Today's Real Estate News and Advice

Updated: December 3, 2008

 Interest Rate Buy-Down is Major Element of NAR Housing Stimulus Plan
At their recent meeting in Orlando, Florida, directors of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) gave formal approval to NAR's Housing Stimulus Plan. FULL STORY->

American Petroleum Institute Wins the 2008 Community Builder Award
Rebuilding Together, a leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership, honored The American Petroleum Institute (API) with the Patty R. Johnson Community Builder Award for 2008. FULL STORY->

Ask the HOA Expert
What are my options as an owner if the board and management company refuse to enforce one of the rules? This question and more in this week's column. FULL STORY->

So Many Different Business Plans: Which Do You Choose?
Do you ever get confused on what business aspect you should implement next? Just about anything is better than doing nothing at all while you wait for the business to come to you; however, is there one that is the best? FULL STORY->

The Small House Movement
Is the "bigger is better" mentality fading in terms of real estate? Are the days of McMansions coming to an end FULL STORY->

Real Estate Outlook: Sales Jump in Ailing Markets
Is the market rebouding? It all depends on where you are right now in real estate, and whether you recognize the signs of the cycle bottoming out in some of the once-most distressed local markets. FULL STORY->

30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Rate at Seven-Week Low According to Freddie Mac Weekly Survey
Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.97 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending November 26, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 6.04 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.10 percent. The 30-year FRM has not been this low since October 9, 2008, when it was 5.94 percent. FULL STORY->

Adopt the "Forge Ahead to Prosperity" Attitude Essential in Business
Canadians will suffer, directly and indirectly, from corporate survival strategies, but there are important lessons in this dogged determination to survive. PJ Wade encourages property owners to seek inspiration and survival techniques from every available source. FULL STORY->

Real Estate Outlook: Sales Jump in Ailing Markets
Is the market rebouding? It all depends on where you are right now in real estate, and whether you recognize the signs of the cycle bottoming out in some of the once-most distressed local markets. FULL STORY->

The Small House Movement
Is the "bigger is better" mentality fading in terms of real estate? Are the days of McMansions coming to an end FULL STORY->

Will 2009 Be an Awesome Year? 10 Tips To Get Ready
Here are 10 areas to include when you do your planning for 2009 from Columnist Joeann Fossland FULL STORY->

Market Conditions
According to the latest report from the U.S. Commerce Department, sales of new single-family homes were down in October. FULL STORY->

30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Rate at Seven-Week Low According to Freddie Mac Weekly Survey
Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.97 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending November 26, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 6.04 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.10 percent. The 30-year FRM has not been this low since October 9, 2008, when it was 5.94 percent. FULL STORY->

Agents Need to Be on Guard When Handling Short Sales
One of the things that happens when directors of the California Association of Realtors® (CAR) get together for meetings is that brokers, brokerage attorneys, and risk managers spend a fair amount of time talking about the kinds of cases and claims they are currently seeing. They also discuss trends in market practices that may be leading to future problems. FULL STORY->

Washington Report: Modifying Loan Terms
Modifying the mortgage terms of delinquent homeowners is one of the most debated concepts in Washington right now. FULL STORY->

Green Counter Tops Tell An Eco-Friendly Story
Upgrading kitchens is one of the best ways to increase value in your home. Deciding to remodel the kitchen using green recycled materials can add extra appeal. It also gives homeowners a good feeling knowing that once-wasted materials that are generated from glass manufacturers are now being put to good use. FULL STORY->

Hot Market: Elmira, NY -- Stable Economy, Moving Prices
Any business observer who believes U.S. manufacturing is dead in America only needs to visit the Elmira, New York area in Chemung County to find it in thriving existence. FULL STORY->

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