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Forecast brightens for real estate rates, economy

By Lou Barnes, Monday, January 3, 2005.

Rates popped up about an eighth of a percent last Monday (T-bonds to 4.32 percent, mortgages to 5.875 percent) in response to more Goldilocks data. Pretty good strength, but no dangerous heat.  more...

Should I use an online real estate lender?

By Dian Hymer, Monday, January 3, 2005.

Several years ago, real estate agents feared the worst when they heard the buyer was using an online lender. In many cases, the agents were not overreacting. Often mortgages originated online closed late, and this can wreak havoc with a home-purchase transaction. Some online loans never did close.

One home buyer who used an online lender e-mailed his lender daily and did everything he could to stay on top of the loan process. Despite all his efforts, the transaction closed one week late.  more...

Another look at housing bubbles

By Jack Guttentag, Monday, January 3, 2005.

Recent bursts in property appreciation suggest to some observers that we are in a housing bubble. A bubble is a marked price increase fueled partly by expectations that prices will continue to rise. Once that expectation comes into serious question, the bubble bursts, and prices drop sharply.  more...

Installment sale a win-win for real estate buyers, sellers

By Robert Bruss, Monday, January 3, 2005.

DEAR BOB: My tenant in a rental house I own would like to buy it, and I would like to sell to her. Would an installment sale be a good way to save money on the capital gains taxes? Should I contact a Realtor or a real estate attorney? – Ed C.

DEAR ED: Installment sales benefit property buyers and sellers. Your profit will be taxed at the current maximum federal tax rate of 15 percent for capital gains, plus state tax. However, the depreciation deducted after May 6, 1997, is taxed at a special federal "depreciation recapture" tax rate of 25 percent.  more...