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Zappos' Lin speaking at Connect

By Inman News, Monday, April 13, 2009.

Zappos.com executive Alfred Lin will share insight into building a brand, culture and company that matters at Real Estate Connect San Francisco conference in August.  more...

Pricing right for today's market

By Dian Hymer, Monday, April 13, 2009.

Pricing too high can be the kiss of death for home sellers in today's market. Many buyers are sitting on the fence, waiting to see what happens with the economy, and hoping that home prices will drop further.

On the other hand, the recent uptick in home-sale activity confirms that low interest rates coupled with lower home prices have many buyers convinced that they should buy now. But, they are looking for bargains.  more...

Many ineligible for 'Home Affordable' refis

By Jack Guttentag, Monday, April 13, 2009.

Last week I criticized the government's new two-part program "Making Home Affordable" for being too narrow and limited in scope. This article describes the refinance part of the program, which applies only to mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Purpose: The objective of the refinance program is to allow borrowers to refinance who otherwise find it impossible or excessively costly because of declines in the value of their properties.  more...

Commissions negotiable at Agent Invitation

By Inman News, Monday, April 13, 2009.

A new Web site aims to help consumers and real estate agents negotiate discounted commissions by allowing consumers to send anonymous queries to three agents detailing the level of service they seek and the commission they'd be willing to pay.

Agent Invitation claims agents using the site will be willing to work for reduced commissions because they will save on referral fees and marketing expenses, and because consumers seeking discounts may agree to forgo services like print advertising.  more...

Don't fear the pink slip Premium Content

By Matt Carter, Monday, April 13, 2009.
Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwworks/3358011563/" target=blank>woodleywonderworks</a>.

Payment protection plans that promise to cover homebuyers' mortgage payments for a time if they lose their jobs are becoming an increasingly popular marketing tool for mortgage lenders, homebuilders and Realtors.

But consumer advocates question the value of such "single event" insurance policies, and warn that a payment protection plan shouldn't be the deciding factor in whether or not to move forward with a home purchase.  more...