Home

Real estate loan delinquencies could rock economy

By Lou Barnes, Friday, March 17, 2006.

Two weeks of rates-are-going-to-the-moon concluded in a disorderly reversal late this week. The 10-year T-note fell from its run to 4.8 percent almost to 4.6 percent, which in turn pulled mortgages back from the 6.5 percent brink, now close to 6.25 percent.

The bond market is operating in a Ben Bernanke vacuum. The Federal Reserve Board chairman has thus far not said anything about Fed policy (he will speak on Monday night, content optional), and in a void of that kind the bond market tends to lose its marbles -- descending into complacent snoozing, or panic at shadows.  more...

Writing a real estate Web site

By Alison Rogers, Friday, March 17, 2006.

Using the Web for lead generation is one thing; but a lot of real estate agents react with sheer terror when it comes to setting up their own Web sites (not to mention blogs). I have to do it, too, so I nudged marketing consultant Linda Alexander of write2thepointcom.com for a few tips. Check out her site if you can; it's cleanly designed and the "portfolio" section is full of free tips for writers.

Q: Every real estate agent now feels it's about Web, Web, Web.  more...

Real estate values need human interpretation Premium Content

By Bernice Ross, Friday, March 17, 2006.

(This is Part 2 of a two-part series. See Part 1.)

It's probably safe to assume that the early surge in Zillow's traffic resulted in part from real estate agents and brokers who fear what Zillow may do to their business. Are "Zestimates" (Zillow's estimate of what your property is worth) something brokers should fear?

The billion-dollar question for the real estate industry is whether computers can do a better job of accurately pricing property than experienced agents can.  more...

Reverse mortgage a great tool for retirees

By Robert Bruss, Friday, March 17, 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, then read on.  more...

Saving money by saving energy

By Paul Bianchina, Friday, March 17, 2006.

Saving energy and maintaining a more comfortable house is certainly a priority for all of us these days. But it might surprise you to realize that there are a number of small, inexpensive things you can do the help reduce those annoying drafts and equally annoying energy bills, all without breaking the bank in the process.

--Get out the caulking: Caulking around the outside of your house is one of the easiest and most cost-effective things you can do to save energy.  more...

Victorian architecture: the good, the bad, the ugly

By Arrol Gellner, Friday, March 17, 2006.

Everybody loves a Victorian-era house. It's hard not to be charmed by such a big and boisterous creation, and to be sure, Victorians had many good qualities. Spaciousness was certainly one. Another was the almost incredible amount of effort lavished on their famously ornate detailing.  more...