Today's Real Estate News and Advice

Updated: January 6, 2009

 Real Estate Outlook: What's in Store for 2009?
What will the new year bring for housing and real estate? Here's a different perspective to consider from one of the country's veteran financial analysts -- Richard Bove of Ladenburg Thalmann, the investment banking company. FULL STORY->

The Consumer Sales Funnel
It's referenced in nearly every sales training course under the sun. It comes in various shapes, sizes and colors. It still holds true and probably always will. FULL STORY->

Study Says Land Transfer Tax Unfair and Wasteful
Land transfer taxes are a common way for governments to raise money when properties change hands, but a new analysis of Toronto's Land Transfer Tax says that simply raising property taxes would be a more effective way to boost government coffers. FULL STORY->

Long-Term Rates Fall for Ninth Consecutive Week, Setting Another New Low
Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.10 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending December 31, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 5.14 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.07 percent. The 30-year FRM has not been lower since Freddie Mac started the Primary Mortgage Market Survey in 1971. FULL STORY->

Washington Report: Who Chooses Appraisers?
It's shaping up to be one of real estate's surprise hot potato issues for 2009: Who chooses appraisers when houses are sold and financed? FULL STORY->

Condo Trends: New Orleans Continues Recovery With Condos
Unlike many of the condo markets in the south, prices for a condominium in New Orleans is outpacing 2007 levels, according to data from the National association of Realtors. FULL STORY->

The Power of "I Can Help!"
Columnist Jennifer Allan shares her own struggles -- and stresses -- of being a landlord. And just how this can help you in your business. FULL STORY->

Washington Report: Who Chooses Appraisers?
It's shaping up to be one of real estate's surprise hot potato issues for 2009: Who chooses appraisers when houses are sold and financed? FULL STORY->

Condo Trends: New Orleans Continues Recovery With Condos
Unlike many of the condo markets in the south, prices for a condominium in New Orleans is outpacing 2007 levels, according to data from the National association of Realtors. FULL STORY->

The Power of "I Can Help!"
Columnist Jennifer Allan shares her own struggles -- and stresses -- of being a landlord. And just how this can help you in your business. FULL STORY->

Investor Report: Fannie Mae and Florida Condos
If you're looking to buy an investment condo at a great price in Florida, you just might want to get your loan application nailed down and in before January 15th. FULL STORY->

Museum-Quality Tile Artwork Can Add Value To Your Home
When it comes to adding tile to a home, a lot of us head to the local warehouse stores to choose from a variety of selections. Using tile in a home for artwork can enhance homeowners' surroundings while adding value and bringing home a museum-quality artwork look. FULL STORY->

Market Conditions
Existing-home sales weakened against a backdrop of an eroding economy, according to the National Association of Realtors. FULL STORY->

Pull Up Stakes, Move Where Home Prices Grow
Go South, not West, young man or woman. A pattern of reversed migration could bode well for home equity gains and overblown housing markets. FULL STORY->

Selling Your Home in a Declining Market
Selling a home in a declining market starts with a proper attitude and finding the right Realtor who is optimistic and knows the right sales techniques in this tough market. FULL STORY->

HOA Welcome Committee
Homeowner associations were fashioned after the villages of an earlier time where leadership consisted of a volunteer mayor and council. HOAs today have a similar volunteer board of directors. The complexion of the village has changed, but the organization is pretty much the same. The biggest challenge is how to get volunteers to serve. FULL STORY->

Businesses Believe in Green Building Benefits, according to Report from McGraw-Hill Construction
While building 'green' may still cost more upfront, many building industry professionals realize that the health benefits, employee productivity, and the overall positive impact to the environment far outweigh the initial fees. FULL STORY->

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