Subprime Loan Standards Give Lenders Cause for Lament
Lenders are saying that not all subprime loans are bad. Some lenders feel that new legislation threatens to keep many people from homeownership by not being able to qualify for a conventional loan. Read More

Going Green is Growing: Here are 5 Reasons Why
Reports show that upwards of 40% of the 300 United States real estate investment trusts (REITs) are actively pursuing both green and energy efficient building upgrades. An additional 27% have plans in place to do so as well. Read More

5 Important Questions Home Buyers Should Ask
First-time home buyers tend to have a lot on their minds during the home buying process. It is important to consider all of the factors which will impact the enjoyment of their new home. Read More

Americans Feeling Optimistic Towards Real Estate
American home owners are feeling optimistic about the value of their overall real estate investment. Read More

Baby Boomers are Expected to Stay in Suburbs
A new study by the Brookings Institution shows that as baby boomers age, they are tending to stay put and not retire to other parts of the country. This trend brings about certain concerns for the slower-growing metropolitan areas that many boomers reside in. The study points out that public policies must begin to respond to the stresses that these aging residents will exert on transportation, social-support and health systems. Read More

Are Revised Lending Requirements Blocking Out First Time Home Buyers?
Approximately 500,000 first time home buyers are being blocked from entering the housing market. This is a result of tighter lending standards recently imposed by subprime lenders. This information is reported by the National Association of Home Builders. Read More

Increased Energy Costs Bite into Housing Budgets
A recent study finds that an increasing number of the poorest families in this country having to cut back on the amounts that they would pay for food, housing and health care due to rising energy costs. Read More

Mortgage Rate Rises Again
Rates increased for the 6th week in a row. The average 30 year fixed rate mortgage has hit a 10 month high of 6.61% Read More

Federal Reserve Chair: Housing Slump Lasting Longer than Expected
The chairman of the Federal Reserve, told bankers at a conference in South Africa this past Tuesday that the housing slump in the United States will last longer than was previously predicted. At this point however, it has not spilled over into other parts of the country's economy. Read More

California Public Housing Project Goes Green
In a new state public housing complex, green is the word. There are no utility bills as the place is powered by solar energy. All the landscape is edible! Sage, rosemary and lemon trees cover the grounds. In addition, the residents of the new Solara project in Poway pay 40% below current market value. Read More

States Where Americans Live Longest lives
If you want to live to be 100, then move yourself to California, Colorado, New Mexico or Hawaii. According to a recent report by Eons, Incorporated, a company that publishes information regarding live after 50, these are the states where residents enjoy the most longevity. Read More

If you own a Vacation Home, Be Aware of which Address you Call Home
Owners of vacation homes that are in different states should be very clear as to which address they call their home. If the owner is not very specific as to which home is the vacation home, they could end up paying state income taxes in both locations of their homes. Read More

Mortgage Interest Rates Reach Highest Level since August
Mortgage rates have been on the rise for the fifth consecutive week. The average 30 year fixed mortgage rate reaching its highest level since August last year. Read More

April 2007 California Home Sales
Statewide a total of 34,949 homes were sold during the month of April. That sales figure is down 12.2% compared to March, & 28.5% for April of 2006. Last April's sales numbers are the lowest reported since 1995. At that time, a total of 27,625 homes were sold. Between 1988 and 2007 the average number of homes sold in the month of April range from 27,625 in 1995 up to 66,938 in 2005. The overall average is 46,141. Sales have been on the decline for the past 19 months. Read More