The Householders Guide

NYC Still Priciest City in the US

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:13:40 -0800

Despite the plunge in real estate values in New York, Forbes and research firm Mercer recently put The Big Apple at the top list for America’s Most Expensive Cities list. There is no denying the city still hurts people’s pockets - especially on rent.

Where Can You Use a Portable Garage?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:33:31 -0800

Portable garages are seen in a number of locations, including at homes and industrial areas. Here are some ideas of where to use a portable garage.

Distressed Properties Increase in Alabama City

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:01:10 -0800

The Alabama city of Birmingham experienced a drastic increase in the number of distressed properties in the third quarter. According to recent market data, Birmingham's foreclosure rate surpassed those of other Southeastern cities.

A Rebound in Home Prices: Good News or Something Less

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:51:03 -0700

Is four months enough of a trend to indicate we are coming out of a home sales slump of epic proportions? There is tentative good news to be had in many metro areas that saw housing prices improve as much as 3% in August, but it may not tell the whole story. In fact the best housing news is found away from the metro landscape.

Manila Real Estate is on the Rise

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:52:58 -0700

The Philippines Real Estate industry was only able to recover from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis in 2004. Ever since, the industry has been slowly picking up momentum and is now steam rolling towards success.

Rising Bank Foreclosure Listings, Homelessness in Michigan

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:51:44 -0700

Many families in West Michigan who have lost their houses to bank foreclosure listings are driving the number of homelessness in the area. So far, 13,322 people are without homes in West Michigan.

Houston Foreclosure Lists Affected by Hurricane Aftermath

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:49:42 -0700

Houston foreclosure lists grew in the first weeks of October compared to foreclosures during the same month last year because of the effects of Hurricane Ike, based on a report from the Houston Association of Realtors.

California Foreclosure Homes for Sale Still High in Number

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:24:26 -0700

California foreclosure homes for sale are still among the country's highest in number in September and in the whole third quarter of this year, based on data released by a foreclosure tracking firm.

Who Needs a Complete Surveillance System?

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:21:21 -0700

Understanding what a complete surveillance system consists of will help you determine if such a system is appropriate for your home or workplace. In today's times, having a complete surveillance system has become essential in almost all situations...

Foreclosures Affecting Home Sales

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:22:43 -0800

Apparently it is official now – the United States is in a recession; a fact that many of us have suspected for quite some time. The economic crisis is affecting everyone in one way or another, although particularly hard hit are people trying to sell their home and having to compete with foreclosed properties.

FDIC Plan: Mortgage Relief or Spending Measure?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:50:23 +0000

The U.S. Government has relied primarily on volunteer efforts by lenders to stop the foreclosure bleeding among America’s mortgage holders. In some cases individual lending institutions have developed positive ideas that typically reduce monthly payments to roughly one-third of monthly income while generally extending the length of the loan.

A Silver Lining in the Mortgage Crisis

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:36:52 +0000

Negative equity is playing a critical role in the reduction of job mobility and emergency funds for homeowners. This phenomenon is estimated to effect more than 7 million homeowners.

Property Taxes? I Protest

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:04:06 +0000

Like salt to an open wound the prevailing rules related to property taxes may actually find homeowners paying more in taxes in 2009 than they did in 2008. This comes on the heels of steep declines in property values.

Financial Crisis Scaring Potential Homeowners

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 20:44:31 +0100

Right now, the future of the stock market is uncertain, and even though it seems to bounce back some days, triple-digit losses occur again other days. Many agree than the financial crisis is going to get worse before it gets better; unfortunately, that is only hurting the already-floundering real estate market.

Mortgage Relief Offered to Many - More Help is Needed

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:31:34 +0100

If you’re one of the many Americans facing foreclosure, an announcement made by Bank of America this week could well allow you to stay in your home. It could also lead to similar announcements by other lending institutions.

America's Housing Market - The Perfect Storm

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:21:56 +0100

CNNMoney.com recently reported that housing prices in America have fallen an average of 16.3% in the past year and 21% since mid 2006. The freefall may not be over.

What’s Your House Worth Now? ...Tomorrow?

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:16:22 +0100

If you bought a house in the last five years and you’re reading about too many disappointing news regarding the real estate industry in the US, you’re probably wondering how much your house is worth today. You’re also wondering if the situation will get any better soon.

Government Bailouts and Cautious Housing Optimism

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:50:06 +0100

It seems as if the US housing sector has had a strong bout with bad news since the sub prime debacle of 2007. Each month consumers and homebuilders are faced with mounting pressure.

Record Foreclosures as Mortgage Rates Fall

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:38:28 +0100

The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, better known as Freddie Mac, revealed on September 4th that mortgage rates had dropped for the third week in a row. This placed mortgage rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages at 6.35%, a slight dip from the previous week’s 3.4%.

Building of New Homes Reaches a 17 Year Low

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:47:29 +0100

The starting of construction on new homes dropped 11% in July 2008 from the rate of the previous month, serving as a sign of the real estate market’s continuing troubles.

More Mortgages in Danger in Unstable Economy

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:18:02 +0100

Many homeowners and financial consultants have been trying to reassure themselves that the worst is now over in terms of the mortgage crisis that has been ripping through the United States.

Three Ways to Purchase a Foreclosure

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:29:03 +0100

In today’s real estate market, the amount of foreclosures is growing dramatically. Many people just cannot keep up with their mortgages and are losing their homes to the bank. Others, however, are finding that purchasing these homes is a great opportunity to get properties for a lot less than in previous years.

Home Buyers and Sellers Face Challenges

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:29:09 +0100

Currently, the real estate market is facing a few obstacles; both buyers and sellers have their share of challenges regarding their real estate dollars. Yet, the situation is not always as bleak as expected.

The Housing Rescue Bill - How Can It Help You?

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:29:13 +0100

After weeks of rumors, the Senate passed the $300 billion housing rescue bill on Saturday, July 26. The bill is intended to support the federal mortgage programs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and to assist homeowners who are facing foreclosure thanks to the unstable lending market of the last few years.

Mortgage Closing Costs Rocket in Stagnant Market

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:29:22 +0100

Dropping real estate prices should be good news for prospective home buyers, but it’s just not happening that way. All over the country, long-time renters and prospective investors are finding that down payment requirements and up-front mortgage fees are pricing many of them right out of the market.