News and Information from the Real Estate Industry

Today's Real Estate News and Advice

Updated: March 17, 2010

More Time to File Form 1040
For most people, this year's deadline for filing Form 1040 is Thursday, April 15. Miss the deadline and you could get slapped with a substantial, nondeductible penalty. FULL STORY->

Welcome to the HOA Board!
The annual homeowner meeting convenes. The president announces that the floor is open for nominations. A fellow homeowners say to you, "You know, you would make a good board member." Before you have a chance to reply, some body movement indicates that you are willing, ready and able to serve. FULL STORY->

Time is Drawing Closer to Attend Instructor-Led Training for EPA Lead-Based Paint Certification
While the National Association of Home Builders has a number of resources to help its members comply with the new lead paint rule, the deadline is looming for remodelers and builders who do renovation or remodeling projects in homes built before 1978 to comply with the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At least one employee in any company doing work in these homes must be certified, follow specific work practices and keep detailed records by April 2010. FULL STORY->

30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Unchanged
30 year fixed mortgages were available at 4.75 percent all of last week to well-qualified consumers paying a standard .07 to 1 point origination, says FreeRateUpdate.com, a rate research website. 15 year fixed mortgages could be obtained at 4.25, and the 5/1 ARM at 3.625. FULL STORY->

Checklist Manifesto Has Relevance For Real Estate
Many real estate agents, brokers, and managers could profit from reading the book, "Checklist Manifesto", by Atul Gawande. FULL STORY->

Late Winter Lawn Care
Whether you're a home seller trying to boost curb appeal, or a new homeowner eager to take control of your new lawn, now is the time to break out your green thumb and give some love to your turf. FULL STORY->

Buying a Home Still a Good Investment, Say 'Vast Majority' of Canadians
Canadians are taking a realistic look at the likelihood of rising house prices and mortgage rates -- but they are still ready to buy a home. FULL STORY->

Late Winter Lawn Care
Whether you're a home seller trying to boost curb appeal, or a new homeowner eager to take control of your new lawn, now is the time to break out your green thumb and give some love to your turf. FULL STORY->

Buying a Home Still a Good Investment, Say 'Vast Majority' of Canadians
Canadians are taking a realistic look at the likelihood of rising house prices and mortgage rates -- but they are still ready to buy a home. FULL STORY->

Checklist Manifesto Has Relevance For Real Estate
Many real estate agents, brokers, and managers could profit from reading the book, "Checklist Manifesto", by Atul Gawande. FULL STORY->

30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Unchanged
30 year fixed mortgages were available at 4.75 percent all of last week to well-qualified consumers paying a standard .07 to 1 point origination, says FreeRateUpdate.com, a rate research website. 15 year fixed mortgages could be obtained at 4.25, and the 5/1 ARM at 3.625. FULL STORY->

Real Estate Outlook: Positive Signs of Recovery
Positive signs on employment and national economic growth should start being felt in the housing market in the coming several months, say top economists. FULL STORY->

Testimonials Build Trust
Testimonials from clients are one of the best ways for you to communicate your value to your prospects. A third party endorsement always carries more weight than you tooting your own horn. FULL STORY->

Moving Advice: Moving with Pets
Experts agree that pets thrive on routine. But how can that routine be maintained during a move? There are some simple steps that you can take to make the transition from old home to new home easy on you and your pet. FULL STORY->

Have an Eco-Friendly Home? Make Sure Buyers Know It
In tight real estate markets one sure thing is that sellers have to highlight the finest qualities of their homes. Yet, sometimes the very benefits buyers might be interested in are overlooked. FULL STORY->

How to Prospect Expired listings
Prospecting expired listings can be the core of anyone's business in the real estate field. You can create a system that will give you repeatable results for your effort. Let's look at these three very positive characteristics in prospecting expired listings. FULL STORY->

Mortgage Rates Drop Slightly in Freddie Mac Weekly Survey
Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.95 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending March 11, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 4.97 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.03 percent. FULL STORY->

More Real Estate News and Advice...

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