Real Estate News

Many real estate agents, brokers, and managers could profit from reading the book, "Checklist Manifesto", by Atul Gawande (Metropolitan Books, 209 pages). Gawande, a surgeon and already a best-selling author, addresses a problem that is common throughout a myriad of human endeavors ranging from surgery to flying to businesses and government. The problem is this: "the volume and complexity of what we know has exceeded our individual ability to deliver its benefits correctly, safely, or reliably." The solution, he argues, is frequently a very simple one. It is a checklist.

There isn't much more satisfying to a homeowner than a well manicured, emerald green lawn. For the past few months, your lawn may have been blanketed in snow, or it may have just turned brown from the cold, gray winter weather. Early spring is an excellent time to get a head start on your 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.

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.

Housing construction fell in February as winter blizzards held down activity in the Northeast and South.


Construction - England - Business - Construction and Maintenance - Business and Economy

The National Association of Home Builders says its housing market index slipped in March, as harsh winter weather and competition from foreclosed properties hurt builders' sales prospects.


National Association of Home Builders - Home Builders - Real estate - Foreclosure - Business

For its coming out party, the Sunset Vine Tower threw a glitzy bash worthy of a Hollywood opening, complete with free food, booze and live music.

More than 170,000 troubled homeowners are breathing a lasting sigh of relief now that they've received permanent modifications under the Obama administration's foreclosure prevention program.

Living with an undersize, outdated kitchen? If so, a sledgehammer may feel like the only solution. But these days you're probably not up for spending the $50,000 or more -- maybe much more -- it would cost to demolish the space and build a new state-of-the-art room from scratch.

The national foreclosure rate fell 2% in February from a month earlier, according to an industry report released Thursday, the latest sign that the pace of foreclosures is slowing.

This wintry cabin offers plenty of amenities, but without the showiness of some of its neighbors.

Where the world's richest people unwind after a long day.

There's an art to selling a ridiculously expensive piece of real estate. It starts with getting the buyer to think of a big number.

Posted To: MBS Commentary

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Posted To: MBS Commentary