Today's Real Estate News and Advice

Updated: July 30, 2010

 Water Features Enhance Home Appeal
With the summer months pushing temperatures over 100 degrees in some areas and humidity leaving drips of perspiration on people's brows, it might be time to consider a water feature to help enhance your home's appeal. FULL STORY->

Fixed-Rate Mortgage Rates Inch Downward to Another New Low for the Sixth Consecutive Week
Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), with the 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages reaching record lows for this survey. FULL STORY->

How to Become a Great Listing Agent
When we analyze an agent's business, we have to look at the break down of their listing transactions versus buyer transactions. Better than 90% of agents do far more on the buyer side of the business than the listing side. Once we understand and accept that fact, the question is why. FULL STORY->

Tenants from Heaven
The phrase "absentee landlord" in a homeowner association context conjures up images of the "tenant from hell" and an owner who could care less. However, generally speaking, both the landlord and tenant want the highest and best returns on their investments. What benefits the homeowner association will also benefit them. FULL STORY->

Homeowners Dealing With BP Oil Spill
If you are like most Americans, your largest asset may very well be your real estate holdings, whether they be a primary residence or rental properties. In fact, for many homeowners along the coasts, their income is made through the sale and rental of coastal properties. FULL STORY->

California gets $700,000 slice of special $1.5 billion homeowner bailout pie
California struck gold, receiving the biggest chunk of a special $1.5 billion federal fund pie for programs that target struggling homeowners in states hardest hit by the housing crash. FULL STORY->

Water Features Enhance Home Appeal
With the summer months pushing temperatures over 100 degrees in some areas and humidity leaving drips of perspiration on people's brows, it might be time to consider a water feature to help enhance your home's appeal. FULL STORY->

Fixed-Rate Mortgage Rates Inch Downward to Another New Low for the Sixth Consecutive Week
Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), with the 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages reaching record lows for this survey. FULL STORY->

How to Become a Great Listing Agent
When we analyze an agent's business, we have to look at the break down of their listing transactions versus buyer transactions. Better than 90% of agents do far more on the buyer side of the business than the listing side. Once we understand and accept that fact, the question is why. FULL STORY->

Tenants from Heaven
The phrase "absentee landlord" in a homeowner association context conjures up images of the "tenant from hell" and an owner who could care less. However, generally speaking, both the landlord and tenant want the highest and best returns on their investments. What benefits the homeowner association will also benefit them. FULL STORY->

Homeowners Dealing With BP Oil Spill
If you are like most Americans, your largest asset may very well be your real estate holdings, whether they be a primary residence or rental properties. In fact, for many homeowners along the coasts, their income is made through the sale and rental of coastal properties. FULL STORY->

California gets $700,000 slice of special $1.5 billion homeowner bailout pie
California struck gold, receiving the biggest chunk of a special $1.5 billion federal fund pie for programs that target struggling homeowners in states hardest hit by the housing crash. FULL STORY->

Either a Lender or a Borrower Be
Shakespeare had it wrong when he penned this advice in Hamlet: "Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry." Perhaps he may be forgiven for his error, however, since Shakespeare suffered from a lack of the tremendous benefits of a truly self-directed IRA. FULL STORY->

The Ideal Housing-Linked-to-Services Choice
Housing linked to services is gaining popularity with boomers and everybody else. PJ Wade explains the growing trend toward loving where you live and doing fewer and fewer daily chores. Discover PJ’s tips for shopping for a new home that requires you evaluate food services and support delivery in general. FULL STORY->

Fannie Mae Addresses Appraisal Concerns
On June 30, 2010 Fannie Mae issued announcement SEL-2010-09, "Selling Guide Updates and Additional Guidance on Appraisal-Related Policies." FULL STORY->

Final Walk-Through Tips
There will come a time during your home buying process when you'll need to do a final walk-through of the home before closing. FULL STORY->

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