WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 9, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- At $9.4 billion, Los Angeles County, Calif. leads the country for counties spending the most money on remodeling, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).Rounding out the top 5 list is Cook County in Illinois, Orange and San Diego counties in California, and Maricopa County in Arizona

Destin, FL - March 9, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Driven by swelling local job markets, the best housing markets for investors in 2011 are spread across the U.S. with many markets located in areas that have a huge number of government jobs. The nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C. leads the annual just released list by Housing Predictor.

Washington, DC - March 8, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- A new Consumer Federation of America (CFA) survey has found that the public overwhelmingly believes that improving the energy efficiency of home appliances is critically important and strongly supports appliance efficiency standards. In a report released today, CFA reveals that home energy costs now take an equal bite out of consumers’ pocketbooks as gasoline expenditures. And similar to their support for fuel economy standards, Americans want energy efficiency standards for home appliances. With oil prices skyrocketing, reducing home energy costs has become critically important to American consumers.

Los Angeles, CA - March 8, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) today announced that it has raised $800 million of new term loans under its credit agreement to finance the acquisition of the real estate investment management businesses it is acquiring from Netherlands-based ING Group N.V.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 8, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Efforts to combat mortgage fraud against lenders have proliferated into a number of initiatives including state and federal legislation criminalizing mortgage fraud and increased synergy between law enforcement and lenders. Hear from industry experts as they review the current status of the industry, law enforcement and government’s efforts in combating mortgage fraud.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 8, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Peter Polhemus, president and CEO of Polhemus Savery DaSilva Architects Builders in Chatham, Mass, has been named the Custom Home Builder of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders."We are honored to be the first company in New England and also the first truly integrated architectural and building firm to receive this prestigious award," Polhemus said.

Upper Marlboro, MD - March 8, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- High-performance green homes don't happen by chance. Green homes achieve their above-code efficiencies and improvements for homeowners as the result of taking an integrated, whole-house approach to the entire building process. To help educators convey these important green construction concepts to construction students, the NAHB Research Center recently unveiled a new resource that is available online.

Las Vegas, NV - March 8, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- RE/MAX Chairman and Co-Founder Dave Liniger told a gathering of more than 5,000 real estate agents that the worst of the housing crisis has passed. At the annual convention of the global real estate franchisor, Liniger said that the industry must continue to pursue the training that will help homeowners in distress, but should also start planning for a post-crisis environment.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 8, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that while consumer hesitation on home buying is waning, the recent housing downturn has changed what Americans are looking for in their next home.The survey research on consumer preferences, which is presented annually at the NAHB International Builders’ Show, suggests that the severity of the recession has left an indelible mark on prospective home buyers, who have shifted their perspective on the housing they want and need.

Destin, FL - March 8, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Billionaire real estate investor and reality TV show host Donald Trump was thumped in his bid to run for U.S. president in a just released opinion poll. The question of whether the real estate mogul should run for the White House was asked after Trump made several appearances on TV talk shows hinting at a run for the U. S. presidency.

PORTLAND, OR - March 7, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in an effort to strengthen mortgage protections for servicemembers once they return home from duty.

WASHINGTON, DC - March 7, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- In an effort to protect consumers, increase transparency in the foreclosure process, and hold banks and servicers accountable for providing relief to qualified homeowners, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today introduced the Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2011 based on similar legislation Reed introduced in 2009

WASHINGTON, DC - March 7, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Life -changing stories of working families benefiting from a range of federal housing programs will be at the forefront of this week’s annual Legislative Conference of the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA).

SHELTON, CT - March 7, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The New Homes Division of William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance has been selected as marketing and sales agent for Cranberry Hill Estates, Shelton’s newest family community

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 7, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- As part of the Federal Trade Commission’s continuing crackdown on scams that target homeowners behind in their mortgage payments or facing foreclosure, the FTC has charged a national operation with marketing bogus loan modification services. The FTC seeks to stop the illegal practices and make the defendants pay refunds to consumers

Washington, D.C. - March 4, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- A group of 18 U.S. Senators, led by Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), urged government agencies to take action to prevent foreclosures and help families keep their homes.The senators made their request in a letter sent to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke

Alexandria, VA - March 4, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- An analysis in the March issue of the ABI Journal found that several bankruptcy courts are dealing with the foreclosure crisis through the adoption of loss-mitigation programs (LMPs). As Congress examines a possible repeal of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) due to ineffectiveness in modifying mortgages, John Rao of the National Consumer Law Center Inc. in Boston writes that several bankruptcy courts have provided a useful solution through the adoption of LMPs.

WASHINGTON, DC - March 4, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- In conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 6-12, NeighborWorks America, The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, HOPE Now, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and a coalition of national government agencies, nonprofit organizations and financial institutions are empowering homeowners to combat loan modification scams.

EUGENE, OR - March 4, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- IDX, Inc. welcomes Janice Bolton of Bolton Realty to the growing network of agents and brokers that have adopted an IDX solution for their professional real estate search pages. As a member of the Natchitoches MLS (NMLS), Bolton has long had access to the detailed property listings NMLS supplies to real estate professionals. Now, potential buyers can experience the same level of accessibility to the NMLS database by utilizing the IDX-enabled search tools Bolton hosts online.

BLUE BELL, PA - March 4, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- With minimum bids starting at just $75,000, 36 two- and three-bedroom condominiums in Blue Bell, Pa., that had previously been on the market for as much as $301,400 are set to go on the auction block in April.

In the realm of interior design, the kitchen holds a special place. It's not just a place for preparing meals; it's a space where functionality meets aesthetics. Among the various elements that contribute to the allure of a kitchen, the splashback stands out as both a practical and stylish addition.

Nonprofit affordable housing developer MHP has officially launched a bold new $20M campaign to double its impact by the end of the decade, activating a plan to expand and preserve more affordable housing in Montgomery County, MD and across the DMV. As of today, MHP has raised $15.8M, 79% of its goal.

PORTLAND, Maine: A Glenburn woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland to embezzling from an organization receiving federal funds and conspiring to alter money orders. According to court records, Kelly Ballinger, 57, was a former property manager for a Portland apartment complex with residences funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

A home's value is determined by several elements, and landscaping is important for improving a property's curb appeal and overall attractiveness. Well-designed landscaping, such as verdant gardens, tidy lawns, and eye-catching outdoor living areas, may dramatically raise a home's value.

Dallas lawns face a unique set of challenges. The hot Texas summers, coupled with compacted soil from regular foot traffic and heavy clay content in some areas, can lead to compacted soil, hindering air, water, and nutrient penetration to the grassroots. This results in a stressed lawn that's more susceptible to disease, pests, and poor growth.

The public has the right to attend the meeting at any of the locations. Alternatively, the public may attend the live meeting remotely: The Board assists the NYS Department of Labor and the Commissioner of Labor with regulations, compliance and licensing covering elevators, motorized lifts and walkways, chair lifts and other similar equipment.

When it comes to the exterior of your home, the entryway sets the tone for what lies beyond. A wood gate is the perfect addition to create a warm and inviting welcome for your guests. Its natural beauty and timeless appeal can instantly enhance the curb appeal of your property, making a lasting impression.

Be Aware of Deceptive Business Practices That Can Cost Thousands of Dollars for Services Not Provided While Moving to a New Home. Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics

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