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Too-good-to-be-true loans end an era

By Lou Barnes, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

The 10-year T-note improved this week, back down from the spooky-healthy job-market surprise two weeks ago, mortgages about 6.25 percent. However, the 10-year is now smack in the middle of a three-week trading range with no reason to move until the economy declares itself in new data.

We'll get housing news next week, and then nothing until the first week of May. I think the data suggests a steadily weakening economy, but that general perception is built into today's rates.  more...

State probes foreclosure rescue schemes Premium Content

By Inman News, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has obtained a preliminary injunction against 15 individuals and companies who allegedly participated in a mortgage fraud and foreclosure  more...

California supports title insurance industry crackdown

By Inman News, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

A federal agency's report that calls for tighter oversight of the title insurance industry is "a terrific affirmation of ... the need for greater transparency and the regulations we have proposed to bring healthy competition," according to California's insurance commissioner.

A U.S.  more...

HomeGain launches home-valuation tool

By Inman News, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

Online real estate service HomeGain today launched a revamped online home-valuation tool the company created seven years ago.

At the home-valuation site, consumers can get property-value estimates, connect with a local agent and also access homes for sale in the same area.

"With the new tool, we'll provide an estimate or range and will show you the comps as well as offer the ability to contact our agents," HomeGain General Manager Louis Cammarosano said.

A number of online home-valuation services have gained attention  more...

A pretty good week, despite the rain

By Alison Rogers, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

I didn't show any properties last weekend, because it rained.

And rained and rained. The downpour was historic; the weatherman said that if it had been just a little bit colder, we would have gotten snow instead, and we would have gotten six feet of it!

So anyway, hubby and I stocked up our cupboards and we stayed in and cooked. The week, we figured, could start on Monday.

But it turned out to be a pretty good week.  more...

Overnight real estate rates dip again

By Inman News, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

Long-term mortgage interest rates sank further Thursday, and the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond yield gained to 4.67 percent.

The 30-year fixed-rate average fell to 5.76 percent, and the 15-year fixed rate was down at 5.5 percent. The 1-year adjustable dipped to 5.36 percent.

The 30-year Treasury bond yield increased to 4.83 percent.

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

Mortgage rate figures are according to Bankrate.com, which publishes nightly averages based on its survey of 4,000 banks in 50 states.  more...

Order-taking is dead Premium Content

By Bernice Ross, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

(This is Part 1 of a six-part series. Read Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 6.)

Order-taking is dead.  more...

Microhood a must for any kitchen upgrade

By Paul Bianchina, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

Looking for a nice way to upgrade your kitchen and add both counter space and convenience? You might not need to look any further than replacing your existing range hood with a microwave/hood combination. Now known generically as a microhood, this useful appliance comes in a variety of colors, sizes and features to fit the requirements of just about any kitchen.  more...

Imagine a world where every house is 'visitable'

By Katherine Salant, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

It's difficult to make predictions, especially about the future. But one thing we know for sure -- we are all getting older, and in increasing numbers. In three years, about one-third of the U.S. population will be 50 and older, an unprecedented demographic milestone. It is the first time in history that a nation has achieved such an extended life span for so many of its citizens.

Membership in this extraordinary cohort, however, is one that many in the over-50 crowd are not ready to acknowledge, especially the ever-youthful baby boomers.  more...

Cash-hungry retirees look to reverse mortgages

By Robert Bruss, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

Editor's note: Robert Bruss is temporarily away. The following column from Bruss' "Best of" collection first appeared Sunday, March 12, 2006.

If you (or someone you know) admit to being at least 62 and own your principal residence house or condominium, and if you can use more tax-free cash: read on.  more...

NYC co-op sale completed

By Inman News, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

A joint venture of Apollo Real Estate Investment Fund V, Barrow Street Capital and David Swersky has acquired 52 unsold cooperative units at the Riviera in the Washington Heights section of New York City.

The value of the transaction was not disclosed.  more...

Boston's Russia Wharf changes hands

By Inman News, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

Boston Properties recently purchased Russia Wharf, a 2.2-acre, mixed-use redevelopment project in Boston, Mass., for an undisclosed price.

The project includes a 31-story high-rise office tower rising above two historic buildings, ground floor retail and restaurant space, underground parking, residential units, and open public waterfront walkways.

An affiliate of The Blackstone Group sold the property, which is located on the corner of Congress Street and Atlantic Avenue in Boston's Financial District.  more...

Santa Fe Springs industrial sold

By Inman News, Thursday, April 19, 2007.

A 163,578-square-foot industrial building in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., recently sold for $10.8 million.

The property, which was constructed in several phases from 1954 to 1967, was originally a Bell Brands Foods facility. The single-story, multitenant building is located at 8808-8840 Pioneer Blvd. and 8825 Millergrove Drive.

Vernon Avenue Associates LLC purchased the property from Pioneer-Millergrove Venture LP.

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Social network for small businesses

By Jessica Swesey, Thursday, April 19, 2007.
BizHuddle was among the new and interesting online services at Web 2.0 Expo in San Francisco this week that could be applicable to real estate. The site is a social networking service that hopes to connect small business owners and...  more...

We'll never be bored again

By Jessica Swesey, Thursday, April 19, 2007.
I'll be the first to admit that many a Web 2.0 applications have caused great joy in my life. Case in point: Flickr. I've been using Flickr to upload and share photos of my travels and mundane experiences with my...  more...
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