Updated: Thursday, May 17, 2012

Mortgage Applications Increasing as Mortgage Rates Fall Again
ith the Euro-zone back in the news, it was inevitable that mortgage rates would fall again. Investors have become quite uncertain about austerity measures in Europe, especially with Greece, where opposition continues to grow. Here in the U.S., the Mortgage Bankers Association reported that mortgage applications increased 1.7 on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending May 4th.
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Why Spring Listings Blossom
Nature is in full bloom across the nation. Many of today8217;s homeowners are unaware that Spring can be the ultimate time to list a home for sale. From beautiful lawns to temperate weather it8217;s prime time to lure in buyers.
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Ask the HOA Expert
We have a complete board turnover coming at the upcoming Annual Meeting. Some owners want to self-manage because our management company is not performing. Does this group, assuming they are elected, have the right to fire the manager and just take over with self-managing our 64 units? Does this require the vote of the entire membership?
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Xeriscaping: Gardens That Thrive on Looking After Themselves
Are you ready for a garden that loves to take care of itself? PJ Wade examines qwerty in the garden, and asks, What will you do with the time and money you don8217;t spend watering this summer?
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Veterans Understand Service
Military veterans who work as brokers and agents apply their training to a multitude of circumstances. From their disciplined approach to work to their resourcefulness to their respectful attitude, veterans know that service - to their country and all manner of civilian duties - is a priority.
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9th Circuit Court Upholds Right to Discriminate in Roommate Case
In the privacy of your own home, you can take off your coat, kick off your shoes, let your guard down and be completely yourself. While we usually share our homes only with friends and family, sometimes we need to take in a stranger to help pay the rent. When that happens, can the government limit whom we choose?
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What Nordstrom Can Teach Todays Real Estate Professionals
Ever been to Nordstrom store? Its truly like no retail experience youve ever had. Why? Because customer service is NEVER an afterthought. In fact - its the foundation and culture for their entire organization. And - it has a lot to teach us as real estate and sales professionals about success in todays world.
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Real Estate Outlook: Median Existing Home Prices Balance
The latest quarterly report from the National Association of Realtors NAR shows that median existing single-family home prices are indicating more balanced conditions.
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Second Consecutive Week Of Record-Low Fixed Mortgage Rates
In Freddie Macs results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the average fixed mortgage rates hit a new all-time record low for the second consecutive week as they followed bond yields lower. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has averaged below 4 percent all but one week since December 8, 2011, helping to keep homebuyer affordability high.
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Exchange of Commitments - Exclusivity
A Champion Agent commits themselves to a high service standard. That service standard is communicated clearly to the prospect buyer. The only way a prospect can receive that high level of service is to work on an exclusive basis, forgoing all other previous, potential, and possible relationships with other agents.
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Seduce Buyers With The Master Bedroom Suite
Kitchens and bedrooms are both very important rooms in a home. Its in these two rooms where our basic needs are satisfied but they are also areas of a home that attract buyers for more than just what is done in these rooms: eating and sleeping. The master bedroom suite and the kitchen can be used for multiple purposes.
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Magic Mortgage Numbers 720, 20 Help Explain Why Credit Is Tight
You already know a higher credit score and a larger down payment give you a better shot at a mortgage, but you may not know all the reasons why.
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Five Musts Before You List Your Home
Deciding to list your home for sale is a momentous time. It means you will be moving on to a new stage of life, no matter if you8217;re moving up or sizing down. Take a moment to look over these tips for what every seller should do before they put their home on the market.
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CAR Opposes Foreclosure Reforms
Why would the California Association of Realtors CAR oppose a package of state legislative proposals that are designed to reform the foreclosure process? As we shall see, a good deal depends on what you think counts as reform.
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Ask The HOA Expert
When a developer turns over the homeowners association to the owners, can the new board then enforce rules that were not enforced previously?
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The Benefits of Owning a Home
We all know the social benefits of owning a home. Homeownership gives family stability, creates lower high school dropout rates, and of course gives the opportunity to create meaningful and lasting relationships.
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HARP 2.0 Out of Tune
Only one in three risk-averse lenders are participating in the HARP program to help homeowners refinance with todays low rates. The voluntary program may be due for another upgrade.
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A Buyers Wish List
Its always good to have a map when youre traveling unfamiliar roads. Its easy to get lost or to make a wrong turn. Having a good map is doubly important when you are traversing the roads of real estate.
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