Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac recently announced that from November 26, 2008 to January 9, 2009, there will be a “stay of execution” for borrowers in jeopardy of foreclosure. In other words, they have provided an initiative to their servicer network requiring that all foreclosure and eviction proceedings shall be suspended during this time period, […]

Popularity: 10% [?]

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While there are many ways to add value to your home, it is prudent to select the improvements that will give you the most “bang” for the buck. Unless you are an appraiser, the formula that is used to estimate a home’s worth is one of world’s best kept secrets; despite the fact that so […]

Popularity: 14% [?]

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Back in August, we posted a blog that focused on the top ten homebuyer turnoffs. Number one was, not surprisingly, bad smells in the home.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what kind of smells will kill a deal; ok, if you insist, they might include the smell of animals (cats particularly), […]

Popularity: 15% [?]

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In general I’d say that the latter may ultimately be the better investment, but I’ll leave my personal demons out of this one.
With the housing market in such turmoil and homeowners facing situations such as a job relocation and a house that won’t sell, many owners decide renting their house is the only option […]

Popularity: 15% [?]

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Although this Bill was signed into law by President Bush back in December 2007, it’s contents are significant enough that it warrants re-emphasis as we enter the final quarter of the year 2008. With home foreclosures continuing to rise to unprecedented levels, many affected homeowners are not even aware of the potential ramifications of this […]

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Yep, the federal government has made it official: they will be producing and directing a new reality show, entitled “The Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Show”.  Yes, after weeks of anticipation and speculation, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson announced that the federal government had taken over mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Those interested in […]

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A question that most certainly been addressed by many, and no doubt will continue as a hot topic for longer than we’d like. But it warrants repeat as so many of us did not heed the signs… just a quick synopsis of events leading us to our current fate, beginning in 2004:

Years of home price […]

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I know, your mother always told you to “focus on the positive” and that is stellar advice. But it’s possible your house includes all the “Top Ten Homebuyer Turn-Ons” (OK, guess I have to create this list next) but what if it also has some significant “turn-offs”? Have no fear, here is a great list […]

Popularity: 19% [?]

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That’s right, this is one of the “better” provisions included in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the much-hyped legislation which became law in late July of this year. Otherwise known as the “First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit”, the provision gives homebuyers yet one more $7500 reason that it might be a good time […]

Popularity: 23% [?]

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That’s right, studies show that a potential home buyer makes up their mind within the first 8 seconds of seeing the outside of a home whether to take the next step, or just drive on by. With the inventory of homes listed for sale at record highs, that’s a lot of competition. Given a limited […]

Popularity: 22% [?]

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