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Washington, DC - June 22, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. house prices rose 0.8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from March to April, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s monthly House Price Index. The previously reported 0.3 percent decrease in March was revised to a 0.4 percent decrease. For the 12 months ending in April, U.S. prices fell 5.7 percent. The U.S. index is 19.3 percent below its April 2007 peak and roughly the same as the January 2004 index level.

WASHINGTON, DC - June 22, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- As a national underwriter of the American Bankers Association Housing Partners Foundation's upcoming build, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas has committed a sponsorship toward the future home of a Texas family in need. The Foundation is sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity home build in a new San Antonio development during ABA's annual convention in October 2011.

Washington, DC - June 20, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- As the country struggles economically, the future shape of the mortgage finance system remains a central question, as do questions about Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and role of government in general. The question of how most Americans will finance their housing choices in a post-bubble world hangs in the balance. To consider the choices and help chart a course forward, the National Housing Conference (NHC) will host its annual Policy Summit on mortgage finance reform Friday, June 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Columbus Club in Union Station. The event is open to members of the media.

Washington, DC - June 17, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The level of commercial/multifamily mortgage debt outstanding remained essentially unchanged at $2.4 trillion in the first quarter of 2011, decreasing by 0.1 percent from fourth quarter 2010, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) analysis of the Federal Reserve Board Flow of Funds data.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 15, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Thank you very much for inviting me this evening. Reforming housing finance is a key priority for the Obama Administration, and it is great to be meeting with a group that focuses specifically on this area. I’m glad to have the opportunity to talk about the Administration’s views and hear some of your thoughts on how we can best move forward.

WASHINGTON, DC - June 15, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury today released the May edition of the Obama Administration's Housing Scorecard. New to this month’s report are detailed assessments for the 10 largest mortgage servicers participating in the Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program, setting a new industry benchmark for disclosure on servicer assistance to struggling homeowners.

WASHINGTON, DC - June 13, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury today released the May edition of the Obama Administration's Housing Scorecard. New to this month’s report are detailed assessments for the 10 largest mortgage servicers participating in the Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program, setting a new industry benchmark for disclosure on servicer assistance to struggling homeowners. In addition to providing greater transparency about servicer performance in the program, the new assessments are intended to prompt mortgage servicers to correct identified deficiencies to improve program implementation and more effectively reach eligible homeowners

WILMINGTON, DE - June 8, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Real Estate Mortgage Network, Inc. (REMN), a national mortgage lender based in River Edge, N.J., is pleased to announce the opening of its latest branch in Wilmington, DE. As REMN’s first branch in ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 7, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Statement of David H. Stevens, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association on the announced extension of the comment deadline for the federal financial regulators' proposed rule implementing the Dodd-Frank Act's risk retention rule.

Washington, D.C. - June 6, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Almost two-thirds of architects surveyed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) last month report that they have at least one project that is stalled due to lack of financing, despite record low interest rates.

WASHINGTON, DC - June 3, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today kicked off National Homeownership Month and highlighted the important role housing plays in creating jobs, maintaining viable rural communities and contributing to the economy. Since the start of the current fiscal year, which began last October 1, USDA Rural Development has financed approximately 80,000 home loans for rural residents.

West Hartford, CT - June 2, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Connecticut Real Estate Investors Association, or CT REIA, in association with the National Association of Small Business Owners, or NASBO, is announcing a new entrepreneur workshop for Connecticut business owners. This event will take place on Monday June 13, 2011 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Sheraton Four Points, 275 Research Parkway in Meriden, CT. Online registration in advance is $24 and admission at the door is $49.

WASHINGTON, DC - May 31, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Financial and nonprofit veteran Kenny Emson has been named Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration for the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC). As a member of the Council’s senior leadership team, Emson will oversee the organization’s financial and administrative operations and will participate in the strategic planning process.

WASHINGTON, DC - May 31, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced Green Refinance Plus, a program between HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Fannie Mae to allow owners of existing affordable rental housing properties to refinance into new mortgages that include funding for energy- and water-saving upgrades, along with other needed property renovations.

WASHINGTON, DC - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- A government-supported secondary market is absolutely critical to the apartment industry if it is to continue meeting the nation’s demand for affordable and workforce housing, according to testimony given today by Mark J. Parrell, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Equity Residential.Parrell testified today on behalf of the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) before the Senate Banking Committee’s hearing on housing finance reform.

Washington, DC - May 25, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Federal Housing Administration plays a critical role in the nation’s housing financing system, providing safe, affordable mortgage financing to consumers in all markets during all economic conditions, the National Association of Realtors® said in testimony today

Washington, DC - May 25, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Federal Housing Finance Agency today reported that the National Average Contract Mortgage Rate for the Purchase of Previously Occupied Homes by Combined Lenders, used as an index in some ARM contracts, was 4.80 percent based on loans closed in April. This is a decrease of 0.04 percent from the previous month.

WASHINGTON, D.C - May 24, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- “Today’s report shows that the banking industry continues to gain strength. For a year now, asset quality has steadily improved, loan losses have declined, and capital is at record highs. This forward momentum helps solidify the base for making new loans to bolster growth in the expanding economy. “Banks added nearly $25 billion in equity capital during the first quarter and total industry capital is now more than $1.5 trillion. Banks also have set aside more than $218 billion in reserves to cover possible loan losses. Capital plus reserves gives a total buffer protecting the industry of more than $1.7 trillion. This demonstrates strong industry-wide improvement and a continued build-up of underlying strength. In addition, the industry capital-to-assets ratio – a key measure of financial strength – continues to remain very strong and ended the quarter at an all-time high.

WASHINGTON, DC - May 24, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- ABA Housing Partners Foundation announced today its partnership with Texas Bankers Association to build a Habitat for Humanity home in San Antonio, Texas. The two groups will work together to raise donations from bankers across the country to fund the foundation’s first build in the Southwest at the American Bankers Association’s Annual Convention in October 2011

West Hartford, CT - May 23, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Connecticut Real Estate Investors Association, or CT REIA, in association with Dave Lindahl, is announcing a free wealth building conference for real estate investors on June 4 and 5, 2011. This event will take place from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Comfort Inn, 900 East Main Street in Meriden CT. This is a free event. VIP seating and bonus sessions are also available for a nominal fee. Seating is very limited and interested parties are urged to register well in advance