RISMEDIA, November 23, 2010—(MCT)—When Scott Harris and Sarah Jack did a major renovation of their 1925 Teaneck, N.J., colonial in the summer of 2009, they kept the environment in mind—for example, choosing kitchen counters made of cement and recycled glass. They thought about solar roof panels, but rejected that idea when they were told they'd have to chop down a towering tree that shades their back yard and house. Instead, they installed a green, or living, roof. The greenery absorbs and filters rainwater, as well as adding insulation, which cuts heating and cooling costs.

RISMEDIA, November 23, 2010—(eM+C)—Facebook recently unveiled a messaging service called Messages, which combines traditional e-mail, instant messaging and cell phone text messages into one system, routing messages to whichever service is best for each individual. Facebook

RISMEDIA, November 22, 2010—It’s one thing when someone says “Things are looking up,” but quite another when the numbers actually bear that out. Happily, the latter is the case, evidenced by the latest statistics that show that home prices may be stabilizing. Namely, national home prices jumped an impressive 3.6% in the past year, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index released in late August. Prices also climbed 4.4% in the second quarter, which contrasts with a 2.8% decrease in the first quarter.

Maria Patterson: Please tell us about the company’s history in the New Haven County, Connecticut, marketplace. ...

RISMEDIA, November 22, 2010—(MCT)—A larger share of homes entered the foreclosure process in the third quarter, though the delinquency rate for mortgages dropped, the Mortgage Bankers Association recently reported. ...

RISMEDIA, November 22, 2010—Housing affordability remained near its highest level nationwide for the seventh consecutive quarter as interest rates dipped below 5% for the first time since the series was first compiled nearly two decades ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI). ...

RISMEDIA, November 20, 2010—Have you ever considered this question: When you are doing your real estate business, do you feel more like a "salesperson" or more like a “service person?” What do you think the difference is for your business? Do you think it makes any difference at all?

RISMEDIA, November 20, 2010—When BP’s oil spill reached the shores of Alabama in early June 2010, Realtors’ losses were not deemed eligible for compensation. Thanks to the joint efforts of eight Realtors in the area who were appointed to advocate for agents and brokers, several weeks of campaigning showed that ...

RISMEDIA, November 20, 2010—Green homes offer a wide variety of benefits from reducing carbon footprints to saving money on utility bills to even improving the health of children. However, a recent Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity survey conducted by the NAHB Research Center, polled home builders, as well as consumers, and found

RISMEDIA, November 19, 2010—(MCT)—When Efrain Hernandez couldn't seal a deal before the first-time home buyer tax credit expired earlier this year, he lost faith that he would ever own a house in a market where investors and all-cash buyers are snapping up bargains and mortgages seem hard to come by. But waiting—even though it wasn't by choice—got him more than the $8,000 federal tax credit.

RISMEDIA, November 19, 2010—According to MarketWatch, investor Warren Buffett is among the winners of the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom. Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., which is the parent company of HomeServices of America. HomeServices is comprised of 22

RISMEDIA, November 19, 2010—As innovation prizes continue to gain in popularity, the real estate industry has jumped on board to the tune of $25,000. MRIS, a leading real estate data company and one of the largest MLSs recently launched the $25,000 MRIS Real Estate Innovation

RISMEDIA, November 18, 2010—Real estate professionals are playing a critical role in moving the housing market forward through these tough times. Consumers, investors, builders and lenders have turned to highly trained and skilled agents to represent their interests in transactions that are very important to them. They are looking for leadership. By developing your local market skills and global market awareness, you position yourself to assist each of these groups and ultimately benefit the industry and the economy.

RISMEDIA, November 18, 2010—Are you worried that your direct mail campaign is stalling? Even though changes may be in store, you are probably closer to success than you ever imagined possible. By following the five tips below, you can save your direct mail campaign from

RISMEDIA, November 18, 2010—The last few years have been tough for many brokers across the United States. While some merely try to survive in this economy, many have found ways to thrive. Mergers and acquisitions have become quite common as a result of brokers trying to maintain