The Federal Reserve will probably complete their Quantitative Easing (QE) in October. QE is the unconventional monetary policy used by the Fed to artificially keep long term interest rates down by buying billions of dollars of bonds and mortgage backed securities every month. For several years the ... » Learn More about Fed Considers Final Quantitative Taper in October
Regulators Penalize Lenders for Maternity Discrimination; More Conflicting Regulations
The Justice Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have issued several monetary penalties this year to lenders for alleged maternity discrimination against loan applicants. Investigators found that lender’s underwriting criteria stated if the applicant is on family ... » Learn More about Regulators Penalize Lenders for Maternity Discrimination; More Conflicting Regulations
San Fernando Valley Housing Inventory Up All Price Ranges
The San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles) active housing inventory is up substantially across all price ranges. What does this mean? Real estate is a very regional element. National housing statistics that makes the news, has very little to do with what's happening in specific regions or neighborhoods. ... » Learn More about San Fernando Valley Housing Inventory Up All Price Ranges
A Potential Major Tax Bill After a Short Sale
Last fall, the IRS and the state Franchise Tax Board issued letters stating that California families who have sold their home in a short sale are not subject to either state or federal income tax on the forgiven debt. Recently, the IRS, claiming that its original letter had been “too broad,” issued ... » Learn More about A Potential Major Tax Bill After a Short Sale
California Housing Market at a Glance
The media is dwelling on the existing "national" home sales increasing month over month by almost 5%, when California's sales slowed by .6% month over month, and almost 10% year over year. This is prime time during the year when most sales are coming together. The statewide inventory level stayed ... » Learn More about California Housing Market at a Glance