All USA
Comptroller Testifies on House Subprime Lending Bill
WASHINGTON, October 24, 2007 -- Comptroller of the Currency John C. Dugan today expressed support for provisions in a House bill that would set national standards for subprime mortgages comparable to federal banking agency standards, and provide enhanced regulation for all mortgage brokers, but expressed concern about some parts of the proposed legislation.
HousePlansAndMore.com Adds Exciting New Features to House Plans Web Site
With more than 15,000 home plans to choose from, users may find the task of searching for a new home a bit daunting. But with HDA's new search features, finding that special luxury house plan is a breeze. Consumers are able to search by home plan style, size, and by estimated cost-to-build
NAR, SGA Find Americans Prefer to Spend More on Mass Transit and Highway Maintenance,...
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three-fourths of Americans surveyed believe that either being smarter about development or improving public transportation are both better long-term solutions for reducing traffic congestion than building new roads, according to a survey sponsored by the National Association of Realtors and Smart Growth America.
Real estate professionals see rays of light in cloudy market
Local real estate professionals discussed how to ride out a currently stormy housing market that holds promises of better times ahead at the eighth annual State of Real Estate in the Coachella Valley presentation, held today at the Doral Palm Springs Resort.
Renters Four Times More Likely to Move Than Homeowners
OCTOBER 16, 2007 -- The U.S. Census Bureau has released a series of 34 tables on the 40 million Americans who moved between 2005 and 2006, including characteristics of movers by type of move.
Statement by Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. on Announcement of New Private Sector Alliance
Washington, DC, October 10, 2007 --Thank you, Secretary Jackson, for being here today. And thank you to everyone here today with one common objective – helping homeowners stay in their homes. We all know well the turmoil in today's mortgage markets. A combination of stagnant or falling house prices, low down payment mortgages and resetting adjustable-rate mortgage rates are creating real challenges for many American homeowners.
Full Senate Votes to Increase LSC’s Budget
Washington, DC, October 17, 2007 -- By a vote of 75-19, the full U.S. Senate last night approved the FY 2008 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) funding bill, providing a $41.4 million or 12 percent budget increase for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the nation's single largest source of funding for civil legal aid for the poor. LSC would receive a total of $390 million, approaching the $400 million received in FY 1995, the high-water mark in the Corporation's 33-year history.
Senate And House Democratic Leaders Offer Plan To Stem Tide Of Home Foreclosures
Washington, D.C., October 2, 2007 —Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senators Chris Dodd and Charles E. Schumer, and Reps. Barney Frank and Carolyn Maloney today offered a plan to stem the rising tide of home foreclosures created by the subprime mortgage market crisis
Comprehensive Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Legislation Introduced in the House
Washington, DC, October 22, 2007 - Reps. Brad Miller (D-NC), Mel Watt (D-NC) and Barney Frank (D-MA) today introduced comprehensive legislation to combat abuses in the mortgage lending market, and to provide basic protections to mortgage consumers and investors. The bill, H.R. 3915, the “The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007” will reform mortgage practices in three areas.
Americans Trust Their Financial Institutions to Disclose Terms, Help Manage Finances
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- American consumers give their own banks and credit card companies a 76 percent approval rating when it comes to being fair when disclosing terms to customers; they also rank their own personal banks and credit card companies far higher than the federal government when it comes to helping them handle their overall finances, according to the Second Annual Financial Fitness Survey released by The Financial Services Roundtable.
National Association of Realtors(R) Revised 2007-2008 Statistical & Forecast News Release Schedule
National Association of Realtors(R) Revised 2007-2008 Statistical & Forecast News Release Schedule All released at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time except November Forecast/PHSI
Antitrust Division Launches Web Site on Competition in the Real Estate Brokerage Industry
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --- The Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice launched a new Web site today to educate consumers and policymakers about the potential benefits that competition can bring to consumers of real estate brokerage services and the barriers that inhibit that competition
Study: Wal-Mart Systematically Challenges Property Tax Assessments, Cutting Support for Schools and Other Government...
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 , /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --- The first-ever investigation of Wal-Mart's local property tax records finds that the retailer systematically seeks to minimize its payments that support schools and other government services. That's the finding of Rolling Back Property Tax Payments, a report released today by Good Jobs First, a non-profit research center.
American Red Cross and HUD Agree to Speed Housing Information and Assistance to Displaced...
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Many disaster survivors who have been forced from their homes will access critically needed housing information and assistance more quickly because of an agreement signed today between the American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
NAR Helps Realtors(R) Manage Multiple Technology Tools
CHICAGO, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Realtors(R) Center for REALTOR(R) Technology has released a free software toolkit to facilitate open standards-based Single Sign-On. SSO is an authentication process that allows users to enter one username and password to access all online real estate applications.
American Planners Recognize Country’s Great Neighborhoods and Streets
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Planning Association (APA) today announced the country's first 10 Great Neighborhoods and 10 Great Streets to be singled out through the new national program, "Great Places in America." Launched last spring, Great Places in America is APA's flagship program celebrating places of exemplary character, quality, and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow.
Mortgage Problems Continue to Hamper Pending Home Sales
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pending sales of existing- homes activity will be dampened near-term as mortgage disruptions continue to impact the housing market, according to the National Association of Realtors(R).
Center for Responsible Lending’s Corbett to Sit on Subprime Lending Panel
Media Advisory: Center for Responsible Lending senior vice president Keith Corbett will be on a panel to discuss the impact of subprime lending on communities of color
DHS One Step Closer to Permanent, Consolidated Home
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. General Services Administration has completed a draft master plan and draft environmental impact study at St. Elizabeths Hospital, marking another milestone in GSA's effort to establish a permanent, consolidated home for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Census Bureau Tip Sheet: Home Equity Lines of Credit – Who Uses This Source...
Home Equity Lines of Credit --- Who Uses This Source of Credit? -- This report profiles single-family homeowners who used home equity lines of credit in 2001 and compares them to their counterparts from 10 years earlier, including age, home value, mortgage, age of home, number of loans for home improvements and proportion of people using home equity for debt consolidation.
U.S. National
Atlanta REALTORS® Releases December 2020 Statistics on Housing Market
Atlanta REALTORS® Association (ARA), the largest association of its kind in Georgia, released its December 2020 Market Brief on residential housing statistics for 11 area counties in metropolitan Atlanta. The Market Brief, compiled by First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS)
New Appraisal Institute Text Demonstrates Essential Valuation Techniques
Since problem-solving is the foundation of an appraiser's skill set, "The Student Handbook to The Appraisal of Real Estate, 15th Edition," includes practice problems that allow users of the handbook to test the knowledge they have acquired every step
Tips for Using Your Greenhouse During Autumn
Having a greenhouse makes gardening though the autumn winter months much more doable, which is perfect for those wanting to stay active in the garden all year round. With the right tools and careful planning, you can really make the most out of your greenhouse and work on some great projects throughout the colder days.
Simple Yet Effective Kitchen Updates
Giving your kitchen a revamp is a great way to keep the space feeling fresh and on-trend. The kitchen is now seen to be the heart of the home, with most of the daily activity taking place here, so it’s essential that it’s a space the whole family can utilise and enjoy. From simple decorative changes to practical new features to make everyday life more organised, continue reading to find out which simple yet effective kitchen updates would work best for your home
How To Pack Your Things Ready For A Big Move
Moving to a new home can be exciting and overwhelming. It’s an exciting experience, especially when you’re moving to your first owned home. However, it can also be stressful when you have plenty of items you need to pack and think about.
Radon Testing in Your Home Can Save Your Life
Radon testing is done to measure Radon's presence in your home. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural extraction of uranium in many soils. This gas enters the air from the floor and can enter through the wall or the house's basement cracks. Radon is a hazardous substance that can cause cancer and other health problems.
Could You Use New Residential Windows? The Answer is Yes!
Nothing lasts forever. That includes residential windows. Even the best eventually need replacing. That’s why it pays to contact Canadian Choice windows and other top window companies in Vancouver when you notice that the windows aren’t providing the same degree of function as in the past.
4 Reasons Why Finishing and Renovating the Basement Makes Sense
How well are you using every square foot of the home? While the main floor is laid out nicely and you make the most of it, there’s the basement to consider. Unlike other parts of the house, you haven’t done much with it other than use the basement for storage
Is Now the Right Time to Refinance My Mortgage?
It’s not that you’re unhappy with the current mortgage. In fact, it’s easy for you to make the installment payments and they always post quickly. Even so, you wonder if refinancing would be a good idea. Since it never hurts to look, contact one of the certified Toronto mortgage brokers and agents and get an idea of what sort of deal you could get.
Meridian Acquires El Dorado Medical Plaza in Tucson, Arizona
Meridian, a full-service real estate developer and owner of medical real estate, is pleased to announce that the firm has closed escrow on the purchase of El Dorado Medical Plaza, a 187,690-square-foot, three-story combined Class-B medical office
Reasons to Sell Your Home to A Home Buying Company
People sell their homes for different reasons. Some sell their homes to move to a new town or city, while others have their personal reasons for selling their homes. Whichever your reason for selling your home, one thing is for sure- you want to get done
Appraiser Diversity Workshop Scheduled
The Appraisal Institute is collaborating with the National Urban League and Fannie Mae to host a free virtual Appraiser Diversity Initiative workshop, "How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser," Saturday, Jan. 30, noon- 1:15 p.m. EST
CHA begins accepting applications for 250 college scholarships
The application period for the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Scholarship starts today. The program allows CHA students to apply for one of more than 250 college scholarships of $1,000 each. It came in handy for Brianna Bussell.
George Slusser to head new M&A Advisory Division at WAV Group
George Slusser, one of the real estate industry’s most experienced and well-known valuation experts, will join WAV Group to head its new Mergers and Acquisition Advisory Division, real estate’s leading consulting and research firm announced
When Should You Schedule an Open House for Your Property?
If you’re planning to hold an open house, timing is paramount. You need to ensure that you can gain enough traction for people to check your property. This helps ensure that the time and effort you put in preparing the house for homebuyers can land you a successful deal.
How To Prepare A Home For Renting
Renting out your home isn’t easy. It takes careful planning, and you have to ensure that it’s in good shape to attract tenants easily. Preparing your home for renting won’t only allow you to get the best possible tenants; also, once you provide your property a makeover
Alta Housing Breaks Ground on City of Palo Alto’s Newest Affordable Apartment Community
PALO ALTO, Calif. - RealEstateRama - Alta Housing (formerly Palo Alto Housing), a nonprofit affordable housing developer, virtually celebrated the groundbreaking of Wilton Court, a new 100%...
Rental Unit Upgrades That Landlords Should Consider
Everyone who has invested in rental property wants to be the kind of landlord that fixes things right away and is seen as a terrific manager. Landlords also want to see their property increase in value, and that means upgrading and improving
Conveyancing 101: A Property Investor’s Guide
While homeowners often put a lot of care and effort into the interior of their home, making sure it fits their personal tastes and needs, the exterior doesn’t always get that same attention. The exterior can be an afterthought or even ignored all together, which leaves you with a disjointed look.
How to Refresh and Modernize the Exterior of Your Home
While homeowners often put a lot of care and effort into the interior of their home, making sure it fits their personal tastes and needs, the exterior doesn’t always get that same attention. The exterior can be an afterthought or even ignored all together
U.S. States
President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Disaster Declaration for Texas
FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Texas to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Hanna from July 25, 2020, and continuing
FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Numbers Fire
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Nevada in combating the Numbers Fire burning in Douglas County.
How Much Does It Cost To Start An LLC In Texas?
In the process of setting up your Texas LLC, you'll be faced with quite a few expenses. Some of these are required by legislation, and others are just recommended. We'll cover the costs of setting up an LLC in Texas and also provide you with the informatio
5 Benefits Of Using A Registered Agent In Texas
The services of a registration agent began as part of due process in the US Constitution. A lawsuit includes the legal right to be notified of claims or other legal matters. Here are some brief things that will help explain what a Registered Agent Service In Texas
Avoid TV Tip-Over Incidents During Super Bowl LIV with Safety Tips
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.
Brand-New Single-Tenant Starbucks Drive-Thru Trades in Fresno, Calif. for $1,345 PSF
Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors, a nationally recognized real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in retail property sales, announced today that the firm has completed the sale of a brand-new, single-tenant Starbucks
Rosenberg family home for the holidays – and prepared for future hurricanes
A Houston-area mom is sharing her Hurricane Harvey recovery story this holiday season, along with the importance of always being prepared for flood events.
5 Cities in Florida: Which One Makes for the Best Real Estate Investment Opportunity...
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.
WALTER J. MAHONEY STATE OFFICE BUILDING TO BE SOLD
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
Charleston South Carolina expected to outpace national real estate market averages through 2025
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) recently identified 10 markets expected to outperform over the next three to five years. In alphabetical order, the markets are
WHAT IS THE EVICTION PROCESS IN CALIFORNIA?
Eviction is a dirty word for both tenants and the landlords that believe the time has come to remove one or more parties from an apartment. The process anywhere can lead to a strained relationship at best and a bitter acrimonious fight that ends up in the judicial system.
FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Local Home Improvement Stores
Disaster survivors affected by the severe storms and floods from Tropical Storm Imelda, can visit local home improvement stores in Katy, Houston and Spring from Monday, Dec. 9, to Saturday
Florida Tops ABC’s Annual Merit Shop Scorecard State Ranking for Second Year in a...
Associated Builders and Contractors released its 2019 Merit Shop Scorecard today, an annual ranking based on state policies and programs that encourage workforce development, career and technical education
Top 4 Places to Buy a Second Home in the US
There are about 7.4 million homes owned as a second home in the United States. For many people, their second home is a vacation home. This gives them a chance to get away and break routine while also having all of the comforts of being in their own home.
Ribbon Cutting Celebrating New Affordable Apartments in the Bronx for Low-Income Families and Domestic...
New Destiny was joined by supporters and colleagues to celebrate the opening of its newly constructed service-enriched affordable housing project - The Jennings - located in the Crotona Park East
HUD AWARDS $1.5 MILLION TO PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES TO ASSIST YOUNG PEOPLE AGING OUT...
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today awarded $1.5 million to nearly a dozen housing authorities to assist young people aging out
BLM NAMES VETERAN LAND MANAGER TO LEAD CALIFORNIA STATE OFFICE
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
California Real Estate Developer Convicted of Making Conduit Contributions in Two U.S. Congressional Campaigns
Today, a federal jury found an Oakland-area real estate developer guilty for funneling tens of thousands of dollars through straw donors into two consecutive congressional campaigns
NYS OASAS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW RECOVERY CENTER IN NEW YORK CITY
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.
Robust U.S economy not a boost for black homeownership
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
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