Today's Real Estate News and Advice
Updated: July 3, 2008
Real Estate Outlook: Resales Up, Rate DipDefinite signs of improvement continue to pop up in real estate around the country. Condo sales also jumped five and a half percent nationwide. Sales of existing homes were up even in some of the hardest hit local markets. Full StoryGas Prices Too High To "Waste" My Time with Buyers?
Are gas prices really too expensive for real estate agents? Columnist Jennifer Allan doesn't think so. Full StoryMind Your Star Spangled Manners
Even Americans who regularly pledge allegiance by flying the flag at home aren't always practicing correct flag etiquette. Here's how to mind your star spangled manners. Full StoryWhat if the Same Company Represents Buyers?
Usually, when there is talk of dual agency in real estate one has in mind a situation where both buyer and seller are represented by the same agent. The problem, presumably, is that it is difficult, if not impossible, for the same agent to represent parties that have competing interests. Can the same agent represent different buyers in such situations? Full StoryRealty Viewpoint: Reroute The Commute
The nation is learning a tough lesson -- that designing our lifestyles around cheap gas was a short-sighted mistake. Full StoryMortgage Rate Reverse Trend and Fall Off this Week
Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.35 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending July 3, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 6.45 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.63 percent. Full StoryWhy Shun Investors?
Foreclosures and short-sales are a growing part of our real estate inventory, so why don't we encourage more people to buy them? Columnist Peter G. Miller explains. Full StoryCondo Trends: Conversion Bailouts Latest Loan Fraud Scheme
Want to invest in a new condo with a guaranteed cash flow? Sound too good to be true -- it may be and it could be you're looking at the latest loan fraud scheme on the market. Full StoryInterest Rate Update
Today's Interest Rates from Realty Times are based on a 30 year amortization rate, with good credit and no origination fees. With no major economic news today to report, mortgage rates remain the same. Full StoryRealty Viewpoint: Bears Maul Stocks, Focus Off Of Housing
It's official. Wall Street has declared a bear market. Maybe that will move the mass hysteria away from housing. Full StoryMortgage Moment: Prepayments
#39 Full StoryHiring a New Agent?
tba Full StoryDisclose, Disclose, Disclose
A good rule of thumb when it comes to whether or not something should be disclosed about a home for sale: "If you can't figure it out, don't leave it out." Full StoryHOA Model Remodeling
Owning your own home is an American dream and, for many, a reality. In urban settings, homeowner associations have become a dominant form of new construction, often representing over two thirds of new homes. While HOA homeowners have many rights and privileges, they often concede certain freedoms usually enjoyed in more traditional home ownership. One particular area of concession involves remodeling. Full StoryTime Management Secrets
Is necessity really the mother of invention? Columnist Dr. Don Wetmore thinks so. Here's why. Full StoryMarket Conditions
According the National Association of Realtors -- existing home sales increased in May. Is this a sign of good things to come? Full Story