WASHINGTON, DC - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Justice Department today announced settlements with two lenders under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to resolve allegations that the lenders wrongfully foreclosed upon active duty servicemembers without first obtaining court orders, in violation of the SCRA. Combined, the settlements provide more than $22 million in monetary relief for the victims

COLUMBUS, OH - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) is partnering with The Ohio State University (OSU) to launch the Homeownership Investment Program. The program will provide additional support for OHFA homeowners before and after they purchase their home, to increase their mortgage sustainability and overall financial well-being. The new program will enhance the streamlined homebuyer education currently offered by the Agency in conjunction with OHFA's successful affordable mortgage program for first-time homebuyers.

Memphis, Tenn. - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® has teamed up with REALTOR® associations across the country for the Nationwide Open House Weekend from Saturday, June 4 through Sunday, June 5.

May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- With only ten minutes remaining in the Texas House for consideration of non-local Senate Bills, Speaker Straus recognized Representative Bonnen for an important motion

CHICAGO, IL - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Though not ready to declare the economy is on the upswing, Wells Fargo Securities economist Mark Vitner told attendees at the recent midyear conference of The Counselors of Real Estate® in San Diego that the economic decline—at least in commercial real estate—is over. Members of the invitation-only The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE®) association are top advisors in real estate matters throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Washington, DC - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) invited constituents to attend a free foreclosure prevention workshop in Dallas. The event takes place on Friday, June 10th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Dallas at the Texas Agrilife Research and Extension Center located at 17360 Coit Road.

May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today unveiled legislation to provide real relief for hard working men and women across New York State by capping local property taxes at two percent while at the same time including important safeguards to ensure communities are able to provide critical services for their citizens. The legislation prohibits local governments and school districts from exceeding the two percent threshold on the total tax levy and requires a 60 percent vote to override the levy. "Our message to property owners who have struggled under the burden of soaring taxes is simple," said Speaker Silver (D-Manhattan).

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that among those who moved between 2009 and 2010, more than four out of 10 (16.4 million or 43.7 percent) did so for housing-related reasons, such as the desire to live in a new or better home or apartment, according to data from Geographical Mobility: 2010. Among other reasons for moving, people cited family concerns (30.3 percent), such as a change in marital status, employment needs (16.4 percent) and other factors (9.5 percent).

NEWARK, NJ - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Ron Sims today awarded $18.4 million to revitalize the Alexander Hamilton development in Paterson, NJ. The high and low-rises formerly on the site will be replaced with 201 townhouse rental and for-sale units, as well as 70 off-site rental units for seniors. Sims made the announcement at the Paterson Housing Authority site, and was joined by Senator Frank Lautenberg, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Paterson Mayor Jeffrey Jones, and Paterson Housing Authority Executive Director Irma Gorham

May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- In response to the recent Tax Foundation study, again demonstrating the regressive burden shouldered by New Jersey property taxpayers, League of Municipalities’ President, Mayor Chuck Chiarello of Buena Vista Township, issued the following statement:

DENVER, CO - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Despite the worst housing market in recent history, two respected national surveys show RE/MAX agents continue to outperform their competitors, selling more homes, assisting more families, and leading all other national real estate companies in sales performance

NEW YORK, N.Y. - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Mortgage rates dropped again, with the benchmark conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate falling to 4.77 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.4 discount and origination points.

ST. LOUIS, MO - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- While publically available data can provide valuable information on broad housing market conditions in the St. Louis region, these sources do not pinpoint regional, county, or neighborhood house-price trends. Even expensive proprietary data may not be satisfactory.

Washington, DC - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The National Association of Realtors® supports a secondary mortgage market model with some level of government participation that would protect taxpayers and ensure that creditworthy consumers have access to affordable mortgage capital in all markets at all times.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today introduced the Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses (COASTAL) Act to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by using increased data during the claims process. Wicker’s legislation would provide greater certainty to homeowners and the insurance market, ensuring certain losses from future storms are settled in a timely and equitable manner

May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today noted that the Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan program will be increasing its loan cap from $12,500 to $20,000, effective June 1. The higher loan cap will eliminate a barrier for consumers who want to invest in deep energy efficiency for their home, and will give a greater boost to those who want to purchase solar photovoltaic systems.

BOISE, ID - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- John Insinger has been appointed to Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s (IHFA’s) Board of Commissioners. Insinger is currently an “of counsel” attorney to two law firms in Boise, Risch Pisca, LLP, and Goss Gustavel Goss, PLLC. As a partner of Risch Goss Insinger Gustavel, he spent 35 years as a private law practitioner focusing in general and commercial transactions and litigation.

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 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that special disaster assistance may be available to Veterans with VA-guaranteed home loans who have been affected by recent tornados in Missouri.

SACRAMENTO, CA - May 26, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Total housing starts in California, as measured by the number of building permits issued, rose 2 percent in April, the California Building Industry Association announced today.

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is sharing tips to help New Yorkers identify and avoid rental scams. Rental scams are executed in a variety of different ways, but the goal is the same: bilk potential tenants out of as much money as possible or steal their personal information.

Asphalt production is a critical aspect of our built environment. It's the material we use to pave roads, construct driveways, lay airport runways, and create pathways in public parks. Manufacturing asphalt involves heating and combining aggregates, like sand or gravel, with binders, such as bitumen, to create a versatile and durable construction material.

The latest trends in bathroom remodeling showcase a deliberate blend of beauty and practicality. Homeowners are seeking spaces that cater to essential functions and provide a comfort level that befits the modern lifestyle. Spaces are designed to be zones of relaxation - a place to unwind after a long day or to energize and prepare for the day ahead

In celebration of National Financial Literacy Month this April, NJCDC’s Paterson Youth Council is hosting a Financial Literacy Day event at John F. Kennedy High School this Tuesday. Paterson Youth Council members will be joined by volunteers from local financial institutions to teach JFK students about different financial literacy topics.

On Saturday, April 13, more than 25,000 individuals flocked to events nationwide, marking the National Building Black Wealth Day as designated by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). In over 100 cities, seminars and one-on-one sessions delved into a wide range of topics, from homeownership and property investment to business startups and other wealth-building opportunities.

Discover the allure of estate lots and how they provide the perfect canvas for tailoring your dream home in a tranquil setting. Explore the benefits of owning an estate lot and learn how you can create your own slice of paradise amidst serene surroundings.

Investing in real estate is a smart way to grow your money, but it's not just about buying property and hoping for the best. Effective property management is key to maximizing your returns and ensuring your investment pays off. 

Spring brings fresh opportunities for property owners to attract seasonal and year-round tenants. This period is crucial for making your rental stand out in a crowded market. But how do you ensure your property catches the eye of potential renters?

On Earth Day 1993, I delivered the first major speech of my life. It was in New York City’s Bryant Park, kicking off a nationwide tour to rally opposition to the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Ann McNeill, Founder and Chair, National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC), authored a letter to the House of Representatives Minority Leader, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries to demand mandatory, equitable contracting goals in US DOT surface transportation contract awards.

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