Consumer real estate news featuring articles on market conditions, hot buying and selling issues and more. http://www.homes101.net/news/ en-us Homes101 Copyright © 2008 Homes101 and partners. All rights reserved. 2008-07-18T05:00:00-00:00 http://www.homes101.net/news/n3959 We all know that down markets can offer great opportunities for investors looking to pick up properties at rock-bottom prices. Realty Times 2008-07-18T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.homes101.net/news/n3960 South Carolinians in the Spartanburg-Greenville market have taken the latest national economic decline in stride. The financial climate in this city leans on the positive side, as it serves as national and world headquarters for corporations such as Extended Stay Hotels, Denny's restaurants and Milliken & Company -- one of the largest privately held textile and chemical manufacturers in the world. Realty Times 2008-07-18T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.homes101.net/news/n3961 Few would argue with the proposition that different licensing requirements are called for if a person is going to drive a school bus or an eighteen wheeler as opposed to your standard four-door sedan. What about real estate licenses? Does one size fit all, or should some special certification be required for those who are going to sell commercial buildings or engage in property management or concentrate on vacation rentals, etc.? Realty Times 2008-07-18T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.homes101.net/news/n3962 McLEAN, VA -- Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.26 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending July 17, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 6.37 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.73 percent. Realty Times 2008-07-18T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.homes101.net/news/n3963 Depending on the location, whether you're shopping for a new home or trying to sell your current residence, one of the biggest challenges is trying to reduce street noise. Realty Times 2008-07-18T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.homes101.net/news/n3955 With all the stock market jitters about Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the U.S. mortgage system, you might have the impression that the real estate market is on the edge of some sort of cliff. Realty Times 2008-07-17T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.homes101.net/news/n3956 When Outside magazine asks its readers to come up with a list of the best towns in America, chances are they won't be skyscraper canyons or commuter suburbs. Realty Times 2008-07-17T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.homes101.net/news/n3957 If you're a real estate investor who has ever taken a real estate loss on your tax return, there is a target on your back. For months, members on my Forum have been complaining about being selected for audit, and losing, based on the IRS's new set of real estate professional guidelines. Realty Times 2008-07-17T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.homes101.net/news/n3958 I've been writing for a few years now on tips, techniques and strategies to build and maintain a strong sphere of influence business model. Realty Times 2008-07-17T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.homes101.net/news/n3952 A year ago federal officials looked at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and declared that all was well. The two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) largely held dull and boring conventional loans, though they were about to acquire subprime mortgages. Realty Times 2008-07-16T00:00:00-05:00