Monthly Archives: November 2009

SOURCE: Reuters ORIGINAL LINK: http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN3046464720091130 By Al Yoon NEW YORK, Nov 30 (Reuters) – The U.S. Treasury on Monday set long-awaited guidance on a plan for mortgage companies to speed “short sales” of homes and other loan modification alternatives to … Continue reading →

Difficult home odors plague homeowners. Ground into rugs, absorbed into walls, and clinging to furniture, some smells are slow to fade, leaving lasting impressions on both guests and potential buyers. Often, that impression is unfavorable. Do something about it. In … Continue reading →

Hello again - I hope your Thanksgiving Day ( And Black Friday.) went beautifully! In our local housing market, the number of available houses is now the lowest in at least a few years. In Coto de Caza, for example, … Continue reading →

Home affordability improved this week after the Federal Reserve released its November 3-4, 2009 meeting minutes. The FOMC Minutes is a companion to the Federal Reserve’s post-meeting press release. It’s released 3 weeks after the Fed adjourns and details the … Continue reading →

It’s official — home prices are no longer in free fall. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Home Price Index posted its first quarterly increase since 2007 last quarter. The news was reported Tuesday. The Home Price Index … Continue reading →

Another month, another piece of evidence that the housing market is in recovery. Existing Home Sales surged in October as the nation’s homebuyers took advantage of low mortgage rates, low list prices, and, for some, a generous tax credit. Home … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving is Thursday. If you’re cooking for group (or a crowd) and you haven’t yet put your menu in order, click on through Bon Appetit’s Thanksgiving Menu Planner. Answer to 3 basic questions and Bon Appetit serves up a list … Continue reading →

For today’s home buyers and homeowners that can manage the higher monthly payments, 15-year fixed rate mortgage rates look attractive as compared to comparable 30-year products. The 15-year/30-year interest rate spread is near its 5-year high. Despite lower rates, however, … Continue reading →

A “Housing Start” is a home on which construction has started and, for the 4th straight month, national single-family housing starts held steady last month. When the demand for homes grows faster than the number of homes for sale, prices … Continue reading →

Here is the latest Orange County, California, Housing Report from my friend Steven Thomas, the President of Altera Real Estate. Monday, November 16, 2009 Have you ever pedaled up a steep hill on your bicycle as a kid only to … Continue reading →