REAL ESTATE MARKET NEWS
Florida home prices dip, but key metrics on the mend
Wed, Feb 22: Florida home prices and sales dipped in January from the previous month but showed some positive movement over year-ago figures, according to a statewide real estate association.... More
MERS wins dismissal of county recording fee case
Wed, Feb 22: County clerks lack standing to sue Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems for recording fees on mortgage assignments, the U.S. Court for the Western District of Kentucky said. ... More
A look on the bright side of home values
Wed, Feb 22: While many housing markets remain weak, some bright spots are popping up especially in areas where inventory is low in lower-priced segments.... More
Property values fall as distressed properties take their toll: FNC
Wed, Feb 22: U.S. home values declined again in December, suggesting ongoing pricing pressures from distressed properties, FNC said in its latest residential price index.... More
Wells Fargo pays employee incentives for mortgage workouts
Wed, Feb 22: Wells Fargo installed an incentive program that pays its single-point-of-contact employees more if they reach some sort of workout in lieu of foreclosure.... More
New homebuilders claim marketing edge over foreclosures
Wed, Feb 22: Foreclosures are giving homebuilders a run for their money when it comes to pricing, but builders still maintain a marketing edge by promising affordable, new homes equipped with the latest technology.... More
Tozer: Ginnie Mae backs nearly all FHA, VA mortgages
Wed, Feb 22: The head of Ginnie Mae said the company increased its role in the mortgage market since the housing bust, backing virtually every new loan guaranteed or insured by major federal housing authorities.... More
Freddie follows Fannie with cautiously optimistic housing report
Wed, Feb 22: Freddie Mac, much like Fannie Mae, is cautiously optimistic about the fate of the 2012 housing market with job prospects looking more favorable and interest rates remaining at all-time lows.... More
FHA to announce premium changes soon
Wed, Feb 22: The Federal Housing Administration will announce additional premium changes to both its forward mortgage business and its streamlined refinance programs in the coming days.... More
Existing home sales jump 4.3% in January, inventory level dips
Wed, Feb 22: Existing home sales on all single-family homes, townhomes, condos and co-ops rose 4.3% in January, making it the third sales increase in the past four months, the National Association of Realtors said. ... More
