News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 15, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Most home buyers who claimed the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for buying their first home in 2008 are required to start repaying the credit in 15 annual installments, beginning with their 2010 tax returns. The credit—some form of which was offered for qualified home purchases in 2008, 2009 and 2010—has different repayment rules depending on when and under what circumstances the home was purchased. As tax season approaches, this may cause confusion among home buyers who received the tax credit.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 15, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Joanne Theunissen, CGP, has been elected 2011 Chair of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Sales and Marketing Council. The announcement was made Jan. 11 at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. Theunissen is owner/designer for Howling Hammer Builders, Inc. in Mount Pleasant, Mich., and is also an active member of the HBA of Central Michigan and the Michigan Association of Home Builders.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 15, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Existing research on development patterns and transportation provides no causal link between residential land use and greenhouse gas emissions and leaves tremendous uncertainty as to the interplay of these factors, according to a new publication from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The publication, “Climate Change, Density and Development,” provides a fact-based overview of the state of research on the relationship between development, density, transit and the production of greenhouse gases.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 15, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Thomas Vetter, MIRM, Master CSP, CMP, CSP, has been elected 2011 Chair of the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Institute of Residential Marketing, the education branch of the National Sales and Marketing Council (NSMC). The announcement was made Jan. 11 at the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla.

WASHINGTON, DC - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, after the U.S. Treasury Department issued a white paper proposing several pathways to reform the mortgage markets, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement

BURLINGTON, VT - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Vermont congressional delegation today opposed a White House budget proposal that would nearly cut in half a heating assistance program for seniors and low-income families with children.

Washington, D.C. - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today issued the following statement on the fiscal 2012 budget President Obama presented to Congress this morning

Washington, D.C. - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- In response to the Administration's release of its report, “Reforming America’s Housing Finance Market”, John H. Dalton, President of the Housing Policy Council issued this statement:

Swarthmore, PA - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Fair Housing Council of Suburban Philadelphia (FHCSP), a single mother, and her minor child settled federal housing discrimination complaints filed against Bucks County property management company Quality Realty Associates (QRA) and agents Vincent Quattrocchi, Louis Quattrocchi and Cecelia Quattrocchi.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac need serious reform, we must get these reforms right. Among the Administration’s several proposals, only one—the one that maintains a limited role for the GSEs—even has potential for ensuring all families have access to home loans and achieving stability in the housing market.

February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Almost three-quarters (74 percent) of current homeowners in the New Orleans area say their homes were damaged by Hurricane Katrina, according to data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Of these, more than four in 10 reported their homes had suffered major damage and required repairs of $15,000 or more for which most owners received federal flood insurance.

WASHINGTON, DC - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan today unveiled HUD’s fiscal year 2012 budget proposal. Titled Creating Strong, Sustainable, Inclusive Communities and Quality Affordable Homes the budget seeks to help lead America out of an unprecedented economic crisis and ensure our economy is competitive – growing and working for all Americans. HUD is taking responsibility for our deficit, by investing in what makes America stronger and cutting what doesn’t.

Washington, D.C. - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged three former senior executives at IndyMac Bancorp with securities fraud for misleading investors about the mortgage lender’s deteriorating financial condition.

WASHINGTON, DC - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced an additional $50 million in disaster funding to help Tennessee communities recover from last spring's devastating storms and flooding. Provided through HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, these grants will supplement $24 million awarded by HUD last September to support long-term disaster recovery efforts throughout the Volunteer State.

WASHINGTON, DC - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) today released the following statement on the Administration’s report on Housing Finance Reform.

Washington, DC - February 14, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The National Association of REALTORS® welcomes the Obama Administration’s call for an orderly transition from the current form of the secondary mortgage market to a new structure that would enable Americans to achieve affordable, sustainable mortgages

Washington, DC - February 11, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- A report released today on veteran homelessness again points out that veterans are at disproportionately high risk of homelessness. The report, the most accurate assessment of the scope of the problem to date, provides an important benchmark for national efforts to solve this problem

February 11, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- President Obama wants to cut $2.5 billion from a $5 billion home heating aid program in his 2012 budget proposal that will be sent to Capitol Hill on Monday, The Associated Press reported. The proposal reportedly would cut the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to its 2008 level of about $2.5 billion. The Vermont congressional delegation planned a rare joint press conference on Monday to discuss the budget.

February 11, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), ranking Republican on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, today made the following statement regarding the White Paper released by the Obama Administration concerning the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The White Paper was a requirement of the Dodd-Frank Financial Reform legislation.

WASHINGTON, DC - February 11, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- National Multi Housing Council (NMHC) President Doug Bibby issued the following statement concerning today's release of the Obama Administration's proposal for reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. His statement is on behalf of NMHC and its joint legislative partner, the National Apartment Association.