The Householders Guide

A Silver Lining in the Mortgage Crisis

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:36:52 +0000

Negative equity is playing a critical role in the reduction of job mobility and emergency funds for homeowners. This phenomenon is estimated to effect more than 7 million homeowners.

Property Taxes? I Protest

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:04:06 +0000

Like salt to an open wound the prevailing rules related to property taxes may actually find homeowners paying more in taxes in 2009 than they did in 2008. This comes on the heels of steep declines in property values.

Financial Crisis Scaring Potential Homeowners

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 20:44:31 +0100

Right now, the future of the stock market is uncertain, and even though it seems to bounce back some days, triple-digit losses occur again other days. Many agree than the financial crisis is going to get worse before it gets better; unfortunately, that is only hurting the already-floundering real estate market.

Mortgage Relief Offered to Many - More Help is Needed

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:31:34 +0100

If you’re one of the many Americans facing foreclosure, an announcement made by Bank of America this week could well allow you to stay in your home. It could also lead to similar announcements by other lending institutions.

America's Housing Market - The Perfect Storm

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:21:56 +0100

CNNMoney.com recently reported that housing prices in America have fallen an average of 16.3% in the past year and 21% since mid 2006. The freefall may not be over.

What’s Your House Worth Now? ...Tomorrow?

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:16:22 +0100

If you bought a house in the last five years and you’re reading about too many disappointing news regarding the real estate industry in the US, you’re probably wondering how much your house is worth today. You’re also wondering if the situation will get any better soon.

Government Bailouts and Cautious Housing Optimism

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:50:06 +0100

It seems as if the US housing sector has had a strong bout with bad news since the sub prime debacle of 2007. Each month consumers and homebuilders are faced with mounting pressure.

Record Foreclosures as Mortgage Rates Fall

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:38:28 +0100

The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, better known as Freddie Mac, revealed on September 4th that mortgage rates had dropped for the third week in a row. This placed mortgage rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages at 6.35%, a slight dip from the previous week’s 3.4%.

Building of New Homes Reaches a 17 Year Low

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:47:29 +0100

The starting of construction on new homes dropped 11% in July 2008 from the rate of the previous month, serving as a sign of the real estate market’s continuing troubles.

More Mortgages in Danger in Unstable Economy

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:18:02 +0100

Many homeowners and financial consultants have been trying to reassure themselves that the worst is now over in terms of the mortgage crisis that has been ripping through the United States.

Three Ways to Purchase a Foreclosure

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:29:03 +0100

In today’s real estate market, the amount of foreclosures is growing dramatically. Many people just cannot keep up with their mortgages and are losing their homes to the bank. Others, however, are finding that purchasing these homes is a great opportunity to get properties for a lot less than in previous years.

Home Buyers and Sellers Face Challenges

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:29:09 +0100

Currently, the real estate market is facing a few obstacles; both buyers and sellers have their share of challenges regarding their real estate dollars. Yet, the situation is not always as bleak as expected.

The Housing Rescue Bill - How Can It Help You?

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:29:13 +0100

After weeks of rumors, the Senate passed the $300 billion housing rescue bill on Saturday, July 26. The bill is intended to support the federal mortgage programs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and to assist homeowners who are facing foreclosure thanks to the unstable lending market of the last few years.

Mortgage Closing Costs Rocket in Stagnant Market

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:29:22 +0100

Dropping real estate prices should be good news for prospective home buyers, but it’s just not happening that way. All over the country, long-time renters and prospective investors are finding that down payment requirements and up-front mortgage fees are pricing many of them right out of the market.