Today's News

---

Updated: September 8, 2010

Ask the HOA Expert
The board is thinking about circulating a survey to evaluate the manager company’s effectiveness. Any suggestions? Can we publish the complete list of what each HOA employee makes or is this a breach of privacy? FULL STORY->

Fall Decorating Tips
The classic earthy colors associated with Fall decorations are an homage to Mother Nature herself. The burnt oranges, browns, and golden wheats are the colors we witness first-hand as the seasons change. FULL STORY->

California Realtors to Pay Political Assessment
When the 2011 dues billing cycle comes around a few months from now, members of the California Association of Realtors® (CAR) will see a new assessment of $49 in addition to their regular dues. FULL STORY->

Real Estate's Latest Numbers
In this edition, we bring you some of the latest figures from across the nation, and show them just what they mean for you: the investor, the buyer, the seller, and the real estate professional. FULL STORY->

From "Double Dip" to Double Opportunity
As warnings of "double-dip" economic downturn reverberate through the media, the more significant threat to property owners—and wanna-be owners—may be overlooked. PJ Wade encourages owners and buyers to avoid creating their own personal financial "double dip." FULL STORY->

Real Estate Outlook: Consumer Confidence
After a few weeks in August where the economic and housing outlooks have been a little sobering - even grim - the numbers at the beginning of September are looking increasingly positive. FULL STORY->

Agencies Warn of Oil Spill Scams
Scam artists follow the headlines, and with one as big as the Gulf oil disaster, you can bet they are making the rounds. FULL STORY->

Modest Inflation Expectations Allow Mortgage Rates to Once Again Set New Record Lows
Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), and for yet another week, fixed-rate mortgages reached record lows, as did the 5-year adjustable rate in this survey. FULL STORY->

The Law of Difficulty
The Law of Difficulty basically says this: The harder the task, the fewer the people who will try to accomplish it. FULL STORY->

Clean Crawlspace May Increase Home Sale
The name makes it sound like a place that you crawl in; however, most of us would probably rather pass on the crawl or even a walk-through of this area because of the lack of cleanliness. A crawlspace is typically a shallow area beneath your home between the soil and first floor. It can be very useful and even enticing to buyers if it’s kept up. On the other hand, a crawlspace can become a refuge for unwanted creatures, fungus, and termites. FULL STORY->

HOA Crystal Ball
It doesn't take a fortune teller to predict that common elements are going to wear out and it doesn't take a crystal ball to predict that HOAs are going to need money and a plan to fix them. So why do so many HOAs fail to properly plan for these predictable events and expenses? FULL STORY->

Most Homebuyers Have No Regrets
Even in the face of stagnant - or sliding - home prices, an overwhelming 90 percent of homeowners say they don't regret buying their current home, according to a new study by Bankrate, Inc. FULL STORY->

Maintain an Organized Entryway
The goal of homeowners everywhere should be to have not only functional, but beautiful entryways. FULL STORY->

Disgruntled Short Sale Buyers Moving To "New" Homes
Columnist David Fletcher talk about competitive prices, dependable closings, and less stressed reasons for a move. FULL STORY->

Making The Case For Lost-Property-Value Claims In The Gulf Oil Disaster Zone
Real estate properties along the Gulf Coast oil disaster zone are expected to suffer value losses ranging from 10 to 30 percent or more, but some efforts are afoot to help property owners mitigate those losses. FULL STORY->

More Real Estate News and Advice...