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Architect builds beauty through instinct, not intellect

By Arrol Gellner, Friday, January 18, 2008.

We hear the terms "well proportioned" and "ill proportioned" all the time, but we seldom really think about what they mean. What exactly gives an object good proportions, or bad ones?

For instance, why do many people find a brick wall attractive but a concrete block wall ugly? Color, texture and historical associations all play a role, but the main reason is more subtle: While the exposed face of a brick has proportions of about three to one, that of your typical 8x8x16 concrete block has proportions of two to one.  more...

No new housing initiative in Bush's $150 billion stimulus plan Premium Content

By Matt Carter, Friday, January 18, 2008.

A $150 billion economic stimulus package unveiled by President Bush Friday doesn't address a top priority of the National Association of Realtors -- raising the $417,000 conforming loan limit to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase "jumbo" loans.

The president's plan to stimulate economic growth would reportedly rely on tax cuts and incentives for individuals and businesses, with about $100 billion in relief such as tax rebates targeted to families and individuals.

Although the president today renewed his calls for Congress to pass legislation modernizing Federal Housi  more...

Mortgage, bond insurers could be facing big losses

By Inman News, Friday, January 18, 2008.

Analysts at Standard & Poor's Ratings Services say mortgage and bond insurers could be facing losses 20 percent greater than the rating agency had calculated less than a month ago.  more...

Housing further dims economic outlook

By Inman News, Friday, January 18, 2008.

Continued weakness in home construction contributed significantly to December's 0.2 percent decline in the U.S. leading index, a gauge of future economic activity, The Conference Board reported today.

A report Thursday from the U.S.  more...

Nightly real estate rates mixed again

By Inman News, Friday, January 18, 2008.

Long-term mortgage interest rates were either flat or slightly higher Thursday, and the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond yield fell to 3.62 percent.

The 30-year fixed-rate average edged up to 5.43 percent, and the 15-year fixed rate stayed at 4.93 percent. The 1-year adjustable rate was up at 5.3 percent.

The 30-year Treasury bond yield dropped to 4.25 percent.

Rates and bonds are current as of 7:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.  more...

Bloggers share marketing techniques

By Inman News, Friday, January 18, 2008.
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Editor's note: The lighting in this video is dark on some screens.  more...

Marketing to younger, first-time buyers can pay off Premium Content

By Bernice Ross, Friday, January 18, 2008.

(This is Part 2 of a three-part series. Read Part 1, "Get rich in a niche.")

Have you adjusted your business to fit the changing demographics of today's buyers and sellers? If not, 2008 is a great time to start.

In November 2007, NAR released its "Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers for 2007," which contains a wealth of data that aims to help you have a more successful business in the upcoming year.

1. The Generation Gap  more...

No new housing initiative in Bush's $150 billion stimulus plan Premium Content

By Matt Carter, Friday, January 18, 2008.

A $150 billion economic stimulus package unveiled by President Bush Friday doesn't address a top priority of the National Association of Realtors -- raising the $417,000 conforming loan limit to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase "jumbo" loans.

The president's plan to stimulate economic growth would reportedly rely on tax cuts and incentives for individuals and businesses, with about $100 billion in relief such as tax rebates targeted to families and individuals.

Although the president today renewed his calls for Congress to pass legislation modernizing Federal Housi  more...