If Prop. 8 passes, what about those who wed? Nov 2, 2008
The main reason, she said, is that newlywed couples often rely on their marital status to take actions they might otherwise put off - adopting or having children, borrowing money, buying a home. "We want to say to couples that when you marry, you can rely on being married," she said. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Things to know about your credit score Nov 2, 2008
Whether you are buying a home, a car or applying for a credit card lenders want to know the risk they re taking by lending your money. FICO scores are the credit scores that most lenders use to determine your credit risk. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
At the Library Nov 2, 2008
First session of free ongoing seminars on buying a home, to be held the first Wednesday of each month. Everything you need to know about the market, getting a loan, HUD, and more. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Candidate Q&A: Part 11 Nov 1, 2008
As I have detailed on , I would re-focus tax cuts on helping middle-class families reach their dreams -- covering childcare costs, sending their children to college, buying a home, and moving up the job ladder, as well as tax relief for small businesses to help cover the cost of health insurance. We also need a new investment in rebuilding our infrastructure and retrofitting federal buildings with energy-efficient technology, which will help stimulate the economy. (Anchorage Daily News)
Consumers Want Federal Oversight of Lending Nov 1, 2008
Buying a Home Still Considered Smart Move ... Eighty-five percent of respondents believe buying a home is a good financial decision, down 2 percent from last year. (Realtor Magazine Online)
Texans could save $13.7B on electric bills Oct 31, 2008
Combs says this is possible when consumers are armed with credible, understandable energy-efficiency information when buying a home or considering home energy upgrades. The comptroller is urging consumer education and the development of a voluntary energy rating system. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
A first home? When to buy a first home depends on a lot of factors not just money Oct 31, 2008
Buying a home takes money, obviously. Besides the down payment, buyers can expect to pay thousands of dollars in closing costs. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Home loan down payment up Oct 31, 2008
Its tougher buying a home now- Analysis-Home Loans-Loan Centre-Personal Finance-The Economic Times ... Its tougher buying a home now31 Oct, 2008, 0212 hrs IST,Niranjan Bharati, ET Bureau. (India Times, India)
Real Estate Wrap Oct 28, 2008
The vacancy rate for the Center City and suburban Philadelphia apartment markets is inching up, despite a renewed focus on rental living rather than buying a home. Apartment landlords, particularly in lower-tiered complexes, are reporting that tenants are doubling and tripling up to save money, and in the upper echelon, more product is coming on the market that isn t being filled, according to third-quarter data from Marcus & Millichap. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
LTC123: The nursing home bailout Oct 25, 2008
I don t know about you, but I think one of the most maddening aspects of the current bailout for the typical person-on-the-street is being called upon to pay higher taxes to fix the mistakes of regulators who didn t regulate, and banks and mortgage companies that approved loans they had no business approving, for people who had no business buying a home (or investment property) to begin with. Why should the person-on-the-street have to pay higher taxes and cut back her standard of living to pay... (Kingston Mariner, MA)
Foreclosures jump 138 percent in year Oct 24, 2008
Many homeowners, Pepper said, neglect to consider property taxes when buying a home. Chris Churchill can be reached at 454-5442 or by e-mail at cchurchill@timesunion. (Albany Times Union)
Public discourse has degenerated Oct 23, 2008
It seems a lot of the risk of doing business has disappeared as has the risk of buying a home. Worst case you go bankrupt and some socialist package will emerge to bail you out. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Newton homes cheaper, mortgages harder to get Oct 22, 2008
I thought it was hilarious because most people living in Newton didn t need help buying a home, Kumanhia said. The First Time Homebuyer Program assists qualified Newton homebuyers (gross income in a household of four has to be below $66,150) by providing up to $115,000 for the down payment. (Newton Tab, MA)
Mirroring America, India's Real Estate Goes into Meltdown Oct 21, 2008
Buying a home is considered especially propitious. What better way to welcome the goddess of wealth into one's life than by inviting Lakshmi into one's new abode. (Time.com)
What you need to know when buying a bank-owned property Oct 19, 2008
Cost: With the money saved and the low interest rates, buying a home can be affordable. Renters often think they cannot afford a house because many extra expenses are involved. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
SAN MARCOS: School board candidates seek to maintain high district standards Oct 18, 2008
"We were looking to buy a house, and many people we spoke to in real estate were trying to discourage us from buying a home in San Marcos because of the school district," he said. Horacek said he ignored the talk and moved into San Elijo Hills. (North County Times)
New firm to focus on international real estate market Oct 18, 2008
The communication barrier makes the transaction extremely challenging, whether it's an immigrant buying a home in the United States or a company buying property in another country. Jacqueline Martinez-Ayson hopes to remove some of that angst through. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Big Issue: Voters fret about financial uncertainty Oct 17, 2008
A retiree on a fixed income, Simmons chose to rent an apartment instead of buying a home. But all around him, the Las Vegas housing market boomed. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
'Piggybacking' Your Way to Better Credit? Oct 16, 2008
But, when it came to buying a home, his low credit score meant that he faced what he called "ungodly" high interest rates of 12 to 13 percent. So, he sought out a controversial solution: Kurt found a company that helped him "piggyback" off a stranger's credit card by signing him on as an "authorized user" to the account. (ABC News)
Home Loans Available In El Paso Oct 16, 2008
"When they look at buying a home, they need to understand that coming in they are not going to be able to get into a home with no money down," Montenegro told KFOX.. But she said tons of people in El Paso get qualified every day. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
While it may not boost your property value, saying that a big name - from Curt Schilling to Barack Obama, Julia Child to Amelia Earhart - once lived in your home brings joys (great cocktail conversation!) and pains (ghosts! tourists on the front lawn!). Oct 12, 2008
Or, offers Crocker, "Let's say a house had been owned by a famous architect. Would you feel the need to keep the house as it was? Would you feel as though you need to preserve it, or fix it up for yourself?" The fine line between caretaker and owner can be difficult for some to negotiate, especially if buying a home connected to a famous person was not part of the original plan. Although the Boleses outgrew the first-floor unit on Chester Street with the birth of two sons, they were not ready to... (Boston Globe)
KL the top choice of expatriates Oct 11, 2008
When one is buying a home in a foreign country, one main consideration would be safety which would make one feel more secure and comfortable, she said. Most Viewed. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Potential buyers' fears addressed Oct 11, 2008
This couple's situation illustrates the pervasive confusion affecting prospective home buyers at a time of economic uncertainty, said Sid Davis, a real-estate broker and author of A Survival Guide to Buying a Home. One manifestation of buyer ambivalence is a common phenomenon: the withdrawn bid. (AZCentral -- Business)
More of this story Oct 7, 2008
We don't want to see people buying a home, think they're getting the mineral rights, then find out they don't have them. That's an issue we've been studying for the last couple of years, Nobles said. (Searcy Daily Citizen, AR)
Toronto Real Estate Board: GTA Resale Housing Market Measured in September Oct 7, 2008
" In Scarborough East (E08) transactions increased 22 per cent compared to September 2007 based on strong sales of all housing types. Streetsville (W19) saw an 11 per cent sales increase due primarily to strong detached home sales. In Newmarket (N07) transactions increased 11 per cent compared to a year ago, driven mainly by strong condominium townhouse sales. "Given that these are trying times for the world economy, in context, the Greater Toronto Area resale housing market continues to fare... (RealtyTimes)
Housing Market Must Mend for Bailout to Succeed Oct 6, 2008
Trey Simmons, a 31-year-old barber at a Dallas hair salon, said he worries tighter lending standard will squash his goal of buying a home next year. "Credit is a privilege everybody can't get," Simmons said. (Fox News)
Georgia Law Chills Latino Home-Buying Market Oct 6, 2008
For Latinos, buying a home is the American dream, but, you know, at this time they are hesitant to accomplish that dream, said Eliezer Velez, who provides housing advice for immigrants through Atlanta s Latin American Assn.. The recent caution among Latino home buyers has caught many real estate professionals off guard. (Yahoo News -- Latinos & Hispanics)
BNP forks out $26b for Fortis units Oct 6, 2008
It's like buying a home with all the works at the expenses of the old landlord. . (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Calbreath: What does 'live within your means' mean? Oct 6, 2008
During the vice presidential debate last week, a telling moment came when moderator Gwen Ifill asked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin who was at fault for the nation's credit crisis: greedy lenders or risky homeowners who shouldn't have been buying a home in the first place. Palin's response, after brief swipes at predatory lenders and corruption on Wall Street, was to say that Joe Sixpack and America's hockey moms need to do a better job of making sure they don't get into debt. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Private home buyers cautiously optimistic about Singapore's property sector Oct 5, 2008
Sometimes buying a home, if it's for a home, then there are other considerations other than just pricing alone. " Ronald Wee, a property investor, said: "I do not foresee a slump like in 2003 or 2004. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Commentary: The economia hurting Latinos Oct 4, 2008
Stav believes a fundamental error that Latino immigrants in this country have made is not realizing that the American dream is "not just buying a home, but being able to keep it.". For those, the dream has turned into a nightmare. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
How to survive the mortgage crisisLocal realtors, experts offer tips Oct 3, 2008
She offered advice to potential buyers who have been tentative about buying a home because of the problems with the mortgage industry. "If you are ready to buy, you have the money, and interest rates are good, and as long this is where you are going to make your home and you are not speculating, then it is a good time to buy," Skolar said. (West New York Reporter, NJ)
Mike Baker: Economic Crisis Shouldn't Be About the... Oct 3, 2008
The teams analyze each shaky mortgage those homebuyers who were genuinely bamboozled into buying a home they couldn t afford get assistance, while those who knew what they were doing but didn t care and/or deliberately lied on their applications get squat. To be fair, Senator McCain hasn t been shy in displaying his new found economic knowledge either. (Fox News)
Several agree that change is needed Oct 3, 2008
Marcus Herman, an auto repair shop owner from Merritt Island, said he understood how young people, especially, could be vulnerable to the lure of buying a home with little money down, something that was pushed hard by lenders and real estate agents. If Im a 20-year-old man with a job, and somebody offered a chance to buy a home, why wouldnt I. (Florida Today)
* [POP STOP] Oct 3, 2008
You know the signs: Working hard to further ones music career for five years running, buying a home and an expensive car, gaining weight during a vacation in Canada, frequenting nightclubs and leaving the house without first applying makeup X yep, its obvious that Chang is a just few clowns short of a circus. This story has been viewed 453 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
County offers assistance to first-time homebuyers Oct 3, 2008
TRENTON -- Buying a home is likely the largest transaction an individual can make, but also the most confusing and complicated. Mercer County would like to help families achieve the American dream of owning a home by offering First-time Homebuyer Program workshops. (NJ.com -- Times)
Danvers avoids Wall Street blues Oct 3, 2008
If you are going into the process (of buying a home), just make sure you are pre-approved for a loan, she said. It s the banks that are tightening up. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Credit crisis to take toll on property prices Oct 3, 2008
The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper. Garry Smith, 18 yo from Roselands had already saved $2000 deposit towards his first home. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
McCain's dilemma Sep 25, 2008
It is interesting to note that the cause of the current fiasco is largely caused by liberal Democratic legislation which forced lenders to loosen their lending standards to lower income people that had no business buying a home. The result was a huge glut in housing demand which caused the housing bubble which finally burst when, surprise, surprise many of these same people couldn t pay back the bank. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Home sales, prices down in South Sep 25, 2008
He said shoppers are wary of buying a home when prices are falling because they don't want to see the value of their investment go down. It's a vicious cycle of home prices which can only he halted if banks can ease their restrictions on credit, Carbacho-Burgoshe said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Letters from readers Sep 25, 2008
However, there are normally three parties involved in buying a home: the buyer, the lender and the real estate agent. What I haven't seen is any criticism about the real estate agents who convinced those people that they could afford those big homes and pocketed a nice commission in the process. (Florida Times-Union)
Home-loan rules change Sep 24, 2008
Doing away with seller-assistance programs ultimately will encourage people to save more money toward buying a home and be more responsible in covering the various costs involved, Smith said ... Mortgage revenue bonds are tax free and can be used for a 3 percent cash advance toward buying a home with a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Mortgage Politics: Housing Complex Sep 24, 2008
Buying a home was within reach for most Americans during the '80s, when the ownership ranged mostly from 64% to 65%, according to Census figures. The rate had been much the same in the '70s, and it changed little until late in the '90s. (Investors Business Daily)
Neighborhoods also affected by foreclosure Sep 23, 2008
sam wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:15 AM:" My comments are NOT addressed to this letter writer.I am sorry to hear about anyone losing their home, but seriously, what makes a person earning $50,000 a year believe he can afford a $500,000 home? This is shear stupidity. The majority of the housing foreclosure problems came from people not using their brains, acting out of greed, and buying more than they could afford. Buying a home is not a difficult task. Figure out what you can afford to pay, and do not... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Five Home-buying Myths Sep 21, 2008
With the right resources, the process of buying a home and obtaining a mortgage can be simplified. Expect an experienced loan officer to review the home financing process with you, define terms, and address concerns to find the financing option that's right for you. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
WASHINGTON BREWED THE POISON Sep 19, 2008
The current crisis stems in large part from the fact that people who shouldn't have been buying a home, or who bought more home than they could afford, now can't pay their bills. Their bad mortgages are mixed up with the good ones. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Respect is a Two Way Street Sep 18, 2008
"I advise buyers that they should be pre-approved before starting their search, not just to avoid wasting my time but to avoid wasting theirs. Buying a home is an emotional process and not being able to get the financing in place to purchase that home they just fell in love with is tragic. As a professional consultant, I owe it to a potential client to give them advice that is in their best interest and it's irresponsible to work with a buyer who doesn't know how much they can afford." Brent... (RealtyTimes)
Transmission Lines Cause Concern For East Mesa Residents Sep 18, 2008
Power lines nearby have already kept Wattier from buying a home in another neighborhood. Other neighbors worry about their property too. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Cash Buyers Command Best Prices Sep 17, 2008
Cash is king in Florida markets where many buyers have the luxury of buying a home without getting a mortgage. Budge Huskey, southeast region executive vice president at NRT LLC, parent company of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, says cash sales have increased in the last 12 months from 25 percent to nearly 40 percent. (Realtor Magazine Online)
Big-Picture Sites Most Helpful for Online Browsing Sep 15, 2008
If you're buying a home, Realtor. com should be one of the sites you visit. (Washington Post -- Technology)
Green Building and Remodeling Tips Sep 14, 2008
Here are tips to consider when renovating, remodeling or buying a home with the intent of decreasing your carbon footprint. The cornerstones to green building (and remodeling) are energy efficiency, water efficiency and the use of products that have less impact on the environment. (Suite101.com)
Letters: Government (taxpayers) is not the solution, it's the problem Sep 14, 2008
Again I ask why should I as a taxpayer bail out someone who made poor choices in buying a home. What is next, having the taxpayers making your car payments. (Daily Triplicate)
MADDOCKS: Treasury will outsource home buying to insure reckless speculation continues Sep 13, 2008
"By looking for buyers overseas, the government is releasing the American homebuyer from the obligation of buying a home, which is a good thing for our homebuyers and a good thing for our mortgage business, which has come to rely on these unreasonable loans.". (Philip Maddocks can be reached at ). (Framingham TAB, MA)
What to consider before tapping your 401(k) Sep 13, 2008
Most loans must be repaid within 5 years, but loans for buying a home may be spread over a longer period. You won't be taxed on the loan amount, but you must pay interest on the loan - usually a couple of points above prime. (AZCentral -- Business)
St. Louis homeownership program targets urban core Sep 13, 2008
Mary "One" Johnson's development team is acquiring abandoned and vacant lots in designated city neighborhoods with the help of federal funds to help stimulate the housing markets in those areas, and will offer a series of seminars about buying a home and getting approved for a mortgage. Beyond Housing/Neighborhood Housing Services of St. Louis and Mother's Way/Opportunities Industrialization Centers of the Midwest will facilitate access to down payment and closing cost assistance programs and... (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Home price declines, low mortgage rates motivating California buyers Sep 12, 2008
Internet buyers spent significantly more time considering buying a home before contacting an agent, averaging 8. 2 weeks than did traditional buyers, who spent 3. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Rio Rancho poet releases her first book Sep 12, 2008
She moved to Rio Rancho a few years ago, buying a home in Cabezon after discovering it was affordable. People are friendly, she said and, who knows, maybe there ll be a City of Vision poem in her next book. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
Selling Your Home On Your Own Sep 11, 2008
Consider All Offers: Selling a home is one of the most emotional transactions you'll ever make, second only to buying a home. Mixing emotion and a large financial transaction is never a good thing. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Takeover effects begin to take hold Sep 9, 2008
"Yes, the market might continue to fall, but you're not buying stock - you're buying a home. If you find a house, take it.". Others say lower rates are more likely to affect those who are refinancing. (Boston Globe)
HOUSING: Fannie, Freddie takeover could help local market Sep 9, 2008
The federal takeover Sunday of two mortgage giants sent interest rates tumbling Monday, reducing the cost of buying a home and perhaps strengthening the North County real estate market, some local analysts said. Interest rates on mortgages were widely available to buyers with good credit Monday at 6 percent with no broker fees. (North County Times)
Fannie, Freddie takeover helps in limited way Sep 9, 2008
The dramatic federal takeover of two mortgage giants has already made it cheaper to borrow money for buying a home. What it has not done is guarantee that you can persuade a banker to loan you any money. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Like a virgin Sep 9, 2008
Buying a home for the first time is an exhilarating experience, but requires know-how if you're going to make the right decisions ... There's no way buying a home is a good idea if you don't have a reliable income. (iAfrica.com)
Local builders try deep discount 'blitz' to move homes Sep 9, 2008
We re specifically getting real estate agents on board and anyone they have that s on the fence (about buying a home). Don Glays, executive director of the and an officer of the , said the program is an interesting concept that creates urgency for buyers. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Six new teachers join Petoskey staff Sep 8, 2008
Residence: Currently living at summer cottage in Cross Village, family is in process of buying a home in Petoskey. Teaching assignment: Mathematics at Petoskey High School. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
401(k) investors jittery in roller-coaster stock market Sep 6, 2008
Most loans must be repaid within five years; however, loans for buying a home may be spread over a longer period. Plan loans aren't taxed. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
