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Mortgage rates hold against weak labor report

By Lou Barnes, Friday, February 6, 2004.

New hiring in January was a disappointment; not enough to pull mortgage rates down from 5.75 percent, but enough to buy another month of Fed patience.

Today's report was, if anything, more disappointing than the news of a net gain of 125,000 jobs, barely half the hopeful forecasts. The key number: wages in January grew by only .1 percent.  more...

Self-employed rejoice in home-business deductions

By Robert Bruss, Friday, February 6, 2004.

An estimated 30 million U.S. taxpayers work full- or part-time from their owned or rented residences. Whether you are employed, working at home for the convenience of your employer, or if you are self-employed, you may be entitled to significant tax saving deductions for part of your household expenses.

Deductible examples include part of your residence rent, utilities, insurance repairs, painting, property tax, mortgage interest, depreciation, and even business equipment costs.  more...

Different windows appease different folks

By Paul Bianchina, Friday, February 6, 2004.

If you're in the market for new windows, one of the many things you'll have to decide on is the window's configuration – in simple terms, how, or if, it opens and closes. As with most things in building there's no one "right" choice, and each has certain advantages and disadvantages.

  • Fixed: A fixed window, also called a picture window, is one that doesn't operate. As you'd expect, fixed windows are the least expensive configuration, and also the most energy efficient.  more...

    • Space design befuddled by 'booby traps'

    By Arrol Gellner, Friday, February 6, 2004.

    I often get calls from nice folks who've drawn up their own plans and want me to check them for problems. Some of these designs are wonderfully creative, yet virtually all of them are sabotaged by the same basic shortcomings: People never allow enough space for hallways, staircases, kitchens or baths.  more...

    Real estate tip: Paper home valuation available upon request

    By Inman News, Friday, February 6, 2004.

    An appraiser can present a report orally or in writing. Most lenders ask for written appraisals. You can ask for a copy at closing if your lender doesn't automatically include it in the closing documents.

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    Prudential VOW plan takes the cake Premium Content

    By Marcie Geffner, Friday, February 6, 2004.

    Earl Lee, president of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, has masterminded a plan to put the Prudential real estate franchise corporation on top of the charts in online listings, lead generation and capture of referral fees.  more...

    Stupidity doesn't merit government bailout

    By Inman News, Friday, February 6, 2004.

    Dear Real Estate Ethicist,

    Last month, between an infomercial on a miracle anti-wrinkle cream and a pitch for a one-minute pasta maker, I heard about a program for buying a house with government funds. I bought the tapes after calling an 800 number and giving the operator my credit card. I listened to the tapes, and now I realize that I was duped. Shouldn't the government be doing something about this? –Feeling Stupid

    Dear Feeling Stupid,  more...

    Realtor building on Capitol Hill nears completion

    By Inman News, Friday, February 6, 2004.

    Construction of the National Association of Realtors building on Capitol Hill is in its final stages, and the association expects delivery of the strikingly beautiful building in early March. NAR will complete the interior, which should be done by September. The structure will house the Washington, D.C., operations of the Chicago-based association.  more...

    Northwest real estate maintains muscle

    By Inman News, Friday, February 6, 2004.

    Fewer listings, winter storms and extended holidays restrained housing activity around Western Washington during January, but brokers still recorded strong sales and a definite uptick in business toward the end of the month.

    According to the latest report from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, brokers reported 5,385 closed sales in January, up 7.9 percent from the same month a year ago when members reported 4,990 closings.  more...

    Waging war against real estate's discounters Premium Content

    By Bernice Ross, Friday, February 6, 2004.

    Part one in a five-part series. See parts 2, 3, 4 and 5.)

    One of the hottest questions today is how to defend your commission against discounters. Given the complexity of the market place, there's no simple answer.  more...

    Overnight interest rates move higher

    By Inman News, Friday, February 6, 2004.

    Long-term mortgage interest rates were slightly higher Thursday, and the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond yield increased to 4.17 percent.

    The 30-year fixed-rate average rose to 5.38 percent, and the 15-year fixed-rate increased to 4.68 percent. The 1-year adjustable was up slightly at 3.31 percent.

    The 30-year Treasury bond yield increased to 4.98 percent.

    Rates are current as of 7:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.  more...