All USA
Ginnie Mae MBS Outstanding Increases to $2.08 Trillion
Ginnie Mae today announced that issuance of its mortgage-backed securities (MBS) totaled $47.188 billion in July, the highest since December 2016.
DuPont partners with Habitat for Humanity on energy-efficient homebuilding projects
DuPont, a global provider of technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions including insulation, water barriers and other weatherization materials
Landscaping Ideas and Lawn Care Tips For Your Home
Most homeowners believe nowadays that having a great-looking lawn takes so much time and money that they end up doing only the bare minimum for their yards. They also do not have the time to experiment with their lawns themselves
Meridian Completes Renovation of Recently Purchased 26,000 SF Medical Office Building in Torrance
Meridian, a full-service real estate developer and owner of medical office real estate, is pleased to announce that it has completed renovation of a 26,000-square-foot multi-tenant medical office building located in Los Angeles County
Advocates Oppose FHFA’s Decision to Remove Language Preference Question from Loan Application
The Americans for Financial Reform (AFR) Language Access Task Force strongly opposes the decision announced yesterday by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to remove the question about a borrower’s language preference
USDA Invests in Rural Electric Infrastructure Improvements in 10 States
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chad Rupe today announced that USDA is investing $181 million to upgrade rural electric systems in 10 states
NeighborWorks America introduces innovative new CMS platform
NeighborWorks America, the preeminent leader in the national marketplace of housing counseling and sustainable homeownership, is pleased to announce that our new client management system
Construction Input Prices Rebound in July, Says ABC
Construction input prices expanded 0.8% in July but are down 0.6% year-over-year, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Names .realtor™ and .realestate Preferred Suppliers
The National Association of Realtors®’ top-level domains .realtor™ and .realestate have been named in the Preferred Supplier program by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, one of the most respected real estate brands in the nation.
What is a TV Mirror and Why do You Need it?
Being able to reconcile style and entertainment is one of the biggest challenges every interior designer face in doing his or her job. Clients may ask for a sleeker style for their homes, but they’re not always willing to do away with their favorite music and movies.
Clauses to Include when Customizing a Lease Agreement
Lease agreement is a formal contract between the landlord and the tenant or the lessor and the lessee that enables the lessee to use the property owned or managed by the lessor for a period of time in accordance to the lease agreement.
Mayor Bowser Announces First National Housing Trust Fund Project Financed in Washington, DC
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced 1736 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, as the first affordable housing project in Washington, DC financed in part by the National Housing Trust Fund (HTF).
Mortgage Credit Availability Decreased in July
Mortgage credit availability decreased in July according to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI), a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) that analyzes data from Ellie Mae's AllRegs® Market Clarity® business information tool
NAREB President Sets Agenda Urging Millennials to Build Wealth Through Homeownership
During his speech on August 1st at the conclusion of the 72nd Annual NAREB Convention held in Atlantic City, NJ, Donnell T. Williams, newly installed as the 31st president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) set a bold
NIBS Opens Call for Abstracts to Present at Building Innovation 2020
The National Institute of Building Sciences is gearing up for the industry’s only conference for the entire building community to connect, collaborate, and design solutions for the built environment
Mayor Bowser Announces First Affordable Housing Projects Supported by Oramenta Newsome Predevelopment Loan Program
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has closed initial loans for two affordable housing projects in Ward 1 funded
VA hosts initiative that assists in securing financial futures for Veterans, service members and...
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will host the Economic Investment (EI) Initiative: Puget Sound 2019, Aug. 6 – 8 at the South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, Washington
NAR Wins 2019 Sustainability Award from Business Intelligence Group
The National Association of Realtors® was today recognized by the Business Intelligence Group as a global leader in sustainability promotion. The annual Sustainability Awards honor organizations
Metro Home Prices Increase in 91% of Metro Areas in Second Quarter of 2019
Most metro areas saw price gains under marginal inventory growth in the second quarter of 2019, according to the latest quarterly report by the National Association of Realtors
Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
Mortgage applications increased 5.3 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending August 2, 2019
U.S. National
Appliances That May Cost a Lot and What You Can Do About Them
Home appliances basically keep the house together. Can you imagine what life would be like without your AC or refrigerator? You wouldn't be able to cool off in hot weather, and all the food would go bad. However, even though appliances are pretty helpful, they can also significantly increase your electricity bill. Pressing irons, washing machines, and air conditioners are the chief culprits in this regard
5 Popular Spots To Visit in Riverside, California.
If you're in California, you need to visit Riverside. Here's why.
The largest city in the area of California known as the 'Inland Empire,' Riverside is a popular destination for people looking to escape the big city life of Los Angeles. Some sixty miles east, Riverside features beautiful architecture, a vibrant downtown area, and stunning views from its many mountain hikes
CBRE’s Philip D. Voorhees, Jimmy Slusher, Alex Kozakov, Patrick Wade and NRP-West Team Complete...
CBRE Vice Chairman Philip D. Voorhees announced today that the National Retail Partners-West (NRP-West), along with Alex Kozakov and Patrick Wade from CBRE Los Angeles
How to Find the Top Real Estate Agent: Your Complete Guide
Whether you're finally ready to buy a home or if you need to sell the one you have to take advantage of other opportunities, finding the right real estate agent is the most important part of the process.
Commercial/Multifamily Borrowing Increased 10 Percent in the Second Quarter
Commercial and multifamily mortgage loan originations were 10 percent higher in the second quarter compared to a year ago, and rose 29 percent from the first quarter of 2019, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Quarterly Survey
Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
Mortgage applications decreased 0.9 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending August 16, 2019.
Housing Authority Member Indicted for Bribery
A La Joya Housing Authority Board member has been arrested on charges of federal program bribery regarding a city public relations contract, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick
Curbio Named Winner at NAR’s Second Annual iOi Summit Pitch Battle
The National Association of Realtors® announced that Curbio, a presale renovation technology startup company, won the Pitch Battle at NAR’s second annual Innovation, Opportunity & Investment (iOi) Summit in Seattle
Existing-Home Sales Climb 2.5% in July
Existing-home sales strengthened in July, a positive reversal after total sales were down slightly in the previous month, according to the National Association of Realtors
What You Don’t Know About Tiny House vs. Mobile Home
While some dream of mansions filled with indoor pools, personal theaters, and master bedrooms the size of an apartment, others go the opposite direction. Tiny homes and mobile homes
Former President of Hartford Nonprofit Who Stole from HUD Program is Sentenced
John H. Durham. United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN F. HARVIN, 54, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford
USDA Invests in Energy Efficiency Improvements to Help Farmers, Rural Businesses and Ag Producers...
Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Bette Brand today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding grants for projects in all states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to reduce energy costs
Trump Administration’s Proposal to Dismantle Core Civil Rights Protections Would Fuel Housing Discrimination
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today released a proposed rule that would upend the longstanding legal standard of disparate impact and effectively
Property Tax Bills Arriving Soon
The New Hanover County Tax Department has started mailing real estate and personal property tax bills, so property owners should receive their bill by the end of August. Property taxes are due on September 1
Trump Administration is Making Housing Discrimination Great Again
Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s proposed rule to amend
NFHA and Other Civil Rights Leaders Fight Trump’s Attempt to Gut Core Civil Rights...
Trump’s Department of Housing and Urban Development publishes proposed rule that would expose people of color, women, immigrants, families with children, people of faith, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities
Department of Energy Announces $40 Million in Funding for 29 Projects to Advance H2@Scale
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced approximately $40 million in FY 2019 funding for 29 projects to advance the H2@Scale concept.
EPA Provides Resilient, Renewable Energy Study Results to Culebra, Puerto Rico
In its continuing efforts to help the Caribbean recover from the long-term impacts from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Single-Family Starts Continue Modest Improvement in July
Due to a decline in multifamily production, total housing starts fell 4 percent in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.19 million units from a downwardly revised reading in June
MBA Applauds Finalized FHA Condo Rule
Pete Mills, Senior Vice President for Residential Policy and Member Engagement at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), released the following statement applauding the finalization of new Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
U.S. States
5 Popular Spots To Visit in Riverside, California.
If you're in California, you need to visit Riverside. Here's why.
The largest city in the area of California known as the 'Inland Empire,' Riverside is a popular destination for people looking to escape the big city life of Los Angeles. Some sixty miles east, Riverside features beautiful architecture, a vibrant downtown area, and stunning views from its many mountain hikes
FEMA Awards Lake County More Than $2.2 Million for Hurricane Irma Expenses
FEMA has approved $2,202,339 for the State of Florida to help Lake County defray the costs of debris removal for Hurricane Irma under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. FEMA funds will reimburse the county for the collection, reduction, disposal and site management of debris within Lake County between Sept. 18
Justice Department Resolves Claims that California Loan Modification Service Providers Discriminated Against Hispanic Homeowners...
The Department of Justice today announced a series of settlements to resolve allegations that several California-based mortgage loan modification service providers engaged in national origin discrimination in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act
San Diego Lawsuits Challenge Sprawl Development in High-risk Fire Zone
Conservation organizations sued San Diego County today for approving Otay Ranch Village 14, a sprawl development that will pave over hundreds of acres of habitat for golden eagles and other imperiled wildlife and build new homes in one of California’s most dangerously fire-prone areas.
Hurricane Harvey Relief Program to Assist Even More Families Thanks to Follow Up Grant...
The Rebuild Texas Fund has awarded the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) and Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) a $1.1 million follow-up grant to support the Housing and Economic Assistance to Rebuild Texas (HEART) Program. HEART
NYU Furman Center and Abt Associates Announce Inaugural Cities Selected for Local Housing Solutions
The NYU Furman Center and Abt Associates announced today the cities of Atlanta, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and San Antonio as the first cohort selected to participate in the inaugural Local Housing Solutions Institute
Wells Fargo and a FHLBank of New York leader join NHC’s Board of Governors
The National Housing Conference (NHC), the nation’s oldest, affordable housing coalition, announced that, Kimani Little of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and Connie Wright of Wells Fargo has joined NHC’s Board of Governors
Existing-Home Sales Ascend 2.5% in May
Existing-home sales rebounded in May, recording an increase in sales for the first time in two months, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Woman Arrested for Defrauding Homeless Individuals and a Nonprofit Serving the Homeless
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — (RealEstateRama) — Sherwana Lynn Marcus, also known as Sherwana Granderson and Sherwana Santana, 47, was arrested today on a 36-count federal...
CSD Awards $4.4 Million for California’s First Low-Income Community Solar Projects
The California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) today announced final awards totaling $4.4 million to GRID Alternatives for two Community Solar Pilot projects in Contra Costa and Riverside Counties.
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Adopts New Guiding Principles and Practices for Unsheltered...
On February 28, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) adopted new policy that calls for decriminalizing life-sustaining survival actions of the more than 40,000 Los Angelenos who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness
Three Communities in Mississippi to Receive Brownfield Grants to Address Contaminated Properties
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected 149 communities across the country including three in Mississippi to receive funding for brownfield site revitalization to help local governments redevelop vacant and unused properties
Port Aransas ready for return of summer tourism
Texas SandFest drew a record 35,000 people April 26-28, encouraging business owners that Port Aransas is on its way to recovery. With nearly all the city’s retailers and restaurants re-opened, residents are beginning to feel like things are getting back to normal.
My Florida Regional MLS Becomes Stellar MLS
My Florida Regional MLS, the nation’s third-largest Multiple Listing Service, officially becomes Stellar MLS today and will also debut its new site, StellarMLS.com. Introducing a “curated customer journey” for each of its nearly 60,000
$50 MILLION FOR WHITEHOUSE’S COASTAL RESILIENCY FUND INCLUDED IN DISASTER RELIEF BILL
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today announced that the disaster relief bill passed by the Senate yesterday evening includes $50 million for the National Coastal Resilience Fund to restore and strengthen the natural infrastructure that protects coastal communities while safeguarding wildlife habitats.
San Francisco 49ers Partners with Operation HOPE to Empower Bay Area Communities with Financial...
Operation HOPE and the San Francisco 49ers announced today a partnership to bring credit and money management coaching and education to underserved Bay Area communities at no cost to participants. The 49ers is the first team to offer the HOPE Inside program as part of the National Football
How to Get Your Apartment Security Deposit Back
If your a renter, then you surely are aware that almost all apartments will require a security deposit when you move in your new rental. This is not to be used as an administration fee, or to pay your rent. In fact, if you follow the terms of your apartment
Solar Industry Urges Gov. Abbott to Extend Tax Abatement Program
The solar industry voiced support for the Texas House of Representatives for passing a 10-year extension of Chapter 312, a section of tax code that enables property tax abatements for companies bringing new investment and jobs to Texas. The legislature sent this tax abatement extension that includes renewable energy provisions to Governor Abbott for signature
Secretary Bernhardt Announces $106.8 Million for Recreation, Wildfire, Other Public Lands Projects in Nevada...
U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced the commitment of more than $106.8 million to support 47 public lands projects throughout Nevada and the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin. These projects, which encompass a broad range of recreation improvements, wildlife habitat conservation
FEMA Awards More Than $1.2M in Public Assistance Grants
FEMA has approved $1,259,146 to the State of Florida to assist 14 eligible applicants with reimbursement for eligible costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures, temporary facilities and permanent repairs for Hurricane Michael under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.
Popular
New Home Sales Decline in May
Sales of newly built, single-family homes fell 7.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 626,000 units in May, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.
$17+ Million in Grants Will Help States, Local Communities Keep Waters Clean, Economies Thriving
Water-loving outdoor recreationists and local communities in 27 states will have additional resources to help boaters keep America’s waters clean, thanks to more than $17 million in Clean Vessel Act program grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Port Aransas ready for return of summer tourism
Texas SandFest drew a record 35,000 people April 26-28, encouraging business owners that Port Aransas is on its way to recovery. With nearly all the city’s retailers and restaurants re-opened, residents are beginning to feel like things are getting back to normal.
OJO Labs: Five Months, Eight Major Awards
OJO Labs, a leading-edge technology company on a mission to empower consumer decision-making through its conversational AI assistant, OJO, won the highly coveted 2019 A-List Award among mid-sized companies from the Austin Chamber of Commerce in partnership with SXSW
Should I Rent Out my Property on Airbnb?
Listing property on Airbnb has become a popular way to make extra money, meet new people, and provide some freedom, but there are a few key things to think about when you are considering listing your property. It is key to know what you’re getting yourself into.
The Rockefeller Foundation Launches $5.5 Million Opportunity Zone Community Capacity Building Initiative for Select...
The Rockefeller Foundation today announced an initiative to help U.S. cities attract responsible private investment in economically-distressed communities through Opportunity Zones created in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This effort will help ensure new investment delivers sustainable benefits for more than 30 million low-income Americans living in Opportunity Zones
Eden Housing and City of Fremont Celebrate Grand Opening of KTGY-Designed Affordable Senior Housing...
Pauline Weaver Senior Apartments is located in the Warms Springs area of Alameda County and features 90 apartment homes for very low and extremely low-income seniors, near I-880 freeway, BART, shopping, services and other amenities.
VA’s Home Loan Guaranty program notifies Veterans of potential loan fee waivers
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced May 13 that Veterans who qualify for a VA Home Loan funding fee waiver are now being notified in their home loan eligibility certificate and disability compensation award letter.
A Stellar Idea: My Florida Regional MLS Reimagines the Multiple Listing Service
The nation's third-largest Multiple Listing Service, My Florida Regional MLS, will become Stellar MLS on June 4, 2019, in a move that totally reimagines the MLS. Currently serving 58,000 customers
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS TO CO-HOST HUD INNOVATIVE HOUSING SHOWCASE
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today announced the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will co-host the Department's inaugural "Innovative Housing Showcase." The Innovative Housing Showcase will be held on the National Mall June 1-5, 2019
Department of the Interior: Yakima Water Plan Is a “Model” and “Holistic”
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asked the Department of the Interior about its commitment to the Yakima River Basin during a hearing on the president’s FY 2017 budget request. Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael Connor agreed with Sen. Cantwell that the Yakima River Basin plan “is a model for the rest of the nation in water management.”
Energy Costs to Cook Thanksgiving Meal Up to 25% Lower in 2015
“Consumers Energy is thankful to be a part of holiday celebrations across the state as warm Thanksgiving memories are being made, and we are committed to providing many more generations of Michigan families with reliable, affordable energy in all seasons,” said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy’s vice president and chief customer officer
Agencies Issue Final Rule to Exempt Subset of Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans from Appraisal Requirements
WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 13, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Six federal financial regulatory agencies today issued a final rule that creates exemptions from certain appraisal requirements for a subset of higher-priced mortgage loans. The exemptions are intended to save borrowers time and money while still ensuring that the loans are financially sound
Department Enters into Consent Order with Equity Loans, LLC and its owners Eduardo Gutierrez...
Atlanta, Georgia - November 13, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) entered into a Consent Order with Equity Loans, LLC, License Number 23300, located at 1150 Hammond Dr., Building E, Suite 650, Atlanta, Georgia 30328, to resolve allegations pertaining to violations of the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act
