ARCHIVED BLOG POSTS

2008 

Existing-home sales rose in July to the highest level in five months, although they continue to be well below the numbers from last year at this time, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Existing-home sales - including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops - increased ...
09/30/2008
                The federal government, through an agency called the Federal Housing Finance Board, is taking over the management and control of Fannie and Freddie in hopes of stabilizing the housing and financial markets.  Here is what some experts have to say about the potential benefits and pi...
09/27/2008
   Now that the government has taken control of America's two largest mortgage finance companies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, three camps are arguing about how to overhaul the companies when the crisis is over.  Before going into conservatorship, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were in the unique posi...
09/27/2008
The Federal Reserve Board has amended the "Truth In Lending Act," Regulation Z under the "Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA)."  Originally passed in 1994, HOEPA targets abusive practices in home equity lending.  The Fed now extends the Act's protections to include home purchase loan...
09/23/2008
With a gallon of gasoline costing around $3.75, up more than a dollar from a year ago, affordable housing isn't just a measure of your mortgage and related expenses, but also the cost of transportation to and from work, school, stores, and all the other locations you regularly travel.  The closer...
09/19/2008
The time has never been better to buy your first home.  The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 grants first-time homebuyers (or homebuyers who have not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to their home purchase) up to a $7,500 tax credit if the purchase is comple...
09/18/2008
Your home never has a second chance to make a first impression.  A buyer's first impression will generally be their most lasting, and you want your home to show off its assets so that you can make a quick sale for as close to full price as possible.  Keep things simple, stick with the basics, and...
09/17/2008
Looking to sell your home takes a "Get It Done" Attitude. Here are some ways to help attain and sustain a positive outlook and help increase your chances of selling your home in today's market on your terms. Find the Right Agent. Selling a home is different than buying a home and a seller who mea...
09/16/2008
By planning ahead you can avoid some pitfalls that may put a damper on your moving experience. Here are some tips on planning a moving day that will go off without a hitch so you are left with time to enjoy the experience. Take Care of Your Real Valuables Yourself. If you have things that are tru...
09/16/2008
Smart buyers kept home sales strong through the usually quiet month of August, locking in their mortgages at the current low rates. If you’ve been waiting to "time the market", you might want to move quickly to avoid rate increases and to capitalize on a rare gift from the Federal Government: you...
09/05/2008
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Margaret "Maggee" Miggins

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