mortgage: PC Spring Cleaning - 04/13/12 03:11 AM
    It’s spring again and what good day to start this season is by cleaning up. Yes, SPRING CLEANING – but not only homes need cleaning; your PC needs it too! Here are some tips on spring cleaning your PC’s.
Start with your hardware: Turn the PC off, unplug everything, and then find an open area to do your dusting and cleaning. Either with a laptop or a desktop, the focus will most probably be the keyboard and the mouse or the trackpad. Cleaning them should be trouble-free since a lot of household products available in supermarkets, can be used.
Cleaning … (0 comments)

mortgage: Urban Land Institute’s Real Estate Consensus Forecast Predict Improvements - 04/11/12 12:05 AM

 
 
A Real Estate Consensus Forecast was made public by Urban Land Institute on March 28, 2012 predicting wide improvements for the economy according to 38 real estate economists and analysts surveyed.
 
With the signs improvements in the housing sector coming on the surface, participants anticipate seeing housing starts almost double by the year 2014 and predict the rise of home prices by 2013.
 
Average home prices decreased somewhere between 1.8 percent and 4.1 percent for each year in the past three years as per FHFA data. Average home prices are expected to stabilize in 2012; increase … (2 comments)

mortgage: Investment and Vacation Home Buying Jumpstarting Housing - 04/10/12 02:37 AM

 
According to the National Association of Realtors, there was an upsurge of investment and vacation home sales in  2011 due to more investors with cash on hand jumping into the market to obtain distressed and affordable properties.
As NAR reported that the combined share of investment and vacation home sales of 2011 was at its highest level since 2005, their study demonstrate a growth of 64.5% to 1.23 million in 2011, compared to 2010’s 749,000.
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A soar of 7% to 502,000 in vacation-home sales were also seen last year, as compared to 2010’s 469,000. The vacation purchases accounted 11% of all … (0 comments)

mortgage: Housing Awakening from Hibernation - 04/09/12 06:17 AM

On March 28, 2012, Wednesday, Freddie Mac’s 2012 Economic Outlook report stated that the slow spring back of home prices all over the United States was due to the economy’s improvement. However, the report mentioned that there are still a lot to go through in the recovery of the housing market.
The report further said, “The housing market is showing some signs of shaking off the depression-like conditions that have plagued it for much of the past few years… As if awakening from hibernation, housing starts and home sales moved to higher levels of activity.”
Freddie Mac‘s change to an uphill forecast … (2 comments)

mortgage: 10 Tips for Cruising with Kids - 04/06/12 04:42 AM

 
 
A cruise can be tough when you have kids with you. Below are tips to enjoy your cruise with your children, based on a Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas experience. Bear in mind that cruises differ with each other so make sure to research on them before you go and set sail.
Instead of two adjoining staterooms try booking a family suite. Suites come with expedited boarding (and disembark); special menus; reserved pool-deck and theater seating; and other promos to be able to make your travel with kids painless. Sign up your kids in at least one … (0 comments)

mortgage: Freddie Mac: U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook for February - 04/05/12 05:01 AM

 
A U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook for February was released by Freddie Mac (OTC:FMCC). It reflected vigilant signs of the progress of the economy and housing market as driven by the low interest rates and more promising job opportunities for Americans.

Here are the outlook highlights:
 
For the past 2 months, job gains outdid the anticipations. However, voluntary resignations are an estimated 2 million in December compared to the 3-million pre-recession average, thus, showing worker agitation.  A drop to 8.3% in the rate of unemployment, with a declining number of unemployment benefits application weekly for the third … (0 comments)

mortgage: HUD, VA to Provide Permanent Housing and Support to Homeless Veterans - 04/04/12 03:15 AM

 
 
An announcement of the HUD’s $72.6 million offer for all 50 states’ public housing agencies and the District of Columbia to be able to supply permanent housing and for the more than 10,000 homeless veterans’ case management was made by Secretary Shaun Donovan of the U.S. Housing and Secretary Eric K. Shinseki of the Urban Development and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

On March 29, 2012, the announcement on permanent supportive housing assistance was made through HUD’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH). This program administered by HUD, VA, and local housing agencies aims to offer permanent housing … (0 comments)

mortgage: DROPPING FORECLOSURE RATES SEEN IN PREVIOUS FORECLOSURE HOT SPOTS - 04/03/12 03:02 AM

A drop off in the number of foreclosures was recorded in the markets previously experienced an all time high in the years 2009 and 2010.
A report made by the National Association of REALTORS®’ Local Market reflected a decrease in the national foreclosure rates, from 2.8% down to 2.7% by December. In 163 markets surveyed, 113 witnessed to a reduced foreclosure rates over this period.
Markets with high rates in 2009 and 2010 comprise the largest declines in foreclosures currently. Florida and Nevada markets conquered most of the top 10 places in declines. Seattle and Spokane Washington also ranked in … (0 comments)

mortgage: U.S. Real Estate Bargains Found by Foreign Investors - 03/30/12 09:50 AM

There are a lot of real estate deals in the United States, making foreign investors gather in the major states to have their purchases.
According to a study recently made by Credit Sesame, making use of National Association of REALTORS® data, Mexico is the top country of origin of investors buying U.S homes.
Susan Wachter, professor of real estate and finance at University of Pennsylvania, told MSNBC.com, “In this period of tremendous uncertainly globally, real estate here is a safe haven.”
Here is a list of states targeted by foreign investors for U.S. real estate treats:
1. Florida, in which 31 percent of … (0 comments)

mortgage: Stabilization of Home Prices Despite Uptick in REO Properties - 03/29/12 05:32 AM
  A said to be “unusual and encouraging” sign is reflected by the surge in distressed properties on the market and no longer withdrawing at overall home prices as stated in a recent report.
The Clear Capital report reflected that despite the remarkable surge of top 15 metro areas REOs in February, these areas still are in the average range of gains or mostly stable home prices as compared to the previous month’s report. Distressed properties are said to have a downward pull on prices of nearby homes.
Progress in the job market, an increase in consumer confidence, and a rise in activity … (0 comments)

mortgage: Foreclosure Deals Offered to Investors - 03/27/12 03:34 AM
  If one wants to be a landlord in one of America’s hardest-hit foreclosure neighborhoods, Uncle Sam has a great deal.
2,500 distressed properties are offered to investors willing to buy them in bulk and rent them out for a contracted number of years by Fannie Mae (FNMA, Fortune 500) in eight locations to investors who are willing to buy them in bulk and rent them out for a set number of years.
Here are some of the foreclosure fiasco:Uncle Sam wants people to rent out its foreclosed homesReason behind fair deal of mortgage settlementRich walk away as million-dollar foreclosures rise
The other foreclosure … (0 comments)

mortgage: Slight Upsurge of Longterm Rates - 03/26/12 06:36 AM

 
Fixed mortgage rates were out of their at-or-near record slumps for the first time in three weeks amidst fresh data showing the continued improvement of housing market.
A 3.95% average of the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) was reflected, with a 0.8 point average for the week ending February 23, 2012, a surge from last week when a 3.87% average was claimed. The 30-year FRM was an average of 4.95% last year at this same time.
On another note, the week that ended on February 25, 2012 has a 15-year FRM average of 3.19% with a 0.8 point average, a surge from … (0 comments)

mortgage: Borrowers’ Refinancing Costs Cut by Obama - 03/23/12 11:10 AM

 
The ability to refinance into lower rate loans in an easier and cheaper way can be granted to borrowers with a number of federally insured mortgages through a plan made public on March 06, 2012 by the Obama administration.
 
President Obama declared the cut of upfront fees for refinanced loans the Federal Housing Administration already insures.
 
Borrowers with FHA loans issued before June 01, 2009 are the new fees’ target. The savings could be used by the approximately 2 to 3 million borrowers. As stated by the current administration, this could decrease mortgage payments for the usual … (0 comments)

mortgage: 10 Stocks Promising a New Real Estate Success - 03/22/12 06:24 AM

 
The U.S. real estate market is currently facing two situations: dropping rate of residential housing and unworthy of investments yet. Despite this, commercial real estate flourishes through real estate investment trusts (REITs).
 
For an instance, rental apartments have increasing demand due to workers relocating to find more opportunities to get a job. Still, home ownership continues to go downhill for almost twelve years, without any signs of upsurge. With this, apartment-owning REITs have been growing its confidence towards earnings.
 
Shopping malls, office buildings, storage facilities, and the like which are considered as commercial real estate, shows consistency … (0 comments)

mortgage: Tips for Saving Money as A New Homeowner - 03/21/12 06:35 AM

 
Being a new homeowner is one of the most exciting yet scariest experiences in life, most especially when one doesn’t know what to do.
 
This is the right time of making a checklist of ways to make your home, even your wallet, easy and loose. Danny Lipford, veteran contractor and home expert has worked together with Honeywell Home Environment and provide deals for additional comfort and tips on saving money for fresh homeowners.
 
DIY safety should always be considered. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released by paints, solvents, cleaners, adhesives, furniture, and shelving can harm the home and … (0 comments)

mortgage: 2012 Trends of Home Decoration - 03/21/12 03:14 AM

The consumer strategist of home and garden for Iconoculture, a prominent consumer trends advisory firm, Rebecca Kolls, has been the eye of many for her 2012 home decorating trends most awaited by many.
 
According to Kolls, 2012 will be nothing with flashy, over-the-top design. Rather, it will mostly be about decorating for real life where homes are smaller yet more well-furnished and personalized for its owners’ lifestyles.
 
She also mentioned that in 2012, practicality, rightsizing, style-telling and universal design will be the icing on the cake. Kolls mentioned that although there is a low average total square footage, … (0 comments)

mortgage: Loosening of Credit Standards Marks End to Housing Crisis in 2012 - 03/20/12 04:48 AM

 
As to the report released on January 24, 2012, an end to the housing crisis is expected by Capital Economics this year. Loosening credit is one of its reasons.
 
The average credit score necessary to be able to acquire a mortgage loan is 700 according to the analytics firm. Although this is above the score necessary before the crisis, it conforms to the requirements a year ago.
 
Also, credit requirements were found by a Fed Senior Loan Officer Survey to be consistent with the earlier three quarters.
 
Not only did the market indicators point to a … (1 comments)

mortgage: Obama’s Plan for the service members and FHA Borrowers: Housing Relief Support - 03/19/12 02:08 AM
 

Two steps to be taken to succor service members and FHA borrowers were announced by President Obama in the administration statement on March 06, 2012.
The President’s agenda for the first full news conference contains particulars on the support process for those who are currently serving and previously served in the military.
One of those provisions is for the servicemen who were foreclosed upon on the review from 2006, and those who are to be found wrongfully foreclosed upon can get reimbursement equivalent to the minimum of lost equity, with interest and cash of $116,785. Other than foreclosure … (1 comments)

mortgage: Tips on Avoiding Audit - 03/12/12 03:56 AM

There is no assurance in being clean and straight in preparing tax returns to avoid an IRS audit, although some anticipation can help in preventing hassle.

First is to consider audit predictors, as suggested by Jim Wang at U.S. News and World Report. Based on many returns, the IRS has formula that picks out problem filings. Some of the possibilities are the following:
Mismatch of return with W-2 and 1099 forms, including interest paid by the banks Having a Swiss bank account Getting paid for a service in a company and the company gets audited Second important consideration is to … (0 comments)

mortgage: Choose a Real Estate Domain That Drives Traffic - 03/07/12 12:32 AM

Giving a good domain name for a real estate business takes time and a lot of thinking. One good advantage of the new generation is the internet where you can take all the help you need. Here are a few points to consider in selecting a domain name.
A great name will not always be great for real estate. Owning the URL for your name wouldn’t be the main method how people would discover your site, although you should. You must register your name in the annual domain name registration, which costs less than $10, and mention it in your blog … (3 comments)

 
Sharon Sigman, Sharon Sigman (RE/MAX )

Sharon Sigman

Sharon Sigman

Overland Park, KS

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Address: 11251 Nall Ave, Leawood, KS, 66211

Office: 913-381-6794

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