Real Estate Marketing Forum

January Pending Homes Sales Highest in Two Years

Pending Home Sales Highest in Two Years

What Most Homeowners Miss when trying to Sell their Home

Molly from @C21 has an excellent post concerning items most sellers overlook when preparing their home for sale: http://blog.century21.com/2011/08/trying-to-sell-a-house-do-this-first/.

What Else Can Go Wrong?!

Here in North Texas, our company had the most closings we had experienced in over three years in May and June...but then came July! I don't know whether it was the oppressive heat we were dealing with, or countless other factors, but everyone seemed to start getting cranky. That's when Realtors put on their counselor hat, and in July we wore that hat a lot. That comes with the territory, however, and that's why this article struck a chord with me: http://www.texasrealestate.com/web/2/21/more/080511.cfm.

There are a thousand little things that can develop during a real estate deal that can potentially "derail" the transaction. Your Realtor has seen it all if they've been around for a while. Put your faith in them, and they'll keep your deal on the tracks.

Bipartisan tax plan trims mortgage deduction

This AP story: http://yhoo.it/n5S2KM, discusses the possibility of a reduction of the current mortgage deduction. It sounds like they are proposing that the mortgage tax deduction would be reduced from 1 million dollar properties to $500,000, and eliminate the mortgage tax deduction on second homes. This is undoubtedly one of the most cherished deductions for American families. It might be time to contact your congressman.

Not a Joke: Government offering Free $$$ to Fight Foreclosures

Follow the link to an article from Wise Bread about the new program to fight foreclosures: http://bit.ly/msbVwA

Texas Real Estate Legislation 2011: Good for Texans

Great summary article about legislation passed this session to protect homeowner's rights in Texas.

Existing home sales rise 3.7 percent in March

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Sales of previously owned homes rose more than expected in March, a trade group said on Wednesday, raising cautious optimism a recovery may be in sight for the housing market.

The National Association of Realtors said sales rose 3.7 percent month over month to an annual rate of 5.10 million units after an upwardly revised 4.92 million unit pace in February.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected sales to rise 2.5 percent to a 5.0 million-unit pace from the previously reported 4.88 million unit rate. Sales have now risen in six of the past eight months.

(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by James Dalgleish)

 

Think You Had a Bad Day, Consider Kevin Na

Kevin Na, PGA Golfer, takes a 16 on the ninth hole at the Valero Texas Open, and yet, he can somehow, still manage a smile.  Bravo.

 

   

How Fannie / Freddie Reform Will Affect You (Soon)

This interesting article from Wise Bread's Janey Osterlind concerning the status of the goverment reform of lending giants Fannie and Freddie is telling me something:  It's time to act  if you're thinking of buying anytime soon!

Video: 4th Quarter 2010 Home Sales Up, 2011 Forecast Higher

The National Association of Realtors released their video report on the 4th quarter sales for 2010, and forecast increasing sales for 2011.