HARRISBURG, - February 20, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- State Sen. Judy Schwank today hailed the recent approval by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency of nearly $1.4 million in low-income housing tax credits to support two housing development projects in the City of Reading.

VIENNA, Va. - February 20, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today finalized anti-money laundering (AML) regulations that will require the housing government sponsored enterprises (Housing GSEs) to develop programs for the prevention of money laundering and to file suspicious activity reports (SARs) with FinCEN.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 20, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Slightly lower median home prices along with a small uptick in mortgage rates contributed to housing affordability holding steady in the fourth quarter, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), released today.

WASHINGTON - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- ConsensusDocs released the new ConsensusDocs 746 Constructor & Geotechnical Consultant Agreement and the 747 Constructor & Consultant Agreement today. These new contracts provide an industry standard contract for a constructor who wants to retain a consultant on a construction project. Similar to the ConsensusDocs 246 and 247 (Owner and Consultant agreements), these constructor and consultant agreements were crafted to provide a solid contractual base for a variety of consulting arrangements, including interior design, inspection, industrial hygiene, retrofits, procurement and many others.

New York, NY - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Manhattan sales prices reached a new peak for the second consecutive quarter, according to the 2013 Quarterly Housing Update: 3rd Quarter (PDF), released today by the NYU Furman Center. Brooklyn saw the largest gains in price appreciation over the previous year, rising 15 percent, while the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens showed gains over 10 percent.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Prices for materials used in construction and for nonresidential building construction both increased more than overall prices for “final demand” in January, according to a new analysis of retooled federal data on producer prices released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. As a result, margins remain very tight for most construction firms even as private-sector demand for construction continues to grow

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The continuing economic recovery has improved housing affordability for low- and moderate-income working households, but housing costs are still a significant burden, especially to renters, according to a new report released today by the Center for Housing Policy, the research division of the National Housing Conference.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Due largely to unusually severe weather, across much of the nation, housing starts fell 16 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 880,000 units in January, according to newly released figures from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. Meanwhile, single-family permits, which are often a harbinger of future building activity, posted a modest 1.3 percent decline to a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 602,000 units.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The House of Representatives should defeat flood insurance legislation passed by the Senate in January, because it would have the effect of misleading tens of thousands of homeowners concerning their vulnerability to flooding, undermine the flood program’s viability and increase taxpayer costs, according to consumer advocates. The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) said the bill (S. 1926) also keeps in place massive and often hidden subsidies even for high-income homeowners looking to live or build in flood prone areas.

WASHINGTON - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau today announced the following new residential construction statistics for January 2014

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- National Credit Union Administration Board Chairman Debbie Matz has appointed Board Member Richard Metsger as NCUA’s representative on the Board of Directors of NeighborWorks America, one of the nation’s preeminent affordable housing and community development organizations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Realtors® have a long-standing tradition of aiding those in need, and many volunteer their time and energy to improving the lives of others in communities throughout the world. The National Association of Realtors® recognizes those Realtors® who demonstrate exceptional service through REALTOR® Magazine’sGood Neighbor Awards, which is currently accepting applications

Washington, D.C. - February 18, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and Merit Canada Feb. 13 signed a joint resolution outlining their partnership agreement and commitment to free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy, under which construction contracts are awarded to construction companies based on merit

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 18, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- With the spring home-buying season approaching, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers today encouraged homeowners to be prepared with all relevant property information when an appraiser visits

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 18, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Unusually severe weather conditions across much of the nation along with continued concerns over the cost and availability of labor and lots caused builder confidence in the market for newly-built, single-family homes to post a 10-point drop to 46 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today

SAN DIEGO, - February 18, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- DataQuick®, a provider of advanced real estate information solutions powered by data, analytics and decisioning, has completed the development of its Derived Transaction Record (DTR), a new property transaction record based on a methodology for extracting data from a variety of intelligence sources to identify property transactions in jurisdictions that do not compile recorder information. The methodology also identifies property transactions that are not captured as part of traditional Recorder data and coverage in jurisdictions where Recorder data is available.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 18, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its ranking of the Top 10 States for LEED®, the world’s most widely used and recognized green building rating system. The list highlights the regions around the country that are at the forefront of sustainable building design and transformation. Utilizing less energy, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

Washington, D.C. - February 14, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- ABC Feb. 11 congratulated the winners of the 24th annual Excellence in Construction Awards– the industry’s leading competition, where the top construction projects and the firms that displayed exemplary commitment to safety and diversity in 2013 were recognized during the awards celebration at the Grand Wailea in Maui, Hawaii.

Washington, D.C. - February 14, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced that Interstates Companies is its 2013 Contractor of the Year. Interstates Companies Chairman and CEO Larry Den Herder accepted the award on behalf of the company Feb. 11 during ABC’s 24th annual Excellence in Construction Awards ceremony in Maui, Hawaii

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 13, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that DeAndra J. Cullen, Acting Director of the Fair Housing Division of Education and Outreach, has received the Atlanta-based Trumpet Award Foundation’s “High Heels Award” for her work in promoting civil rights and higher education. DeAndra J. Cullen, received the prestigious award at the Foundation’s recent awards banquet in Atlanta

The grant funding will enable the Hope Through Housing Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab to purchase new virtual reality equipment, drones, cameras and powerful servers for AI and software development.

We are here today as a government built for the people. Today, you are holding this hearing on the pretense of what happens when tax-exempt dollars funnel from or to groups that you disagree with. But much more pressing, what happens when decisions are no longer being made for the people, but in service to the President’s greed?

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, a landmark housing reform package to increase housing supply, lower costs for families, and modernize federal housing programs to better serve rural, suburban, and urban communities across America.

Transforming your bathroom into a smart space doesn't mean turning it into a sci-fi movie set. Today's intelligent bathroom features blend seamlessly into your daily routine while adding genuine convenience, comfort, and value to your home.

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in your life, and securing the right mortgage is essential to make that dream a reality.

Residential siding plays a critical role in protecting a home while also defining its overall appearance. Beyond curb appeal, the right siding choice can improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance demands, and help safeguard the structure from weather-related damage.

The Committee on Financial Services is working to tackle the high cost of living. Last week, the Committee held a hearing with Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced that she secured over $10 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) for D.C. in the fiscal year 2026 (FY 26) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill passed by the House today

Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $520,000 to support water system improvements in the Town of Garden City.

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