WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has entered into an agreement with Bolster, a company recently launched to simplify the process of home remodeling by providing insurance for the successful outcome of projects. The AIA and Bolster aim to combine their strengths and expertise to the benefit of homeowners, contractors and architects operating in the remodeling industry.

White River Jct., Vt. - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Housing and energy efficiency advocates unveiled a new high-performance, energy efficient manufactured home today that is the first of its kind in the nation. It is specifically designed for northern climate conditions and uses one-third of the energy of a typical ENERGY STAR rated manufactured home.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson (D-SD) held a hearing titled “Housing Finance Reform: Essentials of a Functioning Housing Finance System for Consumers.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Building upon the success of its first Capacity Building Initiative series for Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs), the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) today launched The Leadership Journey II: Continuing Native CDFI Growth and Excellence. The training series is open to a new cohort of Native CDFIs to participate in a comprehensive program of targeted training and technical assistance. The series is provided by NeighborWorks® America with specialized input from the Seven Sisters Community Development Group.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced that it has issued its recommendation on the federal government’s use of third party green building certification systems. GSA is required by law to issue a recommendation to the Department of Energy (DOE) on how the federal government can best use certification systems to measure the design and performance of the federal government’s construction and major renovation projects.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- “The bipartisan ‘Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act’ introduced today in the Senate by Sens. Robert Mendendez, D-N.J.; Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.; and Mary Landrieu, D-La., and in the House by Reps. Michael Grimm, R-N.Y., and Maxine Waters, D-Calif., will help millions of homeowners who are facing sudden and extreme increases in flood insurance premiums, which are an unintended consequence of legislation to reform the National Flood Insurance Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- As lawmakers debate how best to reform the secondary mortgage finance market, they must ensure that any new system retains access to safe, secure and affordable sources of mortgage capital for creditworthy consumers in all market conditions or risk a major disruption to the economy, warned the National Association of Realtors® today in testimony before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- More buyers than ever are taking advantage of the latest technology and online tools to search for a place to call home. As a result, Realtors® are leveraging new technologies to better assist their more tech savvy clients. A 10-year history of the National Association of Realtors® annual Member Profile shows Realtors®’ evolving use of technology, the Internet and social media and the essential role that technology plays in the real estate transaction.

WASHINGTON - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- One year after Hurricane Sandy devastated coastal communities in the Northeast, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today allocated a combined $5 billion through a second round of recovery funds to five states and New York City. Provided through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, these recovery funds will assist impacted communities to meet remaining housing, economic development and infrastructure needs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Rick Judson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Charlotte, N.C., today issued the following statement on the introduction of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act in the House and the Senate:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is now accepting applications for the 2013 NAHB/Builders Mutual Insurance Company Safety Award For Excellence (SAFE). The awards program recognizes home builders and contractors who have developed and implemented high quality workplace safety programs, and also honors government officials and NAHB-affiliated associations who work to advance safety in the home building industry

Northbrook, IL - October 30, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Boulder Group’s Research Department has released a new research report providing comprehensive numbers and analysis of the activity in the National Net Lease Drug Store Market

SAN DIEGO, - October 29, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- DataQuick®, a provider of advanced real estate information solutions powered by data, analytics and decisioning, has enhanced its National Property Database to include expanded property transaction intelligence through the release of the new Derived Transaction Record (DTR). The company also announced the introduction of the Assessor History Database and enhancements to its Standard Recorder Record (SR) and Pre-Foreclosure coverage

CMN Hospitals® Awards Reagan as 2013 Corporate Person of the Year DENVER - October 29, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Mike Reagan, RE/MAX Senior Vice President,...

IRVINE, CALIF. - October 29, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, one of the most dominant retail investment groups in the western United States and a market leader in the sale of retail properties, announced today that the group is back for a third consecutive year of raising awareness and funds for men’s cancers in November, by growing mustaches

Torrance, CA - October 29, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Westwood Financial Corp., a national owner-operator of shopping centers, is celebrating the opening of a new, state-of-the-art LA Fitness in 45,000 square feet at the Old Town Shopping Center, located at 5500 Greenville Ave. in Dallas, Texas.

Berkeley, CA - October 29, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- iHomefinder is pleased to announce that Kimberly Sloss of Homequest Real Estate has become a new client. Kimberly believes that providing timely data, her professional knowledge and having a tenacious spirit produces the best results for real estate buyers and sellers. Kimberly makes green living a priority in her life and her real estate practice, and has obtained the National Association of REALTORS® Green Designation. She serves clients in Chino Hills, California and the surrounding area.

Torrance, CA - October 29, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Lee & Associates, one of the nation’s largest broker-owned commercial brokerage firms, has closed on a $7.9 million office sale in Santa Monica, Calif. The current home of Riot Creative Imaging, the 18,000-square-foot building is located at 1740 Stanford St., near the former industrial area of eastern Santa Monica.

Torrance, CA - October 29, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Lee & Associates Madison has added two veterans to its already powerful brokerage presence with the addition of Steve Blaschke and Ryon Savasta. The pair, which will provide additional expertise in both commercial and retail brokerage, bring nearly 30 years of combined specialized services for the Wisconsin and Midwest regions.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 25, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced that it has issued its recommendation on the federal government’s use of third party green building certification systems. GSA is required by law to issue a recommendation to the Department of Energy (DOE) on how the federal government can best use certification systems to measure the design and performance of the federal government’s construction and major renovation projects.

Black families who sought homeownership were held back by red tape, limited to redlined neighborhoods and faced blatant racism from banks.” “And for those who managed to secure a mortgage and buy a home, the value of their homes was grossly diminished by an appraisal system rife with racial bias, and that same appraisal system is around today.”

The National Fair Housing Alliance® (NFHA™) strongly condemns the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA’s) decision to repeal its Fair Lending, Fair Housing, and Equitable Housing Finance Plans Regulation (Fair Lending Rule) for two of the nation’s largest financial institutions, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) and the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs).

This financial closing is a key milestone in the renovation of 224 apartments in two residential buildings. The development will receive comprehensive renovations to improve the quality of life for residents and Clean Heat for All heat pumps, which will provide clean, reliable heating and cooling year-round

The grant funding will enable the Hope Through Housing Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab to purchase new virtual reality equipment, drones, cameras and powerful servers for AI and software development.

We are here today as a government built for the people. Today, you are holding this hearing on the pretense of what happens when tax-exempt dollars funnel from or to groups that you disagree with. But much more pressing, what happens when decisions are no longer being made for the people, but in service to the President’s greed?

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, a landmark housing reform package to increase housing supply, lower costs for families, and modernize federal housing programs to better serve rural, suburban, and urban communities across America.

Transforming your bathroom into a smart space doesn't mean turning it into a sci-fi movie set. Today's intelligent bathroom features blend seamlessly into your daily routine while adding genuine convenience, comfort, and value to your home.

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in your life, and securing the right mortgage is essential to make that dream a reality.

Residential siding plays a critical role in protecting a home while also defining its overall appearance. Beyond curb appeal, the right siding choice can improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance demands, and help safeguard the structure from weather-related damage.

The Committee on Financial Services is working to tackle the high cost of living. Last week, the Committee held a hearing with Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is alerting consumers about the dangers of television (TV) tip-over hazards. Millions of New Yorkers will watch the Super Bowl this Sunday either on TVs at home or at parties with friends. DCP is taking this TV-focused occasion to remind consumers of critical TV safety tips.

Fast-growing Florida has been a favorite of real estate investors for many years. With so much interest having been focused on the state, though, investors need to take care to seek the best available opportunities.

Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced that the Senator Walter J. Mahoney State Office Building located at 65 Court Street in Buffalo will be sold at auction in 2020. A work group formed earlier this year made up of City, County, and State officials working with professional real estate consultants CBRE, determined that in the current competitive and robust Buffalo real estate market

The Bureau of Land Management today announced that Karen Mouritsen has been named the new California State Director—a key leadership position based in Sacramento. As State Director, Mouritsen will direct a team that manages lands encompassing 15% of the Golden State’s total land mass

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) today announced the opening of the new JLC Recovery and Wellness Center in New York City. JLC is operated by Exponents Inc. and provides free help and support services for people affected by addiction and for their families.

In spite of a robust U.S. economy, a strong employment rate, and steadily increasing 401(k) plan earnings, Black homeownership rates continue to drop. Drawing from the 2019 release of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers

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.”

“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

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

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