Real Estate News

October housing starts fall

By Alan Zibel/Associated Press

Construction of new homes unexpectedly plunged last month, as builders waited to see whether lawmakers would extend a tax credit for homebuyers. The results show how much the housing market has been relying on government support for its fledgling... Full story

Even good credit is no sure protection against foreclosure

By Alan Zibel/Associated Press

A rising proportion of fixed-rate home loans made to people with good credit are sinking into foreclosure, adding to concerns about the strength of the economic recovery. Driven by rising unemployment, such loans accounted for nearly 33 percent of... Full story

FHA boss not worried about defaults

By Alex Veiga/Associated Press

Federal Housing Administration Commissioner David Stevens said concerns the agency is headed for the same financial trouble that snared Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the subprime sector are unwarranted. Stevens made the remarks during a speech at the... Full story

More mortgage holders falling behind payments

By Eileen AJ Connelly/Associated Press

The pace at which people fell behind on their mortgages slowed during the summer for the third consecutive quarter, but the overall delinquency rate hit another record, a new report shows. For the three months ended Sept. 30, 6.25 percent of U.S.... Full story

Use the Internet to help sell your home

Entice possible buyers by making an impact online

ARA Content

The housing market is a tough sell, especially if you are desperate to move and want to sell your house for a good price. But the Internet can be a great tool to help you up the ante of selling or renting your property. Eighty-seven percent of... Full story

Housing relief reaches 1 in 5 borrowers

By Alan Zibel/Associated Press

WASHINGTON — After a slow start, the Obama administration's mortgage relief program has reached one in five eligible homeowners, a government report says. As of the end of October, more than 650,000 borrowers, or 20 percent of those eligible,... Full story

Remote control: Travelers can keep an eye on home

By Melissa Kossler Dutton/Associated Press

This holiday season, many travelers will be able to keep a close eye on home. Thanks to new security system technology, including live video feed, you can monitor everything from the front door to the sump pump from hundreds of miles away. "You... Full story

30-year loans stay under 5 percent

Lenders remain cautious and credit standards are tough

Associated Press

Rates this week for 30-year home loans stayed below 5 percent for the second week in a row. The average rate fell to 4.91 percent from 4.98 percent a week earlier, mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday. Rates hit a record low of 4.78 percent... Full story

Winter housing hibernation?

By John Spence/McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Residential builder stocks have heated up recently on encouraging quarterly results and new legislation that expands tax breaks for companies and home buyers. However, the industry is hunkering down for a tough winter that could see an even bigger... Full story

Modifications not a cure-all for distressed homeowners

By Kathleen Lynn/McClatchy-Tribunue News Service

HACKENSACK, N.J. — Eager to get their three children into a well-regarded school system, Yomalis Hilario and Johnny Montero paid $468,000 for a house in Paramus, N.J. in 2006. But they soon found themselves struggling to make the $3,700... Full story