Real Estate News from Homes101™

April 28, 2010

Elect the Select

Homeowner associations are designed to be representative democracies governed by a board of directors elected by the members. Electing directors to the board that can thoughtfully govern is extremely important. To accomplish this, elections must be carefully planned, not hatched at the last minute. Here are important components of a successful election process:

Real Estate Outlook: Signs of Recovery

If you've been waiting for rock-solid statistical evidence that the housing market -- and the national economy -- are well along into recovery mode, you definitely got it last week.

30-yr Fixed Mortgages Available at 4.875%, Rates Stable

FreeRateUpdate.com research of wholesale lenders' rate sheets shows conventional 30-yr fixed mortgages available today at 4.875% to well-qualified consumers paying a standard origination fee of .07 to 1 point.

EPA Signs Sustainability Agreement With Major New Jersey Company

Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc., New Jersey's largest real estate development company, has signed an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cut energy and water use and to take other steps to reduce the environmental impacts of its retail and commercial properties across the state. Buildings are responsible for close to half of the nation's greenhouse gas pollution. Under the agreement, signed on March 11, Hartz will take steps to promote sustainability in its operations.

April 27, 2010

Undisclosed Short Sale Payments May Lead to Trouble

A recent memorandum from the legal department of the California Association of Realtors® (CAR) warns CAR members as follows: "Undisclosed payments in short sale transactions, especially those paid outside of escrow, may violate the law, including RESPA, laws against loan fraud, and licensing laws."

Keeping Seniors Safe from Falls

It happens to all of us -- as we get older, our eyesight and hearing aren't as good as they once were, and our balance and reflexes start to let us down. We start taking medications to treat what ails us, but that may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. That can often lead to a fall, especially if there are tripping hazards in the home.

Common Buyer Fears

Whether you are a first time home buyer or someone who is looking to move up or down, getting into the market can be a fearful time.

April 26, 2010

10 Tips for Water Conservation

As warm weather makes it way across the nation, sprinklers come out of hibernation and return to their full time positions, pools fill up, and many a garden hose sees daylight for the first time in months.

April 23, 2010

Hard Times for HOAs Could Mean Fewer Home Sales Due to Delinquent Fees

At a time when many homeowners are walking away from their homes and letting them be foreclosed on, others who are hanging in there may be racking up delinquencies by not paying their Homeowners Association Fees which ultimately hurts not only the HOA but also the entire development and its owners.

Rainy Day Kid Tips

This season brings with it its share of rainy days. And while you and other homeowners may not be able to work on your yards, clean out gutters, or install that new walkway, a stormy day can be a perfect time to settle in to enjoy family and the home you've put so much effort in to. Here are ten great stay-at-home activities for you to try with your crew.