May 2012
It’s Time to Make Short Sales Shorter
By admin on May 14, 2012 at 9:06 am | 0 commentsNew Fannie and Freddie rules and bipartisan bills aim to speed the short sale process, preventing more home owners from slipping into foreclosure and keeping the economy on its feet
Imagine you’re underwater on your mortgage, but you’re trying to sell your home. Your REALTOR® has a buyer lined up. Everything looks good to go. Except there’s one small problem: Your lender isn’t responding to your repeated requests to approve the sale.
Why Home Equity Beats Facebook Equity
By admin on May 14, 2012 at 8:56 am | 0 commentsAs Facebook’s IPO nears, it’s easy to get caught up in the notion of getting rich quick. But there’s no surer way to wealth than home ownership.
As Facebook’s IPO date nears, it’s easy to start traveling down that “what if” path:
“What if I had equity in Facebook?!? How rich would I be?”
Friday Five: Housing Markets, Buyers Adjust to New Normal
By admin on May 14, 2012 at 8:53 am | 0 commentsHome sales rise, foreclosures fall, and the latest national flood insurance deadline looms.
In our Friday Five roundup of top housing news, we look at a return to traditional home sales: With rents on the rise across the country, many are taking advantage of low prices and short sale opportunities to trade in their lease for a mortgage. Also this week, we begin the countdown for national flood insurance reauthorization, which is set to expire at the end of May 2012.
2,200 Exmark Riding Mowers Recalled
By admin on May 14, 2012 at 8:49 am | 0 comments
Exmark riding mowers are being recalled because faulty bearings can cause crashes. Image: CPSC
Don’t Panic Over Study that Found Lead in Garden Hoses
By admin on May 14, 2012 at 8:48 am | 0 comments
Lead and other toxic chemicals are often found in vinyl hoses, but it's nothing to worry about, expert say. Image: Liz Foreman for HouseLogic
Let’s Make Every Day ‘Give Your Stuff Away Day’
By admin on May 14, 2012 at 8:46 am | 0 comments
On May 12, everyone is invited to give away unwanted stuff by putting it out on the curb. Image: Eric Bartholomew/Flickr
Friday Five: The Year of the Housing Bottom
By admin on May 14, 2012 at 8:43 am | 0 commentsMore stable home prices point to housing market bottom, as REALTORS® ready to rally for home ownership and the economy in Washington.
The news that home prices are stabilizing across the country suggests that 2012 will be the year the housing market bottoms out. We also look to Washington, the site of next week’s rally for the American Dream. Plus, a group of REALTORS® is making waves with a $100M plan for the state’s national mortgage servicing settlement.
Water Slides Recalled After Death and Injuries
By admin on May 14, 2012 at 8:40 am | 0 commentsBanzai Splash water slides are being recalled after one death and two severe injuries occurred when the in-ground pool slide deflated.
After one death and two severe injuries, 21,000 Banzai Splash in-ground pool water slides are being recalled by Walmart, Toys”R”Us, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The 6-ft. slides can deflate, causing users to crash into the edge of in-ground pools.