Today's Real Estate News and Advice

Updated: February 8, 2012

 Homeownership Possible Within Three Years After Foreclosure
Losing your home can be devastating to your credit, not to mention your psyche, but you can buy again within as few as three years after a foreclosure or short sale. If you lost your home to foreclosure or a short sale, don't lose hope. Don't hesitate. Begin today putting yourself in a good position to buy. FULL STORY->

Mortgage Rates Continue Low Despite Upbeat Economic Data
Since most of the news coming out of Europe has been helping to keep mortgage rates low, upbeat economic data in the U.S. did not have as much of an impact as was expected on Friday. The stock market remained down until Friday, when several key reports were released and investors returned to risky assets. FULL STORY->

Top 10 Flowers for Curb Appeal
Are you fighting a bad case of cabin fever this Winter? If so you're not alone! Dormant flower beds all across the nation are begging for some splashes of color. Here's a list of the top 10 inexpensive, easy-to-maintain flowers that will please those beds, your budget, and your neighbors. FULL STORY->

Ask the HOA Expert
Our HOA board has some funds that we want to put into a CD to earn more. The funds are not going to be needed for about 3-5 years. We are currently getting a very low rate of return in a Money Market account but can improve our position by 2-3% by long term CD investing. What are the downsides? FULL STORY->

The Tax Planning Countdown to 2013 Starts Now!
As we begin 2012, all real estate investors need to pay very close attention to the ever changing tax landscape. Particular attention needs to be paid to the significant tax increases slated to occur in 2013. FULL STORY->

Amendment to REALTOR® Code of Ethics Reflects Changes In Business Practices
The class of persons about whom Realtors® should not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements has recently been expanded. An examination of what this means and how it came to pass may be of interest. FULL STORY->

Inside The Interior Design Show
Where do interior designers go for trendsetting ideas and out-of-the-box design ideas? PJ Wade gives us an insider view of The Interior Design Show and tips for 2013. FULL STORY->

Real Estate Outlook: New Home Sales and Prices Decline
Pending existing-home sales may be up across the nation, but new home sales fell for the first the first time in three months in December. These latest figures come from the U.S. Commerce Department. FULL STORY->

Real Estate Marketing Strategies: Powerful Tips for Maximizing Your Success
The biggest obstacle to obtaining success is how you think of yourself. If you spend your day putting yourself down, then you will never move forward. Be conscious of how you talk and think about yourself and when it turns negative, stop yourself and think. There is always something to be happy about and you, loving yourself is certainly worth celebrating. FULL STORY->

Average Mortgage Rates Ease Setting New Record Lows
In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey®, the average mortgage rates dropped to new all-time record lows as data on economic growth fell short of market projections. All products in the PMMS survey, except the 1-Year ARM, averaged new lows. FULL STORY->

Why You Want a Guaranteed Title
Today's buyers are facing quite a diverse housing market. There are great deals for buyers and investors alike. Home prices are at all-time lows and interest rates are creating some enticing conditions. There are many deals to be had, but how does a buyer know when it's really safe to buy? FULL STORY->

Real Estate Drops But Second Home Market May See Increase
While homeowners fix up their properties, millions of baby boomers (40.7 million people ages 50-59 in the U.S.) prepare to retire and many are predicted to enter the vacation and rental property markets, which would fuel the demand for these types of properties for the next several years. FULL STORY->

Agents: Expanding Your Scope in 2012
Has your market weakened in the aftermath of the 2009 recession? If so, you’re not alone. Many agents are facing the need to expand their business in the coming year. What can you do to ensure your business survives even when times are lean? FULL STORY->

Fewer Real Estate Agents Wearing Rose-colored Glasses
A certain whistle-while-you-work sanguineness comes with the territory in the real estate sales business, but many of California's real estate professionals are having a tough time keeping a song in their hearts about housing. FULL STORY->

The Selling Power of Closets
At first glance your closets may seem like insignificant or unassuming rooms in your home. The truth is, however, that closets can be real selling features. Homes must have storage. From clothes to food to cleaning supplies, closets are the heart of every clean house. FULL STORY->

Mortgage Rates Remain Low While Mixed Reports Flourish
After several positive housing reports released this month, the National Association of Realtor's Pending Home Sales Index decreased 3.5% in December. Since it tends to be a slow month for housing due to several holidays, this report should not come as a shock. According to the Commerce Department, New Home Sales were also down 2% for the month of December. FULL STORY->

Clean up Your Credit
More than ever having a healthy credit score is important. It may mean the difference between securing a home loan or not. Don't let old habits or debts stand in your way of taking advantage of historically low interest rates and great deals on housing. FULL STORY->

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