recent news from our friends at Unifirst Mortgage, brought to you by The Zappa Team

Top News
Stimulus money kept Americans off the street, study finds
CNN - 4 million homes have been lost to foreclosure since 2007, according to the online marketer RealtyTrac. Those foreclosures have driven many ex-homeowners into the rental market, driving up rents and pushing some of the working poor to move in with family, friends or other
AG Negotiations with Banks Linger on; Settlement Possibly Imminent
DSNews.com - After the estimations that the state attorneys general would reach a settlement with banks by Christmas failed to pan out, word today is the settlement is weeks away. The negotiation talks between the state

Market News
Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey
Mortgage Bankers Association - Mortgage applications increased 23.1 percent from one week earlier (last week’s results included an adjustment for New Years Day), according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending January 13.
Mortgages: 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hits record low
MarketWatch - Mortgage rates nearly unchanged in holiday week.  Interest rates on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit another low this week, averaging 3.88% in
Home builders more optimistic as economic outlook improves
USA Today - Homebuilders are growing less pessimistic about the housing market, despite tighter lending standards that have slowed home sales. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Farg
REALTORS® Recognize Credit Union as Valuable Member Benefit
REALTOR Magazine - REALTORS® FCU has 7,501 members with total assets of $77.9 million. “REALTORS® FCU is one of NAR’s most valued member benefits,” said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. “Credit union members have access to an

Technology News
AT&T hikes rates on smartphone plans
CNNMoney.com - The mobile data our smartphones love to suck up is once again going up in price. AT&T on Wednesday hiked rates on its smartphone and tablet data plans. The new rates will go into effect

Other News
Home staging on the cheap: 9 tips
MSN Real Estate - In the past few months, we've talked about some ways to save money if you're a homebuyer, homeowner or renter. Sellers, now it's your turn. This installment of Real Estate on the Cheap will address the importance of staging your home — and how to save