.

This tax is more commonly known as the “mansion tax."

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Getting The Job Done: Home Stager Prepares For The Sale

2011-02-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

With so many homes for sale, sellers are looking to find any advantage they can to set their home apart from their neighbors. Home-staging businesses, assisted by numerous home-staging and decorating television shows, have sprouted to fill the need.

Carmen Wilber of DeLand started Style Fusion Home Staging last summer with her husband, Michael, helping her market the company. She is an accredited staging professional by the International Association of Home Staging Professionals.

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Unsold Mansions: The Elite Go Begging

2011-02-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

About 45 homes are for sale in the Tucson area with price tags over $2 million.

Some are tucked into secluded, cactus-laden canyons. Others are perched on rocky outcroppings overlooking the city. Many sit alongside lush golf courses in gated communities.

For the most part, they have something in common: They're not selling.

Five homes priced above $2 million sold in 2010. If that pace continues, it'll take about nine years to work through the existing inventory - and that's assuming no more come onto the market.

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U2's The Edge in Row Over Malibu Home Plans

2011-02-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

U2 guitarist The Edge is locked in a dispute with California authorities over plans to build five new luxury homes near Malibu, with officials claiming they would harm the local environment.

The star -- real name David Evans -- wants to build the houses on a ridge in the hills overlooking Malibu up the Pacific coast from Los Angeles, and has set up a website boasting they are environmentally-friendly.

But the California Coastal Commission has filed a report recommending that the planning applications be rejected when they go before local lawmakers next week.

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Even More Millionaires Defaulting on Mortgages

2011-02-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

The RealtyTrac organization predicted earlier this month that home foreclosures in 2011 will likely exceed the record 3.8 million reported in 2010.

CBS News correspondent John Blackstone reports one group of mortgage defaulters seems to be bucking the trend. In wealthy communities like La Jolla, Calif., living near the ocean is a privilege that many homeowners are willing to pay millions for.

For Darren Thomas that ocean view was quickly losing its value. He says, "I bought it for [$1.385 million]. It is worth less than [$800,000], maybe less."

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The Home's Changing Financial Role

2011-02-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

Homeownership used to be the bedrock of the American dream, but the economic storm and its lasting effects have radically changed how everyone — no matter what stage of life they're in — looks at their home.

Many potential home buyers are now hesitating, taking a closer look at their options. "People are starting to realize that the American dream of homeownership is not right for everyone," Kim McGrigg, community manager at Money Management International, a non-profit consumer credit counseling service.

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Traps Foreclosure Buyers Need To Know

2011-02-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

Interest in buying foreclosures is on the rise and the statistics show that nearly half of all home sales are distressed properties.

Even though it is hard to argue that these deals are the best pricewise, home buyers need to be aware of possible traps that exist when dealing with foreclosures and bank owned properties.

If you are thinking of buying a foreclosure at auction keep in mind that most likely you will not have an opportunity to see the property inside. Auction buyers usually don’t have the time to ensure they are getting a clear title and possible deficiencies may exist.

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Banks still holding 70% of REO from market

2011-02-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

RealtyTrac Senior Vice President Rick Sharga said major banks currently hold roughly 1 million REO, or homes repossessed through foreclosure, but only 30% have actually made it onto the market.

RealtyTrac is an online real estate channel where potential homebuyers look for properties discounted after the foreclosure process, along with more traditional sales. It also puts out monthly foreclosure numbers across the country by tracking filings from notices of default through repossession at the county level.

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The Worst Cities For Foreclosures In 2010

2011-01-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

The good news is foreclosure activity is down in the U.S. cities hardest hit by the housing market crisis. The bad news? Foreclosures in general have increased in 72% of all the other major cities across the country.

At least, that was the case in 2010, according to RealtyTrac’s “2010 MSA U.S. Foreclosure Market Report.” As a year-end re-cap, the online foreclosure marketplace leader crunched default data for America’s 206 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. They counted the total number of properties with at least one foreclosure filing entered into RealtyTrac’s database during the 2010 calendar year. If a property received more than one filing during the year, only the most recent was counted.

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