Real Estate World: Ups and Downs

Sunday, February 26, 2012

The Washington Post: Bank of America and mortgages

Bank of America and mortgages

The Washington Post: Buffett admits being ‘dead wrong' on timing of housing recovery but remains optimistic overall

Buffett admits being 'dead wrong' on timing of housing recovery but remains optimistic overall
http://wapo.st/wVJkqj

NYTimes: Points Lose Favor

From The New York Times:

MORTGAGES: Points Lose Favor

A trend away from points, which buy down the interest rate in exchange for an upfront fee, reflects borrower sentiment that rates are already low enough, industry experts say.

http://nyti.ms/zeNynl

Saturday, February 25, 2012

NYTimes: Small Companies Create More Jobs? Maybe Not

From The New York Times:

OFF THE CHARTS: Small Companies Create More Jobs? Maybe Not

Figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that since 1990, large companies have had the most job growth, though small-company employment tends to be more stable.

http://nyti.ms/xiEb6D

NYTimes: Rents Keep Rising, Even as Housing Prices Fall

From The New York Times:

Rents Keep Rising, Even as Housing Prices Fall

With few rental buildings erected over the last few years, available units are going fast, with the nationwide vacancy rate at its lowest level in more than a decade.

http://nyti.ms/wAXtnB

Friday, February 24, 2012

NYTimes: Bank of America Breaks With Fannie Mae

From The New York Times:

Bank of America Breaks With Fannie Mae

The bank's move represents a major escalation in a protracted legal battle over how many defaulted mortgages Bank of America will have to buy back from Fannie.

http://nyti.ms/wq1Uuo

Thursday, February 23, 2012

NYTimes: Florida Weighs a Measure to Ease Way to Foreclosure

From The New York Times:

Florida Weighs a Measure to Ease Way to Foreclosure

Legislation in a state with one-fourth of the nation's foreclosures has met opposition from homeowners.

http://nyti.ms/y98JLu

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Louisville home sales up in January | The Courier-Journal | courier-journal.com

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120221/BUSINESS/302210068/Louisville-home-sales-up-January

NYTimes: Consumer Inquiry Focuses on Bank Overdraft Fees

From The New York Times:

Consumer Inquiry Focuses on Bank Overdraft Fees

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it would look into whether banks misled customers about the fees.

http://nyti.ms/yCx41I

NYTimes: Legal Fees Mount at Fannie and Freddie

From The New York Times:

Legal Fees Mount at Fannie and Freddie

As expenses rise, there are new calls to limit the costs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and outlays for defending its former executives.

http://nyti.ms/wZsCfz

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

NYTimes: Some Doubt a Settlement Will End Mortgage Ills

From The New York Times:

Some Doubt a Settlement Will End Mortgage Ills

Housing advocates are skeptical that new rules will provide underwater borrowers with a single point of contact to help them navigate the mortgage maze.

http://nyti.ms/w7iTvT