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Homeowner’s Toolkit Archive
RISMEDIA, June 14, 2010—
Homes values fell 0.38% nationally from March 2010 to April 2010 and were down 4.1% from their levels in April 2009 (see
Figure 1) for monthly and annualized appreciation). The rate of monthly depreciation has remained fairly steady since January, albeit at rates ...
RISMEDIA, June 10, 2010—If you’re like most homeowners, there is never a shortage of options when it comes to projects around the house. But studies have shown that some of the highest return on household improvements can come from those on the outside, not the inside.
A primary reason is that outside investments can produce curb appeal, which is especially important if you are planning to sell your home. Those same improvements can enhance the enjoyment factor if you and your family plan to stay in your home.
RISMEDIA, May 28, 2010—As some parts of the U.S. housing market work their way out of the housing recession, while the majority of markets continue to decline, homeowners across the country had mixed opinions of the state of their own homes' values, according to the Zillow Q1 Homeowner Confidence Survey. Nationally, homeowners were overconfident, with half (50%) believing their own home's value declined in the past year. In reality, 65% of U.S. homes declined in value, according to Zillow's Q1 Real Estate Market Reports.
RISMEDIA, May 24, 2010—While Zillow’s
Q1 Real Estate Market Reports did contain a few bright spots regarding the housing market, we continue to have plenty of cause for concern. Peaking foreclosures and mortgage delinquencies are among them,
RISMEDIA, May 18, 2010—Water is an enticement to kids big and little. Remember that cool, refreshing, inviting swimming pool just calling your name? That siren song plays out millions of times over for children all across the country. It’s that time of year again, and people are pulling out swimsuits and stocking up on sunscreen.
RISMEDIA, May 18, 2010—The prosecutions of both civil and criminal cases against financial intermediaries are being thwarted by defense attorney’s ability to shine the light away from the real evidence of fraud.
RISMEDIA, May 17, 2010—Bank of America has completed about 56,400 permanent mortgage modifications under the federal government's Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), and has now completed a total of more than 600,000
RISMEDIA, May 12, 2010—(MCT)—Competing, and sometimes conflicting, guidelines for fixing homes containing corrosive Chinese drywall have left homeowners, homebuilders and others confused and in limbo. Should they remove all drywall, regardless of whether it's Chinese, as a federal judge in New Orleans ruled in a recent case? Or should they take out only drywall that has been determined to be "problematic" and leave the rest behind if practical, as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends?
RISMEDIA, May 11, 2010—Oh, it’s big alright. It is simply the greatest mystery of our time.
If it were the heavens, it would have been pondered and imagined, studied and charted, and ultimately explored to the limits of our ability.
RISMEDIA, May 10, 2010—(MCT)—Well-qualified borrowers with sterling credit, Eva and Daryl Lehman didn't expect to have a problem getting a mortgage when they set out to build their dream home in Wisconsin's Sheboygan County.
They soon found that landing the mortgage for the green-built home was akin to running headlong into a 12-inch thick insulated concrete wall.
The Lehmans are among those being squeezed by a mortgage market that for certain types of new residential construction—including environmentally friendly construction—has become difficult to navigate.
RISMEDIA, May 10, 2010—Fannie Mae recently announced a new partnership that will accelerate response time and provide financial counseling to distressed Florida homeowners whose mortgages are owned by Fannie Mae and serviced by SunTrust. ...
RISMEDIA, May 7, 2010—In today’s stringent credit climate, the process of securing a loan approval involves many details that can be easily overlooked by prospective home buyers. The 203k loan—an FHA loan that enables home buyers to purchase and renovate properties—adds a new dimension to the loan approval process. From finding licensed and trusted contractors to detailing the scope of work involved in the renovation
RISMEDIA, May 7, 2010—Fannie Mae recently announced new standards for the purchase and securitization of adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) products. The company is changing eligibility criteria to protect consumers from potentially dramatic payment increases and to help ensure that borrowers who hold these types of mortgages can sustain them beyond the ...
RISMEDIA, May 7, 2010—Building on its success in helping Florida homeowners, Chase announced that it will host multi-day Homeowner Assistance Events exclusively for struggling Chase homeowners in eight major U.S. markets this year. ...
RISMEDIA, May 6, 2010—(MCT)—Spring cleaning is turning into spring remodeling this year for many homeowners.
Home improvement projects are starting to make a comeback after frugal consumers pulled the plug on remodeling and renovation work during the downturn.
With the economy showing signs of stabilizing and retailers and contractors continuing to offer good deals, homeowners are sprucing up their homes' appearance and value by repainting their bathrooms, installing new floors and carpets, and upgrading their kitchens.
