A Senate plan to wind down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac faces its first major hurdle this week. The bill, written by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) and Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), would replace the companies with a new federal mortgage insurer and move more of the ... » Learn More about Fate of Fannie, Freddie Replacement May be Decided this Week
Is Your Work Commute a Mortgage Killer?
Most home buyers know they'll pay for desirable locations, whether it's conveniently near their workplace or pleasantly distant from it. But a recent look at commuting costs by Credit.com reminds buyers to put the figures into stark black and white, even if the lender doesn't require it. Many ... » Learn More about Is Your Work Commute a Mortgage Killer?
Homeowners Think Twice About Doing a Short Sale – Taxes Can Kill Them
Since the expiration of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, home owners have been thinking twice about proceeding with a short sale, says CoreLogic deputy chief economist Sam Khater. A sharp drop in short sales began at the start of this year, likely because of the increase in taxes borrowers ... » Learn More about Homeowners Think Twice About Doing a Short Sale – Taxes Can Kill Them
4 Types of Homes That Won’t Sell – At Least Not Yet
Low inventories continue to plague housing markets across the country, as buyers face limited options and more bidding wars. But with home prices rising, more sellers are starting to put their homes on the market. However, more than half of all existing homes are unlikely to be put up for sale ... » Learn More about 4 Types of Homes That Won’t Sell – At Least Not Yet
The Plight of First-Time Buyers
First-time buyers are a shrinking share of the market, but there are a few things that can be done to help reverse this trend. It’s not a $64,000 question, but rather a $41,000 one. “Where are the first-time buyers?” It’s important because $41,000 is the amount renters have missed out on by not ... » Learn More about The Plight of First-Time Buyers