All USA
Bush Administration announces record $1.5 billion to support homeless programs nationwide
WASHINGTON, December 21, 2007 - A record number of local homeless programs across America will receive an unprecedented $1.5 billion in Continuum of Care grants announced today by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This historic-level funding will offer transitional and permanent supportive housing to more than 168,000 homeless individuals and families.
Statement on President Bush’s Signing of Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief By NAR President Richard...
WASHINGTON, December 20, 2007 - “On behalf of the many individuals and families who would have been burdened by a tax after losing their home, the National Association of Realtors® thanks President George W. Bush for signing the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act into law.
MHI Vigorously Opposing Freddie Mac’s Tax on Homeownership
Arlington, Va., Dec. 20, 2007 – The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) vigorously opposes Freddie Mac’s recent announcement that, as of March 1, 2008, it will be charging an additional “delivery fee” to lenders to purchase manufactured home mortgages of 50 basis points (or 0.5 percent of the loan balance). This delivery fee will be added to the current penalty of 0.5 percent of the loan balance that they already charge for manufactured home mortgages.
Foreclosures up 68 percent from last year
Foreclosure rates for November 2007 were 68 percent higher compared to the same month a year ago, mostly due to subprime borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages being unable to cope with the higher payment rates, mortgage research company RealtyTrac said Wednesday.
President signs mortgage forgiveness bill
President Bush signed a bill Thursday that would temporarily change the tax code so that when lenders adjust the terms of a mortgage loan, the forgiven debt will not be treated as taxable income.
The Beehive Helps Vulnerable and First-Time Homebuyers Buy Smart & Fight Foreclosure
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Increasing rates of homeownership is good for everybody -- boosting neighborhood investment, building assets, and strengthening community ties. At a time when working families across the country are losing their homes at an astounding pace, homeowners and prospective buyers need help to navigate this increasingly complicated process.
Interest rate freeze noted to help borrowers
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Tuesday that fast-tracking struggling mortgage holders into mortgage modifications is one of the actions the Treasury is facilitating to reduce foreclosures.
Different Solution to Mortgage Crisis Needed
COLLEGE STATION, Tex. – Dec. 18, 2007 – The five-year freeze on mortgage interest rates recently announced by the federal government may be intended to help responsible homeowners avoid foreclosure, but a noted economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University says there may be a better solution to the mortgage crisis.
FORECLOSURE ACTIVITY DECREASES 10 PERCENT IN NOVEMBER
IRVINE, Calif. – Dec. 19, 2007 – RealtyTrac® (realtytrac.com), the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties, today released its November 2007 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows a total of 201,950 foreclosure filings — default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions — were reported during the month, down 10 percent from the previous month but still up nearly 68 percent from November 2006.
Commercial Real Estate Fundamentals Are Sound But Investment Slowing
WASHINGTON, December 19, 2007 - The fundamentals in commercial real estate remain healthy with only slight increases in vacancy rates expected for the office and industrial sectors during 2008, although credit restrictions have recently slowed overall investment activity, according to the latest COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK of the National Association of Realtors
Realtors(R) Urge President To Sign Tax Relief Bill Quickly To Ease Foreclosure Burdens
WASHINGTON, December 18, 2007 - Many families and individuals are one step closer to seeing tax relief, thanks to the passage of the Mortgage Cancellation Tax Relief Act by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, according to the National Association of Realtors
Federal Reserve Would Allow Reckless Lending to Continue
The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) is uniquely positioned to restore confidence in the housing market because it is the one federal agency with the authority to set standards for all home loan originators. Unfortunately, the proposed rules issued by the FRB today represent yet another missed opportunity for the agency to rein in practices that have hurt millions of American families.
FHLBank Pittsburgh Awards $8.9 Million in Grants: 30 Projects with Nearly 1,000 Units of...
PITTSBURGH, PA - December 18, 2007 - The Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank Pittsburgh) has approved more than $8.9 million in grants under its Affordable Housing Program (AHP). The grants will help finance 30 housing projects across Delaware, Kentucky, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia, creating 987 units of housing with total development costs of more than $157 million.
Bill To Ease Foreclosure Crisis Passes Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 14, 2007 - Today, the U.S. Senate passed S.2338, legislation aimed at resetting interest rates to refinance without the usual burdens associated with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan, by a vote of 93 to 1. Much of the bill language was taken from the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 – legislation introduced by U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) last month in order to spur action by the Senate to help ease the foreclosure crisis and increase homeownership opportunities for millions of American first-time home buyers
Frank, others prod Fed on subprime lending
Dec. 14, 2007 - The Federal Reserve Board should bar prepayment penalties for subprime loans and limit the size and duration of any remaining prepayment penalties, 19 Democratic House Financial Services Committee members said in a letter yesterday to Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke.
Senate mortgage reform bill out
Dec. 14, 2007 - A Senate counterpart to the House-passed H.R. 3915 was introduced late Wednesday by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on behalf of Senate Banking Chairman Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and a dozen more panel members.
7 Tips for Selling a Home Faster and for More
Online real estate firm Redfin offers seven recommendations for selling a home faster and for more money.
FHA Legislative Will Help Homeowners, Economy, Says NAR
WASHINGTON, December 14, 2007 - The FHA Modernization Act of 2007, passed today by the U.S. Senate, would help protect the interest of America’s current and future homeowners by giving borrowers a safer alternative to riskier mortgage products while also helping many homeowners who may be facing foreclosure, according to the National Association of Realtors
Hitwise Ranks REALTOR.com as Top Real Estate Search Term
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hitwise, a leading online competitive intelligence service, ranked REALTOR.com as the number one search term used in the real estate industry category during the month of November (1). REALTOR.com accounted for 1.56% of all searches on the Internet in the real estate category, far exceeding the next closest ranking term that captured .91% of all searches in November.
Best Blue-Chip Real Estate Investments
While gambles on up-and-coming neighborhoods and new developments paid off for many real estate investors during the boom, housing markets across the country are now awash with unsold condos and suffering from sluggish sales.
U.S. National
POAH Acquires 94 Senior Affordable Apartments in Southeast MA and Cape Cod
Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) has acquired two senior affordable housing properties in very desirable Massachusetts communities that are vulnerable to increasing housing costs: Northside Village in Dennis and Westport Village in Westport.
Pending Home Sales Dropped 5.5% in July
Pending home sales in July retreated 5.5%, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. All four U.S. regions posted monthly losses in transactions. Year-over-year, the Northeast rose while the Midwest, South and West registered declines.
The Ultimate Guide to Waterproofing Membranes: Types, Benefits, and Applications
Waterproofing membranes are essential components in the construction and maintenance of buildings, ensuring protection against water infiltration. Whether it’s a foundation, roof, or wet area, applying waterproofing membranes prevents damage that can lead to structural degradation, mold growth, and costly repairs.
EPA Proposes Settlement to Provide $151 Million for Cleanup of Raritan Bay Slag Superfund...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed consent decree that would pay EPA’s past and future costs of cleanup at the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site in Old Bridge Township and Sayreville, New Jersey.
Kaptur Announces $24.5 Million USDOT Award To Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, and Sandusky Counties in...
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced the US Department of Transportation will award $24.5 Million to Lucas,
U.S. Department of the Treasury Issues Proposed Rules to Expand Clean Energy Investments in...
the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for 48E(h), the Clean Electricity Low-Income Communities
MBA Forecast: Commercial/Multifamily Borrowing and Lending to Increase 26 Percent to $539 Billion in...
Total commercial and multifamily mortgage borrowing and lending is expected to finish the year at $539 billion in 2024, which is a
CONSTRUCTION SPENDING SLIPS 0.3 PERCENT IN JULY WITH DECREASES IN PRIVATE PROJECTS AS NEW...
Construction spending slid 0.3 percent from June to July, pulled down by declines in private residential and nonresidential
The Ultimate Home Cleaning Routine: Transform Your Space in 7 Simple Steps
Maintaining a clean and organized home is essential for physical and mental well-being. A tidy living space looks appealing and creates a healthier environment for you and your family. In this article, we'll explore a foolproof cleaning routine that will help you keep your home spotless with minimal effort.
Oregon Delegation Celebrates Almost $120 Million to Supercharge EV Charging Infrastructure Across West Coast
Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne
Recent CRL Solar Lending Paper Supports Federal Regulators’ Call for Increased Enforcement to Protect...
Federal consumer regulatory agencies today released data and resources that reflect findings in a?paper?released last week by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) that show the nation’s leading residential solar energy financing lenders currently use many of the predatory methods employed in the subprime mortgage lending market of 2007-2010
HUD Announces Nearly $4 Million Loan Guarantee for Gordon Moore Park Improvement Project
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced a $3,916,000 loan guarantee to the County of
Lofgren & Local Leaders Celebrate Nearly $2.7 Million in Federal Funding for Housing Projects...
U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) presented two checks appropriated by Congress for community projects totaling $2,666,279 for housing projects in Santa Clara County.
Talk Justice, an LSC Podcast: A Deeper Look at Homelessness
An attorney who has provided civil legal services to people experiencing homelessness shares her perspective on the latest episode of LSC's “Talk Justice” podcast, released today. LSC President Ron Flagg hosts the episode featuring Carolyn Perez, program counsel at LSC and previously an attorney at The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless.
Surprise Lift for New Home Sales in July
Sales of new homes rose unexpectedly in July, following significant revisions in the previous months’ data. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in July rose 10.6% to a 739,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from significant upward revisions
Transforming Your Home: 10 Innovative Bathroom Remodel Ideas to Inspire
Renovating your bathroom can breathe new life into your home and increase its value. Whether you want to update an outdated space or create a luxurious retreat, a well-planned bathroom remodel can significantly impact you. This article explores 10 innovative ideas to inspire your next bathroom renovation project.
How to Create the Perfect Garage for Your Car
Your garage is more than just a place to park your car; it's a sanctuary for your vehicle and an extension of your home. Creating the perfect garage involves more than just throwing down some concrete and erecting walls—it requires careful
Top Strategies for Earning Passive Income Through Mortgage Note Investing
Mortgage note investing is a relatively lesser-known but highly effective strategy for generating passive income. Unlike traditional real estate investing, where you deal with tenants, property management, and maintenance, mortgage note investing allows you to step into the shoes of a lender.
CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT INCREASES IN 232 OF 358 METRO AREAS FROM JULY 2023 TO JULY...
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas and Anchorage, Alaska Have Highest Number and Percentage of Year-over-Year
NATIONAL MEDIA TAKES NOTICE OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF NEW REAL ESTATE COMMISSION RULES
The national media is raising awareness of the threat to African American real estate professionals posed by changes to the structuring of commissions paid to agents working on behalf of buyers in home sale transactions. The changes, negotiated in a proposed settlement of a Missouri lawsuit, are upsetting the industry and creating an unsettling environment for Black agents and minority home buyers.
U.S. States
President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Disaster Declaration for Texas
FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Texas to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Hanna from July 25, 2020, and continuing
FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Numbers Fire
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Nevada in combating the Numbers Fire burning in Douglas County.
How Much Does It Cost To Start An LLC In Texas?
In the process of setting up your Texas LLC, you'll be faced with quite a few expenses. Some of these are required by legislation, and others are just recommended. We'll cover the costs of setting up an LLC in Texas and also provide you with the informatio
5 Benefits Of Using A Registered Agent In Texas
The services of a registration agent began as part of due process in the US Constitution. A lawsuit includes the legal right to be notified of claims or other legal matters. Here are some brief things that will help explain what a Registered Agent Service In Texas
Avoid TV Tip-Over Incidents During Super Bowl LIV with Safety Tips
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is alerting consumers about the dangers of television (TV) tip-over hazards. Millions of New Yorkers will watch the Super Bowl this Sunday either on TVs at home or at parties with friends. DCP is taking this TV-focused occasion to remind consumers of critical TV safety tips.
Brand-New Single-Tenant Starbucks Drive-Thru Trades in Fresno, Calif. for $1,345 PSF
Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, a nationally recognized real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in retail property sales, announced today that the firm has completed the sale of a brand-new, single-tenant Starbucks
Rosenberg family home for the holidays – and prepared for future hurricanes
A Houston-area mom is sharing her Hurricane Harvey recovery story this holiday season, along with the importance of always being prepared for flood events.
5 Cities in Florida: Which One Makes for the Best Real Estate Investment Opportunity...
Fast-growing Florida has been a favorite of real estate investors for many years. With so much interest having been focused on the state, though, investors need to take care to seek the best available opportunities.
WALTER J. MAHONEY STATE OFFICE BUILDING TO BE SOLD
Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced that the Senator Walter J. Mahoney State Office Building located at 65 Court Street in Buffalo will be sold at auction in 2020. A work group formed earlier this year made up of City, County, and State officials working with professional real estate consultants CBRE, determined that in the current competitive and robust Buffalo real estate market
Charleston South Carolina expected to outpace national real estate market averages through 2025
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) recently identified 10 markets expected to outperform over the next three to five years. In alphabetical order, the markets are
WHAT IS THE EVICTION PROCESS IN CALIFORNIA?
Eviction is a dirty word for both tenants and the landlords that believe the time has come to remove one or more parties from an apartment. The process anywhere can lead to a strained relationship at best and a bitter acrimonious fight that ends up in the judicial system.
FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Local Home Improvement Stores
Disaster survivors affected by the severe storms and floods from Tropical Storm Imelda, can visit local home improvement stores in Katy, Houston and Spring from Monday, Dec. 9, to Saturday
Florida Tops ABC’s Annual Merit Shop Scorecard State Ranking for Second Year in a...
Associated Builders and Contractors released its 2019 Merit Shop Scorecard today, an annual ranking based on state policies and programs that encourage workforce development, career and technical education
Top 4 Places to Buy a Second Home in the US
There are about 7.4 million homes owned as a second home in the United States. For many people, their second home is a vacation home. This gives them a chance to get away and break routine while also having all of the comforts of being in their own home.
Ribbon Cutting Celebrating New Affordable Apartments in the Bronx for Low-Income Families and Domestic...
New Destiny was joined by supporters and colleagues to celebrate the opening of its newly constructed service-enriched affordable housing project - The Jennings - located in the Crotona Park East
HUD AWARDS $1.5 MILLION TO PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES TO ASSIST YOUNG PEOPLE AGING OUT...
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today awarded $1.5 million to nearly a dozen housing authorities to assist young people aging out
BLM NAMES VETERAN LAND MANAGER TO LEAD CALIFORNIA STATE OFFICE
The Bureau of Land Management today announced that Karen Mouritsen has been named the new California State Director—a key leadership position based in Sacramento. As State Director, Mouritsen will direct a team that manages lands encompassing 15% of the Golden State’s total land mass
California Real Estate Developer Convicted of Making Conduit Contributions in Two U.S. Congressional Campaigns
Today, a federal jury found an Oakland-area real estate developer guilty for funneling tens of thousands of dollars through straw donors into two consecutive congressional campaigns
NYS OASAS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW RECOVERY CENTER IN NEW YORK CITY
The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) today announced the opening of the new JLC Recovery and Wellness Center in New York City. JLC is operated by Exponents Inc. and provides free help and support services for people affected by addiction and for their families.
Robust U.S economy not a boost for black homeownership
In spite of a robust U.S. economy, a strong employment rate, and steadily increasing 401(k) plan earnings, Black homeownership rates continue to drop. Drawing from the 2019 release of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers
Popular
SIXTY PERCENT OF FIRMS WORKING ON HIGHWAY UPGRADES EXPERIENCED CARS CRASHING INTO THEIR WORK...
Annual Survey by HCSS and Associated General Contractors of America Finds Drivers and Passengers are at Greater Risk of Injury and Death in Work Zone Crashes As Officials Urge Drivers
New Home Sales Decline in May
Sales of newly built, single-family homes fell 7.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 626,000 units in May, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.
$17+ Million in Grants Will Help States, Local Communities Keep Waters Clean, Economies Thriving
Water-loving outdoor recreationists and local communities in 27 states will have additional resources to help boaters keep America’s waters clean, thanks to more than $17 million in Clean Vessel Act program grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Port Aransas ready for return of summer tourism
Texas SandFest drew a record 35,000 people April 26-28, encouraging business owners that Port Aransas is on its way to recovery. With nearly all the city’s retailers and restaurants re-opened, residents are beginning to feel like things are getting back to normal.
OJO Labs: Five Months, Eight Major Awards
OJO Labs, a leading-edge technology company on a mission to empower consumer decision-making through its conversational AI assistant, OJO, won the highly coveted 2019 A-List Award among mid-sized companies from the Austin Chamber of Commerce in partnership with SXSW
Should I Rent Out my Property on Airbnb?
Listing property on Airbnb has become a popular way to make extra money, meet new people, and provide some freedom, but there are a few key things to think about when you are considering listing your property. It is key to know what you’re getting yourself into.
The Rockefeller Foundation Launches $5.5 Million Opportunity Zone Community Capacity Building Initiative for Select...
The Rockefeller Foundation today announced an initiative to help U.S. cities attract responsible private investment in economically-distressed communities through Opportunity Zones created in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This effort will help ensure new investment delivers sustainable benefits for more than 30 million low-income Americans living in Opportunity Zones
Eden Housing and City of Fremont Celebrate Grand Opening of KTGY-Designed Affordable Senior Housing...
Pauline Weaver Senior Apartments is located in the Warms Springs area of Alameda County and features 90 apartment homes for very low and extremely low-income seniors, near I-880 freeway, BART, shopping, services and other amenities.
VA’s Home Loan Guaranty program notifies Veterans of potential loan fee waivers
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced May 13 that Veterans who qualify for a VA Home Loan funding fee waiver are now being notified in their home loan eligibility certificate and disability compensation award letter.
A Stellar Idea: My Florida Regional MLS Reimagines the Multiple Listing Service
The nation's third-largest Multiple Listing Service, My Florida Regional MLS, will become Stellar MLS on June 4, 2019, in a move that totally reimagines the MLS. Currently serving 58,000 customers
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS TO CO-HOST HUD INNOVATIVE HOUSING SHOWCASE
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today announced the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will co-host the Department's inaugural "Innovative Housing Showcase." The Innovative Housing Showcase will be held on the National Mall June 1-5, 2019
Department of the Interior: Yakima Water Plan Is a “Model” and “Holistic”
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asked the Department of the Interior about its commitment to the Yakima River Basin during a hearing on the president’s FY 2017 budget request. Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael Connor agreed with Sen. Cantwell that the Yakima River Basin plan “is a model for the rest of the nation in water management.”
Energy Costs to Cook Thanksgiving Meal Up to 25% Lower in 2015
“Consumers Energy is thankful to be a part of holiday celebrations across the state as warm Thanksgiving memories are being made, and we are committed to providing many more generations of Michigan families with reliable, affordable energy in all seasons,” said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy’s vice president and chief customer officer
Agencies Issue Final Rule to Exempt Subset of Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans from Appraisal Requirements
WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 13, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Six federal financial regulatory agencies today issued a final rule that creates exemptions from certain appraisal requirements for a subset of higher-priced mortgage loans. The exemptions are intended to save borrowers time and money while still ensuring that the loans are financially sound
Department Enters into Consent Order with Equity Loans, LLC and its owners Eduardo Gutierrez...
Atlanta, Georgia - November 13, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) entered into a Consent Order with Equity Loans, LLC, License Number 23300, located at 1150 Hammond Dr., Building E, Suite 650, Atlanta, Georgia 30328, to resolve allegations pertaining to violations of the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act