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Realogy reports $27 million net loss in Q2

By Inman News, Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

Real estate brokerage and franchise company Realogy Corp. on Wednesday reported a net loss of $27 million in the second quarter, with a 21 percent year-over-year decline in home-sale transaction sides within its franchise unit and a 19 percent decline at company-owned offices.

The average home-sale price fell 5 percent within Realogy's franchise group and dropped 8 percent among company-owned offices during the second quarter compared to the same quarter last year, the company reported.  more...

Make your vacation home a boat

By Tom Kelly, Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

It seems boat traffic has slowed this summer on local lakes. Higher fuel costs clearly are pinching the busiest leisure time of the year.

However, a significant blow to the masses is not even a light tap to the rich. Astonishingly, it could not be a better time to be a builder of large yachts. A recent report indicates the number of mega-yachts is not only on the rise, but that shipbuilders around the world are having difficulty employing enough workers to meet the demand.  more...

Failed drywall tape common on new homes

By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

Q: Although my house was built only five years ago, some of the tape has pulled away from the wall. It looks like it is just peeling at the seams. I had a contractor come in with a price and he wanted $950 to fix the problem. He said the original Sheetrock contractor did not put enough mud beneath the tape. He seemed to think it was easy to fix, but the job requires a good deal of prep work. That's the reason for the high price.  more...

'Big head,' print ads survive in the mountains Premium Content

By Kris Berg, Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

My youngest daughter recently asked me, "Do you love your job?"

"Well, if I have to work, I suppose I do," I answered honestly. "What would you do if you didn't have to work?" she replied.

Probably this. The truth hurts.

Our family took a little vacation last week. Now, for the kiddies preparing for their fall SATs, I will remind you that vacation is to real estate agents as disco music is to a Latin dance master. In either case, one enjoying the other is not only criminal but effectively impossible.  more...

Most banks tighten standards for prime loans

By Inman News, Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

Fed survey: Lending standards tighten further  more...

Markets range from 'volatile' to 'feeding frenzy' Premium Content

By Inman News, Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

Editor's note: The following is a collection of real estate professionals' views on an industry-related topic.

QUESTION: What is the current state of home prices and sales in your market area?

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HUD: bankrupt Arizona lender violated RESPA Premium Content

By Matt Carter, Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

A bankrupt Arizona mortgage lender paid $856,000 in bonuses, marketing fees and "non competition" fees to mortgage brokers, builders and real estate brokerages that referred nearly $1 billion in business to the company, according to two audit reports by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  more...

Commentary: Housing bill is 'Band-Aid fix'

By Inman News, Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

Editor's note: The following is a sampling of comments from Inman's Groups pages, within the Community section. To join the discussion, create a profile at the site and visit the Groups area of the Community section.  more...