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Understanding Short Sales

The recent decline in property values has created many challenges for real estate agents and homeowners alike, but a “Short Sale” could be the key to a happy ending. One of the biggest misconceptions about short sales is that they are d...

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Has the housing market hit bottom?

In some areas, foreclosures are increasing, housing inventories are higher than normal, and even well-qualified borrowers cannot receive mortgage loans. Many homeowners and home buyers also are becoming increasingly concerned about when the...

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Housing Data Helps Restore Confidence

A slew of positive reports on the housing and economic fronts helped the markets regain some confidence in the past week. Preliminary Growth Domestic Product estimates showed the U.S. economy growing at a surprisingly healthy pace while th...

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Home Sales Prices Rise: Is Anyone Catching It?

After the gloom in the media and on Wall Street about housing values, someone forgot to check the stats! Recently there have been a lot of stories about isolated areas that have seen 20% reductions in home values. Most agree that these areas...

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Efficiency Audits Can Save Energy and Money

The US Department of Energy (DOE) recommends an energy audit as the first step in assessing your energy consumption and improving the energy efficiency of your home. A do-it-yourself inspection can be a good way to determine problem areas. ...

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Fannie, Freddie will raise some fees, lower others

The two biggest sources of mortgages for American home buyers plan to raise their base fees to counter what they see as continuing “adverse conditions’ in the real estate marketplace. At the same time, however, Fannie Mae & Freddie...

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Bonds Persevere And Go For Gold Next Week

This week, several reports will show us whether or not inflation is getting hotter. Thursday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report will show us inflation at the consumer level – that is, how much more expensive goods and services are for...

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Pending home sales index rises 5.3% in June

In a sign that the U.S. housing market may strengthen in the coming months, an index of sales contracts on previously owned U.S. homes rose 5.3% in June from the prior month, the National Association of Realtors reported Thursday. The index, wh...

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Negotiating with a Buyer

First, the Don’ts:· Don’t Focus on small details – If you have a compelling offer, don’t jeopardize it by focusing on items such as who keeps the drapes. · Don’t Dismiss offers out of hand – read and consider all offers; sell...

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