Don't claim tax credit if you don't qualify Aug 12, 2009
And with thousands of people buying houses and claiming tax credits, who's going to be able to check on all those filings. The answer from the IRS: We are. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Suggs will miss Ravens' preseason opener Aug 12, 2009
"I heard [wide receiver] say that I'm not buying dinner now, I'm buying houses," Suggs said. The Ravens joke about his money, but they wouldn't dare kid him about not being in pads at training camp this week, chasing quarterbacks in the sweltering heat. (ESPN -- Football News)
Homebuilders Are Back At It — Should We Be Worried? Aug 11, 2009
Nationwide, we've seen an uptick in the number of people buying houses both existing homes and new ones. But still, according to the Oppenheimer report, "the demand side of the equation is less than impressive." Nearly a third of existing-home sales are currently to first-time homebuyers a wildly disproportionate amount. (Time.com)
Fed moves to improve disclosures on mortgages Jul 26, 2009
home loans, ended up buying houses that they couldn't afford. That contributed to the worst collapse in the housing. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
'Away' works on every level Jul 24, 2009
Some friends are having babies, buying houses and doing all the other things that real grownups do. It's insane. (Juneau Empire)
Fed moves to make mortgages clearer Jul 24, 2009
The action comes after lax lending and, in some cases, borrowers who didnt fully understand the terms of their home loans, ended up buying houses that they couldnt afford. That contributed to the worst collapse in the housing and mortgage markets in 70 years. (MSNBC -- Business)
Stimulus funds flow into Valley Jul 21, 2009
Scharton said stimulus funds can be used in conjunction with other money to go beyond just buying houses. "We want to concentrate some of the resources in areas where we can have a lasting, positive change in the neighborhood rather than dispersing it into the wind," Scharton said. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Slow, slow' recovery expected for industrial space Jul 14, 2009
When people are not buying houses and theyre not buying cars and in general are cutting their consumption, it has a profound impact on manufacturing and distribution. . (Crain's Chicago Business)
Data suggest Ariz. economy near a bottom Jul 12, 2009
But this month's Arizona Economic Snapshot shows that more people are buying houses, home values are rising, fewer people appear to be losing jobs, and motor-vehicle and other retail sales seem to be stabilizing. Although the unemployment rate continues to rise, a better indicator of job losses - initial claims for unemployment insurance - dropped to their lowest level of the year in May. (AZCentral -- Business)
Investor Report: Energy Efficiency Jul 10, 2009
For real estate investors buying houses at discount prices, it could be a hot new trend. Instead of simply doing the usual renovations, paint jobs and landscaping to turn around properties for resale or rental, growing numbers of investors are emphasizing energy efficiency improvements to increase market values and cut marketing times. (RealtyTimes)
Panel: AZ's long-term future needs attention Jun 28, 2009
Lydia Aranda: "Just because production is still going on or lending is still going on, people still have jobs, people are still buying houses and consuming goods and things like that, that does not mean we are out of the woods. "I think particularly in our country not only do we get emotional and react and overreact to the extreme, but then where there's one sign of good, we just completely say, 'Oh it's better now. And that's not the case. (AZCentral -- Business)
Court win for apartment buyers leaves developers reeling Jun 25, 2009
VICTORIANS buying houses and units off the plan have secured new legal rights to demand their money back, under a landmark ruling that has sparked fears of a collapse of projects across Melbourne. In a setback for an industry already reeling from the credit crunch, the Supreme Court of Victoria has found that off-the-plan buyers can tear up their contracts and get their deposits back when projects are not completed on time. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai Again Downplays Severity of Land Attacks Jun 25, 2009
ho ho Gonzo nachin'ai zvatosvorana, i wonder what the MDC promised these farmers, the picture will become very clear very soon, and we will begin to hear about funds that were abused by the MDC leadership buying houses in SA for MT and Australia for Biti. Why dont they release the land audits that have been done in the past before they waste money and embark on another audit whose results will be kept under lock and key again. (allAfrica.com)
Reasons to rejoice tied into consumer holidays Jun 20, 2009
The reason the collapse of the housing market had such a dire and dramatic impact on the economy was mainly because consumers stopped buying houses, which meant other consumers were unable to sell houses in order to buy other houses, along with furniture, appliances, carpeting, consumer electronics and all the assorted knick-knacks and doo-dads. The bursting of the housing bubble meant that home values were no longer rising, and that meant consumers could not use the equity in their homes to... (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
10 things to buy before the economy improves Jun 19, 2009
With fewer people buying houses, fewer shoppers are filling them. Jim Sluzewski, a spokesman for Macy's, says demand has noticeably decreased over the past year. (MSNBC -- Business)
Rs 3 lakh I-T relief on home loan? Jun 17, 2009
In a move to push demand in the housing sector, the UD minister also favoured cheaper loans for buying houses. Also Read. (India Times)
Chavez threatens private banks with sanctions Jun 3, 2009
Chavez says that banks are designed to intervene in the financial system and provide credit to people buying houses or producing food, rather than generating massive earnings for their owners. "If private Venezuelan banks don't follow the path, comply with the constitution and the laws, they'll have to be sanctioned," Chavez said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
NRIs lift the spirits of realty sector Jun 2, 2009
But not all NRIs are buying houses because they are being persecuted in their adopted countries. Thailand-based NRI Surinder S Chawla says the reason his family purchased an independent house in Delhi, in New Rajinder Nagar , was that he and his other family members visit India very often in relation to their business interests as well as for meeting relatives here. (India Times)
Four things that helped define Kelso May 24, 2009
By the fall, the Federal Emergency Management Agency was buying houses for 30 percent of their value, and the city tore them down. Families moved away. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Thomas Sowell: Regulators Started Housing Crisis May 18, 2009
" "There are a lot of people who were irresponsible," Sowell responded. "But the fundamental problem, the problem of reduced lending standards, with people buying houses even with no money down in some cases, that all came precisely from the regulators that people are now talking about as the salvation of the housing market. "There's no such thing as regulation in the abstract. There are certain kinds of regulation that can have beneficial effects. Canada does not have the same problem that we... (Newsmax)
After car, time for housing boom May 15, 2009
Some even advocate a boycott -- stopping buying houses for six months or longer -- and bring the prices to the ground. I sympathize with them, but won't take their stand. (People's Daily Online, China)
Investor Report: Macro Shares May 8, 2009
Want to invest in home values without actually buying houses. Well, starting later this month, you'll be able to do precisely that by buying into New York Stock Exchange-traded funds tied to the movement of house prices - up or down - in major metropolitan real estate markets. (RealtyTimes)
Italy Pulls Clear of the Economic Slump with Increased Tourism Revenues Says QualityVillasItaly.co.uk Apr 30, 2009
People have adjusted their spending plans accordingly, probably not buying houses or cars, but less costly but deemed essential buys like holidays and so on. After all, those with a family, a holiday is almost the defining note of ones summer in many cases, even if the week away becomes a week with friends, relatives or just the back yard. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Merger lets Delta add 500 jobs to Atlanta Apr 30, 2009
These are all people that are going to be down here buying houses, Anderson said Tuesday in a meeting with editors of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A Delta spokesman said the net effect on Delta s local employment is hard to pin down because of all the coming and going. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Cover Story: Harsh Reality TV Apr 13, 2009
ADVERTISEMENT You will be redirected to your destination in 10 seconds. In Ads, Shows, American Viewers See A New Reflection Of Themselves. (Multichannel News)
Harsh Reality TV Apr 12, 2009
On TLC, the next season of Flip That House will shift from buying houses low and selling high to opportunities for first-time buyers. Fashion-makeover show What Not to Wear, in its seventh season, is now spotlighting more affordable stores and ideas to dress-for-less. (Multichannel News)
The Wealth Delusion Apr 10, 2009
But buying houses does not make us more productive. In the past four years, America s 500 largest corporations made a profit of $2. (The American Conservative)
The Hope in America's Foreclosure Capital Apr 8, 2009
The speculators are back but they've changed; he has investors up North who are buying houses sight unseen, for cash. (The conditions. (Time.com)
Banking lawyer is go-to guy for Georgia financial institutions Apr 4, 2009
Basically, as long as everybody was buying houses, the loans looked great. The banks looked great. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Editorial: A job-plan test would be nice Apr 3, 2009
Whether this will have any effect on the economy in terms of people buying houses or cars nobody really knows. The Republicans also would start what they call a Main Street Incentive Program to encourage capital improvements projects in downtown areas. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Neighbors split over 801 Alma St. project Apr 3, 2009
I'll believe this town is serious about BMR housing when advocates start buying houses in the suburbs and converting them into diplexes and triplexes. Think of the possibilities in those palaces in Prefessorville, Crescent Park, and Old PA. Any of them could accommodate several tenants and make a real contribution to our housing needs. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Commentary: Is Obama skidding or... Apr 2, 2009
Didn't lots of people try piling up debt on credit cards and buying houses they couldn't afford in hopes of solving all their financial problems. I've tried spending more than I was going to earn (remember, I was carny trash, that's why I know how to eat fire), and it way didn't work. (CNN -- Law)
U.S. Home Prices Take Record Plunge Apr 1, 2009
Unfortunately, the banks and mortgage lenders with their fancy no downpayment, adjustable rate gimmicks lured in people who shouldn't have been buying houses during the bubble years. The case shiller index is not near the bottom and prices need to drop more before we can say the bubble is fully deflated. (CBS News)
How 4 families try to recover from foreclosure Mar 29, 2009
She bought a house from a mortgage broker who was buying houses, making cosmetic repairs, and flipping them. And soon after she moved in, she had to spend $6,000 to fix a roof leak and other things. (Anchorage Daily News)
Slowdown force developers to look for affordable housing Mar 29, 2009
Many people are still not buying houses because of the uncertainty in job market. Because of the slowdown, many companies are resorting to job cuts. (India Times)
When will our market hit bottom? Experts detail signs of a housing turnaround Mar 24, 2009
We may have avoided the worst of the excesses simply because our real estate professionals - particularly our bankers - were not trying to suck people into buying houses they couldn t afford. Still, Power won t predict what the final story will be regarding our real estate market - and if housing prices have hit bottom. (Missoulian, MT)
Existing Home Sales Jump 5.1 % Mar 24, 2009
It's a recovery - people are buying houses - that's an improvement over people not buying. Yes, they're foreclosures, and other houses - but this keeps the housing prices from going down so much. (CBS News)
Infill builders out cold Mar 20, 2009
"It's really sad because, at the height of the market, people were buying houses that were really substandard. Thankfully, they're not moving any more.". Mr. Johnston says builders had good reason to push the pause button last September. (Globe and Mail)
No comments posted. Mar 16, 2009
coms were booming, everyone was buying houses and you had so many credit cards that you forgot what Washington looked like. Monday through Friday, Spitzs Not-Unhappy Hour specials include the $1 basket of pita strips with hummus and, again, the $3 beers. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
First-timers drive a rebounding market Mar 14, 2009
Judging from the many shoes littering the front porches at open houses in recent weekends, it's clear that people are back buying houses. Without a doubt, the market has picked up, and we're barely into March. (Globe and Mail)
China unveils massive stimulus plan amid global crisis Mar 6, 2009
"I guess it's because fewer people are buying houses," he said. China's real estate sector was also hit by the international financial crisis with fewer people buying houses. (Xinhuanet, China)
Economy shifting far too rapidly for Stats SA Feb 26, 2009
They were buying houses and cars and other big-ticket items with abandon. But those days are long gone. (Business Report, South Africa)
Lessard commentary: Ready for the market Feb 25, 2009
But then I realized that people buying houses probably like all sorts of colors, just not someone else s. Kind of like when my daughter was a teenager and I would tell her which of her outfits I liked and she would say, Mom, don t tell me that you like something because now I can t wear it. In a similar fashion people want their houses to be a blank palette, something that couldn t even conjure up a mother-in law s opinion. (Acton Beacon, MA)
Read the 'JER' transcript Feb 24, 2009
People, who overinvested, made risky decision in terms of buying houses they couldn't necessarily afford, are now basically asking for a bailout. A lot of Americans are asking the question. (Fox News)
Real estate: Is there an upswing on the horizon? (1100) Feb 24, 2009
Some of the people buying houses may have wanted to take some of that profit and buy something up here, Smith said. We re not seeing those out-of-state sales. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
How to Fix the Housing Market Feb 15, 2009
The core issue is that there aren't enough people buying houses. Usually, when price goes down, demand rises, but in the housing market, falling values make potential buyers fearful, sending them to the sidelines as they wait to see how much cheaper homes will get. (Time.com)
Obama hails bail-out 'milestone' Feb 15, 2009
" The approved version of the plan is split into 36% for tax cuts and 64% percent in spending and money for social programmes. STIMULUS PACKAGE $240bn in tax breaks for individuals and businesses $140bn for health care $100bn for education $48bn for transportation projects Source: Associated Press Running to more than 1,000 pages, it includes new road building, cash to pay police in hard-up cities, and tax breaks for consumers buying houses and cars. The package also imposes new limits on cash... (BBC News -- Americas)
Cesky Krumlov's medieval magnetism Feb 13, 2009
She and Cal Zukowski married a year later and have spent most of the time since then buying houses and fixing them up, running a hostel and raising their two sons. "This is a town that changes everybody's plans," she said. (International Herald Tribune)
BOND MARKET'S BEHAVIOR BEWITCHING BORROWERS Feb 12, 2009
The rise is certainly not occurring because more people are buying houses; mortgages are simply moving with the rest of the market. These rate increases are clearly bothering Washington. (New York Post -- Business)
Australia's Consumer Confidence Slumps as More Jobs Lost, Home Prices Drop Feb 11, 2009
Lending by banks to consumers buying houses rose 7. 6 percent last year, the weakest growth since 1983, home-building approvals fell in December for a sixth month and property prices tumbled 3. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Fulton, banks disagree on debt payment Feb 11, 2009
"There aren't many people out buying houses anymore," he said. Both sides said they expect the bankruptcy case to conclude in about two months. (AZCentral -- Business)
A good time for first-timers Feb 10, 2009
There are a lot of people buying houses. Some homes are getting 15-20 offers, said Combe, who shared that his office has closed six homes in the last two days including two in Saugus, three in Lynn and one in Reading. (Saugus Advertiser, MA)
Top Democrat: Stimulus Bill Will Pass Feb 9, 2009
"It has that ripple effect; If you get construction going, then construction workers are working and buying the things they need and they're buying houses and pickup trucks and all these things," said Politico Congressional Editor Tim Grieve. Democrats say the stimulus will create three to four million jobs, but Republicans warn of a trillion dollar debt, and that tax cuts are the better way to go. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Dangers of the Stimulus Bill Feb 9, 2009
As John Taylor, Stanford University economics professor wrote in a recent NBER paper, we are in the recession because of government actions that artificially expanded credit resulting in people buying houses and consumer durables that they couldn t afford. As a consequence, the market is now correcting and resources, including labor, are moving out of the housing construction and consumer durable (such as auto) industries. (Human Events Online)
From the Left: Endless days of ravaging Feb 8, 2009
marcusjayshapiro wrote on Feb 6, 2009 10:53 PM:" Following the ideological line once again..both damn sides. Both sides are to blame. Less spending makes sense when it comes to the things we can do without for now. Forget the roads...look at Baja and Iraq...the IV, Kali, and the USA have better roads. Forget fixing up the commerce building. Its time to design a way to cut welfare off after a certain amount of years. Build housing that surrounds a Peace Garden type of situation, where they poor... (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
Little help for small businesses Feb 8, 2009
If people aren t buying houses, they aren t moving. Prior to last year s downturn, Adams Transfer had posted consistent profits and asset increases. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Real Estate Outlook: Predicting the Stock Market's Affect on Housing Feb 8, 2009
The same survey found that consumers' expectations of where we're headed in the economy -- a key index that has a direct connection with people's willingness to consider buying houses -- rose by 13. 1 points, the biggest since 1991. (RealtyTimes)
China moves again to curb soaring house prices Feb 8, 2009
The down payment rate will remain 20 percent for those who are buying houses smaller than 90 square meters for their own accommodation. Under the circular, all developers will have to fund 35 percentof the investment for the development of any project from their own capital before they can seek loans from commercial banks. (Xinhuanet, China -- Business)
The Revival of "Animal Spirits" Feb 8, 2009
In that sense, every government stimulus package is an attempt to reverse the downward spiral in "animal spirits." If banks aren't lending to each other, and consumers aren't buying houses, "animal spirits" must change first, for banks and consumers to change their minds. "Animal Spirits": Cassandras' Ball at Davos. (Human Events Online)
Harsh Singh Lohit, MD, Headstrong Feb 7, 2009
But people are still buying houses in the US, due to a fall in their valuations. In fact, we are looking at hiring about 350 people in the next twelve months in the mortgage BPO space. (India Times)
Some community banks change mind on bailout - Government program has too many strings attached, banks say Feb 7, 2009
Congress wants banks to make loans, so businesses can expand and people can start buying houses again. But lawmakers also want them to make only trustworthy loans. (Missoulian, MT)
