According to a report from the U.S. Commerce Department, construction spending in the United Sates declined 1.1% month-over-month in March. Nevertheless, the move was expected by economists, who had projected a decline of 0.7% following February’s upwardly revised 0.4% increase. Read More Now
HR 3221 - Foreclosure Prevention Act aids home buyers
In an effort to soothe a struggling housing market, Congress has taken yet another step to help homeowners and businesses weather the tough times they may be facing.
Budget-friendly, green ways to improve your back yard
Your back yard can look great without spending tons of money. And, surprise! Usually the most inexpensive ways to spruce up your yard are much friendlier to the environment than those large landscaping projects, anyway! How can hand tools and knowing where to plant your flowers help you get a better back yard? Get a list of supplies and complete instructions.
FHA loans drive mortgage applications higher
This morning the mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), in its Weekly mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending April 11, announced that the Market Composite Index, which measures mortgage loan application volume, jumped 2.5% from the week prior.
Zillow, Always Creative, Puts a New Twist on mortgage Lead Generation
Zillow has just inaugurated another aspect to its real estate services portfolio. Now Zillow has turned the lead generation industry on its head. Calling its service the Zillow mortgage Marketplace, Zillow offers borrowers the opportunity to receive multiple free quotes without submitting sensitive financial information on the site and for lenders to receive leads for free. Here is how it works… Read More Now
Not Many Positives Coming Out of Jumbo Market Changes
With the House and Senate working to hammer out differences in their respective approaches to solving the housing/credit crisis, problems are already emerging with other solutions proposed or enacted tackle pieces of the problem. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that there are real problems with the jumbo mortgage aspect of housing rescue. Read More Now
House Committee Aproves FHA “Short Pay” Loans
A key committee in the House of Representatives late Thursday passed legislation that would make up to $300 billion in federally insured mortgages available to borrowers facing foreclosure. Under the principle provision in the bill, the FHA will guarantee a new loan to a troubled borrower if the existing lender will agree to accept a short payment… Read More Now
U.S. Treasury’s Ryan Sees Increasing Failed Trades in Treasuries
Speaking to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association in Chicago on Thursday, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets Anthony W. Ryan said failures in transactions of treasuries had increased over the last twelve months and called on investors to help prevent such events from occurring. Read More Now