Beginning February 15, 2010 mortgage brokers will no longer be able to choose their appraisers, in hopes that appraisers will make more accurate value assessments. Loans that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration will be appraised by third-party appraisal management companies. Brokers, realtors, loan-production staff and anyone who has commission in the deal will […]
JohnHart Real Estate
Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
Tax Credit Helps Boost Home Resale
Sales were up by 7.4% in November due to the tax credit that was made available to first time home buyers as well as the tax credit for current homeowners. The real estate market saw an improvement in the number amount of sales compared to previous months and helped increase U.S. stocks. For example, Dow […]
Real Estate Outlook: Signs of Rebound
Even though the economy is not doing so well, not everyone is in economic strain. Those individuals who have not dramatically been affected by the economy have continued to make purchases. For those individuals, right now is the best time to purchase properties because of the declining home prices in many neighborhoods. Unfortunately, for those […]
Obama’s Short-Sale Plan Could Helps Homeowners
The Obama administration will soon propose a new standardized short-sale plan. The new plan will introduce standardized documents, timelines and financial incentives that will be enforced throughout all financial institutions. Those individuals who filed for a loan modification and were denied will be able to use this program in order not to have their properties […]
House Approves Bill Which Will Audit Federal Reserve
Last week, the US House approved a bill which will effectively audit the Federal Reserve. Since its creation, the Fed enjoyed freedom from oversight and no restrictions on decisions meetings except for senate hearings. In the aftermath, worldwide confidence in the US dollar rose devaluing the euro. This in turn gave the US dollar more […]
What’s Going On With Home Builders?
In the real estate market all the focus has been on existing homes sales. Home builders and contractors have also had major concerns over the past few years about their cancellation rates and whether or not new projects would be proposed to them. Overview of the last five years 2005 Total of 1,283 new homes […]
Interest Rates, Housing Market and The Economy
We have been on a crazy ride with the housing market, fluctuating interest rates and the economy. S&P/ Case-Shiller • Home price index has dropped 2.5% compared with last year’s index • End of 2008, home prices had fallen 18.2%, compared to 2007 • Increase of 0.3% in home prices in December and November • […]
The Extent Lenders Are Willing to Go
Lenders and borrowers have been going through a tough battle over loan modifications. Some lenders are willing to help, while others are not as cooperative. What one lender is considering: Loan Value Group LLC is considering paying underwater homeowners, who can afford their mortgage payments, in hopes that they will keep their homes instead of […]
Those With Jumbo Loans Are Struggling
What is a jumbo loan? A jumbo loan allows for individuals to borrow over a certain amount. Amount: $417,000 from 2006 to 2008. Then the amount was increased in the beginning of 2008 to $729,750. Now back down to $417,000. What market is this type of loan aimed toward? Usually, high income families looking to […]
Whose Fault Is It? The Never Ending Argument
Since the beginning of the foreclosure crisis, two main camps developed.