Real Estate News and Advice

Congressional Hearings Focus on Electronic Mortgage Underwriting Fairness
"Fair credit" hearings underway on Capitol Hill have produced allegations that some home loan applicants underwritten by electronic systems are being overcharged. Consumer advocates say lightning-fast mortgage quotes deny applicants their federally-guaranteed rights to review the credit data that caused them to pay more. Ken Harney reports. FULL STORY->

30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgages Unchanged This Week
In Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.21 percent, with an average 0.6 point, for the week ending June 20, 2003, unchanged from 5.21 percent last week. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.63 percent. This figure meets last week's record low. FULL STORY->

Marriage Presents Real Estate Investment Opportunity
I have owned a condo since 12/21/01. I am getting married and I want to sell the condo. If I sell the condo before 12/21/03 is my gains penalty still 28 percent or will it be dropped to a lower rate? M. Anthony Carr has the answers. FULL STORY->

$50 Buys Insider Mortgage Info
Give Fair, Isaac $50 and it'll school you on landing a mortgage -- or explain why you didn't get one. Broderick Perkins has the details. FULL STORY->

Draper, Utah Explodes With Growth In Salt Lake Valley
Located on the south end of Salt Lake Valley, Draper, Utah is just beginning great business opportunities with car dealerships, malls, country stores and a wide variety of living options with rising prices, say local Realtors. FULL STORY->

Tips To Improve Your Curb Appeal
Every seller knows that there home should have "curb appeal." But what exactly does that mean. Before you go to the expense of replacing major components, try some of these tips. FULL STORY->

Title, Escrow Companies Say Charges Are Misleading
Title and escrow companies say discounts on title and escrow costs for refinanced mortgages are built in or available for the asking, but many consumers don't. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY->

Capistrano Beach: Ocean Views, Sea Of Buyers
Despite California's now-famous affordability problem, buyers are still flocking to its coastal communities like Capistrano Beach to enjoy the incomparable views, weather and lifestyle, say local Realtors. FULL STORY->

Young Canadians Committed to Home Ownership
Canadians aged 18 to 26 have an "extremely positive attitude toward home ownership", which bodes well for the real estate industry. But another report warns that too many Canadians still can't afford adequate housing. FULL STORY->

Making The Case For Affordable Housing
Decent housing remains beyond the reach of millions of Americans. Having a house, however, is an important key to economic vitality and personal wealth. Al Heavens reports. FULL STORY->

Vail, Beaver Creek, Colorado Homebuyers Cautious, But Thawing
Local Realtors promote that the Vail-Beaver Creek areas are as much fun in the summer as they are in the winter, making the area a great place to visit or live. FULL STORY->

Silicon Valley's Bouncing Bubble
Silicon Valley's bubble isn't bursting. Yes it is. No it isn't. Well, it is and it isn't. There simply are too many distinct markets to blanket the valley with a single forecast -- for better or for worse. Broderick Perkins has the details. FULL STORY->

Pernicious Contradiction in the HOA
There is a vicious rumor going around. The Board is talking about raising the dues again and everyone’s up in arms. They raised the dues last year! And the year before! It’s time to fire up the tar and pluck the chicken! FULL STORY->

'Normal' Fees Under Legal Attack
Several normal, every-day fees most lenders charge are coming under legal attack by lawyers who specialize in class-action cases and see the mortgage arena as fertile ground. Lew Sichelman has the details. FULL STORY->

Save Money Monthly by Choosing Appliances Wisely
If you've been renting in a building where utilities were included as part of your rent, you may be a bit startled the first time you see your new home's utility bills. Diane Benson Harrington has some energy-saving ideas for your appliances. FULL STORY->

West Nile Cases Pop Up As Mosquito Season Sets In
It used to be mosquitoes were merely a summertime nuisance. But now there's the threat of West Nile virus, which is already popping up in parts of the country as mosquito season sets in. That means it's more important than ever to keep your house bug-tight, and to empty any standing water in your yard or outside your house. Michele Dawson explains. FULL STORY->