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Growth in foreclosure filings cools

By Inman News, Thursday, September 11, 2008.

Foreclosure-related filings rose 12 percent from July to August and were up 27 percent from a year ago, according to data aggregator RealtyTrac.

RealtyTrac counted 303,879 foreclosure-related filings during August, the highest since it began issuing reports in January 2005. But the 27 percent year-over-year increase in foreclosure filings was les than seen in recent months, when it has ranged between 50 to 65 percent.  more...

Mom-and-pops can't compete in 'Anywhere U.S.A'

By Arrol Gellner, Thursday, September 11, 2008.

For some years now, my favorite place to find a big old homemade slab of pie has been an unassuming mom-and-pop restaurant called Walker's Pie Shop, not far from where I live. It's the sort of place that hasn't changed in decades. Its decor, such as it is, evokes the home-improvement hit parade of another era: asphalt tile, Formica-topped tables, Masonite paneling, and glossy oil paint.  more...

Buying remodeled home can be hassle

By Paul Bianchina, Thursday, September 11, 2008.

Q: I'm currently in the process of buying a house. The home inspection revealed problems, and then it was discovered that many electrical and plumbing "improvements" were made without permits. The town refuses to issue permits retroactively, because most of the improvements were made by a previous owner and a plan of the actual improvements is not available. So, basically, there will be no official permit or approval of these projects from the town, so this is very bad for the purpose of homeowners insurance. Would you avoid buying this home?  more...

12 tactics for surviving market 'shift' Premium Content

By Bernice Ross, Thursday, September 11, 2008.

Need help weathering the storm in today's real estate market? If so, reach for Gary Keller's new book, "Shift" -- it's the lifesaver you need today to thrive tomorrow.

Market shifts happen. We have seasonal market shifts as well as major market shifts. Along with co-authors Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan, Gary Keller outlines the 12 proven tactics that successful agents are using to navigate today's "shifted" market.  more...

Real estate niches stretch from nudists to celebs Premium Content

By Lai Saetern, Thursday, September 11, 2008.

Jackie Youngblood, a Realtor for Peterman-Wall Real Estate Firm in Florida whose slogan is "skip the outfit, wear the lifestyle," said she doesn't view any real estate niche as too peculiar.

She caters to nudist buyers and sellers, and suggests that agents are better off having a niche.  more...

Crucial housing issues headed for hearings

By Inman News, Thursday, September 11, 2008.

Two Congressional hearings are scheduled Tuesday on issues that could have a big impact housing markets: a proposal to overhaul rules governing settlement procedures, and legislation that would allow the continued use of seller-funded down payment assistance on FHA-backed loans.

RESPA changes

Real estate industry trade groups are all but unanimous in their opposition to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's proposed changes to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA.  more...

CondoDomain.com enters Dallas

By Inman News, Thursday, September 11, 2008.

CondoDomain.com, where buyers can browse new condos for sale, on Wednesday announced the launch of its Web-based, flat-fee real estate brokerage in the Dallas, Texas, marketplace.

The company, which also operates in Boston, also allows site users to search foreclosure listings, for-sale-by-owner properties and upcoming auctions.

CondoDomain.com offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee to all of its clients, and is planning expansion into more than 30 U.S. markets.

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Mortgage rates plunge this week

By Inman News, Thursday, September 11, 2008.

Interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dipped below 6 percent for the week ending Sept. 11, as investors who buy securities that fund loans reacted to a government bailout plan that includes explicit backing of the debt of mortgage financiers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  more...

Bloggers digest Fannie-Freddie takeover

By Inman News, Thursday, September 11, 2008.

The recent government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has dominated the news recently. Everyone has their opinions as to how the real estate and mortgage industries will be affected. Phoenix area real estate broker/blogger posted an excellent compendium of links to the opinions about the Fannie/Freddie situation across the blogosphere. There is certainly no shortage of analysis and interesting insights out there.  more...