Homeowner’s Toolkit | RISMedia

Jumbo Mortgage Market Beginning to Thaw

RISMEDIA, March 13, 2010—(MCT)—Phil Kelly had 18 more months to go before the fixed rate on his $2.5 million mortgage became adjustable. But when Kelly, a former computer executive

5 Tips for a Successful Home Remodel

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—As spring approaches, many homeowners grow eager to start remodeling projects to update and refresh their surroundings. Before getting started, it’s a good idea to hire a professional remodeler for a workable plan and better results, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). “A professional remodeler knows how to translate a homeowner’s dreams and budget into a beautiful reality,” said Donna Shirey, CGR, CAPS, CGP, president of Shirey Contracting in Issaquah, Wash. and 2010 chairman of NAHB Remodelers.

Government Urges Short Sales; Experts Aren’t Sure They’ll Help

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—(MCT)—With the highly touted federal mortgage-modification program falling short of its target numbers, the government has looked into alternatives

MBA Report Shows 1 in 10 Mortgages Now Delinquent or in Foreclosure

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) recently reported that serious mortgage delinquencies- those at least 90 days past due or in foreclosure- remained at record levels in the fourth quarter of 2009. These latest statistics show that one in 10 borrowers is seriously delinquent on their mortgage, up ...

U.S. Foreclosure Activity Decreases 2% in February 2010

RISMEDIA, March 11, 2010—RealtyTrac, a leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties, released its February 2010 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows foreclosure filings—

More Consumers Pay Credit Card, Skip Mortgage Payments

RISMEDIA, March 11, 2010—(MCT)—U.S. consumers are starting to look like a frugal, debt-fearing lot as they pay down billions of dollars in credit card obligations. But an alarming trend is emerging: A small but growing number of people are skipping mortgage payments in favor of paying their credit card bills. In an unprecedented shift, for some consumers having a credit card in good standing appears to have taken priority over having a roof over one's head, experts said.

Appraisal Institute Opposes Obama Administration’s Plan for Homeowner Short Sales

RISMEDIA, March 11, 2010—Citing concerns about increased mortgage fraud, four organizations representing more than 35,000 real estate appraisers recently voiced their opposition

Home Values for Older Americans Begin to Rebound in Fourth Quarter 2009

RISMEDIA, March 10, 2010—Golden Gateway Financial, a financial resource for seniors and retirees, recently released new usage data from its online Reverse Mortgage Calculator that showed

Real Relief for Upside Down Home Owners

RISMEDIA, March 9, 2010—Forget loan modifications, short sales, and “jingle mail”! If you are one of an estimated 50 to 60 million homeowners whose mortgage is part of a securitized pool, the law is on your side and everyday more and more people are deciding to exercise their rights with regard to the documents they signed. There is much more contained within those documents and pooling and servicing agreements that govern the pools than just the borrowers promise to pay. And, there are laws that must be adhered to by the lender of the money.

NAHB Commends President’s Proposed Energy Efficiency Incentives

RISMEDIA, March 9, 2010—Home energy efficiency incentives proposed by President Barack Obama will create much-needed jobs and help make America more energy independent, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). ...

Poll Shows Strong Support for Government Housing Initiatives

RISMEDIA, March 5, 2010—Americans remain strongly committed to federal support for home buyers, according to a recent survey of U.S. households. Roughly 68% of those polled said the government should continue to support housing, and 65% believe the government should be doing more to keep families from losing their homes to foreclosure.

C.A.R. Reports January Median Price Increased 15%; Home Sales Decreased 10.6%

RISMEDIA, March 2, 2010—Home sales decreased 10.6% in January 2010 in California compared with the same period a year ago, while the median price of an existing home rose 15%, the California Association of Realtors® (C.A.R.) recently reported. "Many sales that closed escrow in January were on homes with offers accepted during the holiday season- a time when many house hunters are first-time buyers," said C.A.R. President Steve Goddard. "First-time buyers typically purchase homes

More Government Help Coming to Homeowners in California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida and Michigan

RISMEDIA, March 1, 2010—President Obama recently announced an additional $1.5 billion in homeowner aid for the areas of the country hardest-hit by declining home values.

11.3 Million Homeowners Underwater on Mortgage

RISMEDIA, February 26, 2010—(MCT)—More than 11.3 million homeowners—nearly one-fourth of all Americans with a mortgage—owe more on their loan than their home is now worth, according to a report recently released by FirstAmerican CoreLogic. ...

Coldwell Banker Survey Identifies Multi-Generational Homes as Real Estate Trend

RISMEDIA, February 24, 2010—Family reunions are taking on a new meaning in the real estate market. According to a recent survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC among its network of real estate professionals, in the last 12 months, 37% of sales professionals surveyed noted an increase in home buyers looking to purchase homes to accommodate more than one generation of their family. In addition, almost 70% of Coldwell Banker sales agents believe that economic conditions may cause greater demand for multi-generational homes in their market during the next year.

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