Real estate round-up: November 3

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: 4 million homeowners eligible for foreclosure review Washington Post On Tuesday, servicers began mailing letters to the estimated 4 million borrowers whose loans were in the process of foreclosure between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2010, detailing how to request a review of an individual case. Resale of the Week: 6-bedroom Craftsman house in Arlington Washington Times Arlington's Lee Heights neighborhood offers some of the best aspects of suburban living, including quiet streets with cul-de-sacs to slow traffic and enable children to play safely. Walter Street: The friendliest block on the Hill DC Urban Turf Physically, the street lends itself to interaction. The modestly sized row houses squeeze next to each other and the front porches line up.� Sneak peak at the Foundry Lofts JD Land A first look inside the Foundry Lofts at the Yards, a 1918 industrial building on its way to becoming a 170-unit apartment building. First move-ins are expected at the end of November.

National real estate news stories: What will the House decide on federal mortgage caps? Wall Street Journal Back in February, the Obama administration called for a decline in the maximum size of government-backed home loans as a way to start drawing back federal support for the nation's mortgage market. They dropped on schedule on Oct. 1 but now a movement is afoot to revive the higher limits to support the ailing housing market.

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Real estate round-up: November 1

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Creative refinancing doubly good Washington Times With interest rates remaining so low and the housing market still anemic, refinance customers abound. Most homeowners refinance to lower their interest rate, but there are many other objectives that can be accomplished through refinancing, depending upon the homeowner's particular situation. Lenders could take home's energy costs into consideration Washington Post A bill introduced Oct. 20 would force the big three mortgage agencies to take account of energy costs in every loan they insure, guarantee or buy. It would also require them to instruct appraisers to adjust their property valuations upward when accurate data on energy efficiency savings are available.

National real estate news stories: Making sense of home price data Smart Money Because real estate is so local and home prices can change every few miles, homeowners and potential buyers should focus on trends in their specific neighborhoods. That means consulting a realtor who can pull up prices of similar homes that sold over the past few months. Handling high closing costs The New York Times Those who are cash-poor can ask relatives for help. But some lenders advertise another option: If borrowers agree to accept a mortgage interest rate from a quarter to a full percentage point higher than they would ordinarily qualify for, they can receive credit toward their closing costs.

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Planning to refinance? Don't forget about title insurance

The government took action last week to help more homeowners with their mortgage payments. A revamped Home Affordable Refinance Program aims to remove some of the restrictions that have made it difficult for many to qualify assistance.

Historic lows on interest rates, changes coming to government programs such as HARP, it's no wonder so many Q&A and advice columns are dedicating space to homeowners' questions about refinancing, from knowing when to refinance to tips on how to avoid a mortgage refinance misstep.

One common question about refinancing relates to the settlement process, particularly title insurance.

Some homeowners are surprised when they hear they have to purchase a new title insurance policy when they refinance their mortgage. They bought a lender's and owner's policy when they purchased the home, and they want to know why they have to purchase a new title insurance policy.

To the lender, a refinance loan is no different than any other home loan. Your lender wants to insure that the new loan is protected by title insurance, just like the original lender required on your previous loan.� Lenders are protecting their investment against title related defects.

When you refinance, you are only buying a new title for the lender (a lender's policy), so your closing costs should still be less than when you purchased your home. And, while you're shopping around for the best refinance rates, be sure to shop around among title companies.

This will ensure you get the best pricing for your refinance.

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Real estate round-up: October 31

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: One million new jobs means DC needs more housing DC Urban Turf A report, which can be found here, estimates that the region as a whole will need to build as many as 731,000 new units to house the workers � 211,000 units in suburban Maryland, 392,000 in Northern Virginia and 122,000 in the District. A map of architecturally impressive DC homes Curbed DC Your guide to fifteen of the best looking houses we could find in a handy map so you can drive/walk/bike around to see them yourself. Keep your feelings out of contracts Washington Post When a contract comes up, many homeowners have a hard time saying that they want to have a lawyer look at it first.

National real estate news stories: Loan limit battle looms for house Republicans Wall Street Journal The issue puts House Republicans in a tough spot: Lawmakers campaigned last year to end federal bailouts, including the rescue of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But many lawmakers, particularly Republicans in California and New York, face pressure from real estate agents and mortgage lenders in their districts, who have been hit hard by the real estate downturn. Pending home sales index rises from one year ago Inman News Third-quarter data showed a 2.5 percent rise in GDP, compared with 1.3 percent in the second quarter. NAR expects U.S. GDP growth of 1.8 percent for the full year in 2011, with 2.3 percent GDP growth in 2012.

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Real estate round-up: October 28

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: How to buy a short sale property Washington Post From the short sale home buyer's perspective, this third-party (lender) approval process is the major difference between a short sale and a regular sale. The short-sale home-buying process begins in the same manner as any other purchase: locating a home, determining a proposed offer price and preparing a written purchase offer. Winterizing helps wallet, even sales appeal Washington Times According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, most homeowners nationwide can expect a rise in costs associated with home heating this winter New park in Southwest is in the works The Dirt A 4.2-acre park is slowly taking shape where a huge parking lot now exists on the southwest waterfront in Washington, D.C. The new redevelopment along the waterfront will use a denser development strategy for the buildings and wharfs, with some 50 percent open space,

National real estate news stories: Freddie Mac CEO to step down Wall Street Journal The chief executive of Freddie Mac said he would step down next year, becoming the second CEO to resign from the mortgage-finance giant since it was taken over by the U.S. government in 2008. Economic growth in U.S., though modest, speeds up The New York Times Economic growth in the United States picked up in the third quarter, the Commerce Department said Thursday, in an encouraging sign that the recovery, while still painfully slow, has not stalled.

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Real estate round-up: October 27

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: 10 things to know about buying, selling your home Washington Post After staying put during the economic recession, you might be tempted by stabilizing real estate prices and low mortgage interest rates to sell your house and buy your next place. What you may not realize is how long and complicated the process of buying and selling a home has become. Queen Anne-style home in Rockville gets national attention Curbed DC This 1900s-era 4 bed/2bath has been in the same family for the past forty years. It started out on the market at $500,000 (too high!, says Goldilocks), but has come down to $399,999 (just right!). Home prices up in half of major U.S. cities Washington Times The biggest price increases were in Washington, Chicago and Detroit. The greatest declines were in Atlanta and Los Angeles. The August data provides a "modest glimmer of hope" that some areas may have bottomed out and could be turning around.

National real estate news stories: Home prices tread water Wall Street Journal Here are four questions that borrowers should consider carefully before proceeding with a refinancing, according to experts. Be neighbors with Vice President Joe Biden for $6.9M Inman News his Hacienda-style house might look like something out of the Spanish countryside, but it actually sits next to the vice president's mansion on the grounds of the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.

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Real estate round-up: October 26

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Home Affordable Refinance Program: What you need to know Washington Post The HARP program, which was rolled out in 2009, is designed to help. Those who are "underwater" on their homes and owe more than the homes are worth. Policy fixes may boost refinancing Washington Times If the Federal Housing Finance Agency is moderately successful in making these changes, the current refinance wave could turn into a tsunami. Dominique Strauss-Kahn's DC home hits the market DC Urban Turf The three-bedroom home at 2613 Dumbarton Street NW in Georgetown was listed on Monday for the tidy sum of $5.2 million. Washingtonian reported back in early September that the home was poised to hit the market soon.�

National real estate news stories: Knowing when to refinance The New York Times Here are four questions that borrowers should consider carefully before proceeding with a refinancing, according to experts. Restringing the housing HARP Wall Street Journal The latest iteration came Monday, when the Federal Housing Finance Agency unveiled changes to a program meant to make it easier for underwater homeowners who are current on payments to refinance into a lower-rate mortgage. Is gentrification always bad for revitalizing neighborhoods? The Atlantic The truth is that what some badly disinvested cities, districts, and neighborhoods desperately need is some form and degree of 'gentrification.' The challenge is to have enough without having too much.

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Real estate round-up: October 25

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: One real estate company offers a "bike-mounted tour" Washington City Paper Bikeability is a huge selling point these days, so it's not surprising to see realtors getting on board (following the architects, who are starting to include Bikeshare in their renderings). FHA rules for condos make buying, selling difficult Washington Post FHA-insured mortgages have become a mainstay of condominium unit financing in the past several years, and now account for 40 percent of all purchase loans for condos in some metropolitan markets. How value capture financing will revitalize White Flint DC Streets Blog Not only are the White Flint developers looking to include more mixed-use development in the community, they want to build new local streets to fill in a viable street grid and redesign the eight-lane Rockville Pike into a "21st century boulevard" with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, six rows of trees, and dedicated transit lanes. How to find the best refi rate? Shop around Washington Post Consider speaking with someone in each of these categories: a big national bank; a credit union; a qualified and highly recommended mortgage broker (check with your local real estate agents; they usually have a list); an online lender; and a small regional lender.

National real estate news stories: How to derail a mortgage refinance Bankrate.com A mortgage refinance is trickier than it was a few years ago. Here are five ways to mess up. 12 questions on Obama's refi plan Wall Street Journal The Obama administration is revamping a program that's designed to let more homeowners refinance their mortgages even if they don't have any equity.

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Real estate round-up: October 19

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Arlington tries to preserve 'essential' historic properties Washington Examiner Unlike most communities, which label only specific buildings or properties historic, Arlington ranks all buildings over 50 years old as historically significant. Loan options for home improvement projects DC Urban Turf Today, with the low cost of building materials and contractor services, coupled with historically low interest rates, it is possible to finance $50,000 in home improvements for less than $350 a month through 203K or conventional home loans. What $725,000 buys you in DC DC Urban Turf In What X Buys You this week, UrbanTurf takes a look at properties on the market in the $715,000 to $725,000 range to give readers an idea of what type of homes are available in this price point in the DC area.

National real estate news stories: Next generation "less confident about home ownership" Wall Street Journal A new paper by Federal Reserve Bank of Boston economists used consumer sentiment data collected in the Michigan Survey of Consumers over the summer to try to find out how the housing market's terrible state of affairs was affecting the willingness to buy a new home. Male agents list more homes, female agents list pricier ones Inman News In a blog post about the findings, Trulia said that "the average list price isn't necessarily a reflection on how aggressive the agent is on pricing. In some cases, it could mean that women take on inherently more expensive homes/neighborhoods than men, and vice versa."

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Real estate round-up: October 18

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: A foreclosure escape hatch? Washington Post A bill introduced Oct. 5 would waive the penalty if the purpose of the distribution is to make loan payments to avoid loss of a primary home to foreclosure. Buyer's experience: The 90-day rule DC Urban Turf If you feel tempted to buy a home that was purchased and renovated in a relatively short amount of time, you should probably be wary for many reasons, but one is that most lenders will not approve loans for a home that is back on the market less than 90 days after it was purchased. Optimistic signs for Spring 2012 Washington Times If current trends continue during the next six months, we could see a rise in home prices during the more-active spring market to come.

National real estate news stories: Housing inventory hits 4-year low Wall Street Journal Falling inventories are typically a sign of health because that leads to less downward pressure on home prices. 4 experts forecast 2012 housing market HSH.com We asked top real estate experts Ilyce Glink of Thinkglink.com, Paul Bishop of the National Association of Realtors, Barbara Corcoran of the Today show, and Dan Green of TheMortgageReports.com to share their thoughts on the housing market in 2011. Here's their takeaway on what to expect.

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5 tax deductions for Florida landlords

The first thing most people think of when they hear the words "real estate investing" is buying cheap houses, fixing them up and reselling them at market prices. However, if the current housing market isn't really conducive to home sales, then it is important for an investor to be able to adapt.

A lot of investors dislike the thought of being a landlord, saying that there are just too many headaches to deal with. Luckily, there are a lot of benefits of renting out properties as well, including tax deductions. The following list details five of the available tax deductions for landlords.

1. Tax Deductible Property Repairs � If you have ever rented a home, you know that there is a lot that can go wrong. Anything that needs fixing on a rental property, such as roof repairs, tile replacements, or any other necessary repairs are tax deductible.� This makes it easier to deal with costly repairs throughout the year.

2. Insurance Premiums � Insurance is a requirement; it's nice that for investors who are renting out the property, the premiums can be deducted from the income at the end of the year.

3. Property Depreciation � Property values of real estate fluctuate, but generally houses appreciate rather than depreciate. This makes the fact that you deduct the depreciation of the property over time on your taxes.

4. Tax Deductible Interest � Interest that investors pay on mortgages and other loans used for properties is tax deductible. Not only that, but if you have a credit card used solely for spending on repairs, renovations, or anything on the property, the interest is deductible on your taxes as well.

5. Cost of Services � Perhaps one of the biggest reasons that many investors don't want to be landlords is because they would have to deal with tenants. Hiring a project manager is the perfect way to deal with that aversion. The costs of these and other services such as lawyers and accountants are tax deductible.

These are only five of the top tax deductions available to landlords who rent out their properties. There are so many reasons to rent out properties instead of selling them: residual, steady monthly income, as well as the extra tax benefits. Many of these tax deductions are not available for the everyday home buyer. Enjoy the benefits of being a landlord, and remember not to put all of your eggs in one basket.

About the author:
Jennifer Hill and the agents at Realnet of Tampa Bay are experts at finding the best investment properties or sale. Don't fall for the trap of buying investment properties without researching a property thoroughly.

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Real estate round-up: October 14

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Father battles Fairfax County zoning laws for sons' treehouse Washington Post County officials say the Grapin family violated zoning regulations that try to ensure that everyone lives in a safe, well-kept neighborhood. Washington not ready for electronic real estate transactions Washington Examiner The next big tech thing for homebuyers and sellers may be start-to-finish online real estate transactions, but industry experts said the Washington area is not ready to make that jump just yet. Shirlington Crest reduces prices by $60K DC Urban Turf While reminiscent of DC's iconic row houses, with brick exteriors and classic stonework, Shirlington Crest townhouses are designed with a modern sensibility that means open floor plans, high ceilings, spacious master suites, luxurious bathrooms and two-car garages. Your next place: Solar Decathlon edition DC Mud While saving the planet is obviously more important than improving the "vibes" of your sunroom, there's a parallel there with the green retrofitting that some people are calling the "Third Industrial Revolution."

National real estate news stories: Mortgage pro: Don't let one denial stop you Hsh.com There are hundreds of lenders in the U.S. and each has its own series of overlays. Some are strict while some are loose, and most can be found on Google. If your loan has been turned down for any reason, start a search for new mortgage lenders. Your loan may be approvable--you just have to find the right bank. Get a mortgage with little money down Bankrate.com First-time homeowners often aren't in the position to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment, either. Luckily, options exist to help new buyers get mortgages without selling their organs to come up with the cash.

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Real estate round-up: October 13

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Mortgage interest deduction hangs on, but how long? Washington Examiner Opposition from real estate organizations to reducing or eliminating the deduction remains strong in the face of a fragile housing market and a weak economy. White House puts O Street Market on fast track Washington City Paper Of the 14 projects nationwide that "will be expedited through permitting and environmental review processes," the District's own City Market at O Street (former home to a crumbling Giant supermarket) will be one. New EYA condos to be built in Alexandria office building DC Urban Turf Potential buyers of the building initially felt that it could accommodate 100-150 residential units, but that number has been pared down, and the final product will likely be somewhere in the 50-75 condos with large floorplans.

National real estate news stories: 10 tips for high value home appraisals Wall Street Journal Lowball appraisals can kill deals. They can also kill a refinancing application. If it comes in too low, it's not worth refinancing or you might need to put in a whole lot more equity. Mortgage lenders to get more insight into borrower pasts Inman News Mortgage lenders will soon have access to new details about a prospective borrower's past -- such as past rental applications, inquiries to pay-day lenders, and missed child support payments -- that will be factored in to a new credit score.

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Real estate round-up: October 12

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Appraisal guidelines now available for energy-saving home repairs Washington Post The Appraisal Institute, the country's largest and most influential association in its field, published the long-awaited addendum Sept. 29. It's designed to be attached to any standard appraisal report covering a property with significant green features. Window-filled contemporary in Alexandria Washington Times The home at 2200 Shiver Drive in Randall Estates, designed and built in 1966 by Jerome Lindsey, an architect from Howard University, includes elements of Bauhaus and Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural styles. Best new listings: Mount Pleasant Logan Circle and Dupont Circle DC Urban Turf This week's edition of Best New Listings looks at a Mount Pleasant two-bedroom with no set condo fees, a 3,500 square-foot four-bedroom townhouse in Logan Circle, and a three-bedroom penthouse just south of Dupont Circle.

National real estate news stories: Supreme Court to consider mortgage fees lawsuit Wall Street Journal At issue is how to interpret the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, a 1974 law that sought to address abuses in the mortgage industry by prohibiting kickbacks or referral fees in connection with the settlement process. Just get a title search? St. Augustine Record A title search is part of the risk assessment the title insurance company does before issuing the policy. The title company does not want to have to pay out that policy; therefore, it has a vested interest to find any and all complications to the ownership title. Condo buyer frustrated by seller's road blocks Sun Sentinel Casual real estate observers figure the South Florida housing market is flush with homes for sale and that anxious sellers are begging for any offers. But that's not the case these days as the region's housing climate steadily improves.

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Real estate round-up: October 11

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Condos: Still a good investment? Washington Post If a building isn't FHA-approved, private lenders may require buyers to put 20 percent of the sale price down � a difficult financial hurdle for many first-time buyers. Washington putting foreclosure trouble in rear view mirror Washington Times Foreclosures are not playing a significant role in the District market but they do attract investors and multiple bids. Sometimes new housing is old housing Washington City Paper A 407-unit complex, though, currently sits half empty�a waste of good living space. It's a great sign, then, that W.C. Smith bought the lot for $12.525 million in early September.

National real estate news stories: Triggers for mortgage rejection The New York Times Lenders' underwriting criteria have become more rigorous in recent years; some banks have tightened up beyond federal requirements. Here are the six biggest triggers for rejection, according to industry experts. Should a first-time homebuyer be a land lord? Wall Street Journal Unless you buy a fixer upper at a discount, rehab it and resell it quickly, the only way to make money in real estate is to hold on to a property until it appreciates.

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Real estate round-up: October 10

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: What $500,000 buys in DC Area real estate Washington Post To gauge the region's real estate market, we set out to find out what you can buy today for $500,000 � from downtown Washington to farm country in Loudoun County. Builders ratchet up buyer incentives Washington Times Most builders include closing-cost assistance in varying amounts as part of their sales package, acknowledging that most buyers need and want cash to help them become homeowners or to ease a move-up transition. Savvy Realtors use social media to connect with buyers & sellers Washington Examiner Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media have become significant new communications channels that would-be homebuyers need to tap and potential home sellers need to evaluate. How to buy, renovate, rent and occupy a home in under six months DC Urban Turf After living in a Mount Pleasant group house for about a year, economist Adrian Dungan decided that, if done right, he could own and live in a home and also rent it out.�

National real estate news stories: Sorting through lending costs The New York Times Plenty of people have ideas about what you should be told when you're shopping for a mortgage, but for now, that may not be much help. What's the future of the mortgage interest deduction? Wall Street Journal Despite its popularity among real estate agents, builders and homeowners, talk is building on Capitol Hill and in policy circles of scaling back or eliminating the mortgage-interest tax deduction.

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Tips for securing a home loan

This week the 30-year mortgage rate sunk below 4% for the first time ever, yet mortgage applications continue to drop, according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal.

Despite the attractive rate, lending standards remain tight, making� it difficult for many would-be homebuyers and refinancing borrowers to secure funding. While it is harder now to land a loan than it was five years ago, it's not impossible.

Here are a few tips to help prospective homebuyers and borrowers secure a home loan.

Get your finances in order

Before you can ask for a loan, you should know how much money you have and how much you can afford to borrow. Knowing this up front will also save you the potential heartache of getting attached to a home you can't afford. It'll save you, your lender and your agent a lot of time, too.

You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit rating agencies once a year.� Make a habit of getting it. Each report shows if you were more than 30 days late in making a payment on any of your existing loans or bills and lists inquiries made into your credit. If you come across any discrepancies, you'll want to inquire about them before you start shopping for a loan.

You'll also want to gather your most recent pay stubs, bank statements and tax forms. Any reputable lender you work with will need this information to determine if you qualify for a loan.

Limit credit inquiries while you shop for a loan

It may sound crazy, but shopping for a loan actually does ding your credit score by a couple points. So does applying for a new credit card or taking on new debt. Since your credit score helps to determine your interest rate, try to limit your number credit inquiries. Don't open any new lines of credit or make any large purchases until after the deal is closed.

Most experts will tell you to do all your mortgage loan shopping within a two-week span, as that will show up as one inquiry.

Save for a large down payment

The more money you can put into the transaction, the better your chances of securing a home loan. For FHA loans, you'll need at least 3.5%, though FHA loans come with more restrictions.

A 30-year conventional loan typically requires 20% down, but some lenders will make an exception depending on the property type and your financial situation. Note, though, that anytime you put down less than 20%, you'll have to pay for insurance on the loan, which means added monthly expense.

As the housing crisis continues, watch out for special offers from lenders. A recent article in Smart Money describes how many financial institutions, from national banks to local credit unions, are looking for ways to entice consumers to sign up for mortgages. �

If low home prices aren't enough, some banks are waiving lender fees, lowering rates and offering to pay closing costs. You may be able to leverage a large down payment and a lender discount in your favor.

With basic understanding of today's housing market, securing a home loan is not impossible. Be prepared by getting your financial house in order, and you'll be able to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates and home prices.

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Real estate round-up: October 7

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: First glimpse inside units of 1020 Monroe DC Curbed This is a 28-unit building, with one and two bedrooms, at the corner of 11th and Monroe NW. Prices start at $299,900 for one bedrooms and $399,900 for two bedrooms. Huge Adams Morgan loft back on the market DC Urban Turf The larger of two massive units in a former car dealership located in the heart of Adams Morgan, the three-floor industrial space has a number of aspects that one would expect to find in a real loft � 14-foot ceilings, a private deck on the second floor (plus a larger deck on the roof), and a living area big enough to host a party for a few hundred people. Your next place: Townhouse-style condo DC Mud This is not a Prius of condos � more like a Bentley. The epic living room has a 20-foot-plus vaulted ceiling and massive floor-to-ceiling windows, and there are two (!) floating staircases leading to the upper two levels.

National real estate news stories: Redfin pulls agent scouting reports Inman News Holes in the data -- often created when agents work informally in teams, or don't inform the MLS when an out-of-town agent represented a buyer in a deal -- meant that consumers weren't always getting the complete deal history and performance metrics for every real estate agent. Mortgage rates fall below 4% Wall Street Journal Many borrowers can't refinance today because they don't have enough equity or they can't qualify under lending standards that are far tougher than when they initially obtained their mortgages. New discounts for mortgage borrowers Smart Money From large banks to credit unions, a growing number of lenders are waiving fees, lowering rates and finding new ways to cut loan prices for would-be home buyers and refinancers.�

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How to stay optimistic in a down market

Investments are never a sure thing, no matter what type of investments you're talking about. When it comes to the stock market, common belief dictates that the higher the risk, the higher the potential for profit. In a down economy, however, it can be a little daunting to take risks with your money. Even in real estate investing, which is often considered safer than the stock market, investors may be nervous about tying their money up during a down market.

Real estate investors may have a little more security than stock market investors but when the economy is in a slump, no one feels secure taking risks with their hard earned cash. Sometimes it is best to keep investing even when things look grim and other times it is necessary to change with the times. Staying optimistic in hard times can be a challenge.

As previously stated, real estate investors have it a little easier as far as staying optimistic, even in a bad economy. Why? Because people will always need housing. The demand for a house to live in will never go away! Even if the prices fall for a short period, it's highly unlikely that the housing market will "crash" like the stock market.

While it won't "crash," the housing market will fluctuate; property prices rise and fall, based on how the economy is. As a result, property investors should keep a close eye on current market trends. Knowing whether to rent or flip a property is often as simple as knowing the current market.

If jobs are scarce and layoffs are rampant, home sales may drastically slow down. This doesn't mean that investors should stop their investing activities, however. It just means that their strategy needs to change. This is one reason why it's so important to know the market; if homes aren't selling, it's not a good time to try to renovate a large amount of homes and sell them.

In a selling slump, homes should be renovated and rented out, rather than sold. This may not create a large lump sum profit, but it will generate a nice steady residual monthly income. Being optimistic in a down market is easy; just remember that in the housing industry, there is no such thing as a "down market." It's an ever changing market, for sure, but there will always be a need for housing.

About the author
Jennifer Hill and the agents at Realnet of Tampa Bay are experts at finding the best investment property for sale. Don't fall for the trap of buying cheap houses for sale without researching a property thoroughly.

http://twlv.net/wTDRbB

Real estate round-up: October 6

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Council Member Cheh introduces Condominium Act of 2011 DC City Council The bill would increase transparency in condominium association board operations, permit condominium associations to deliver notice to members and conduct votes electronically, and require the associations to maintain financial records and provide owners a right of copying and inspection of the association's books and records. What $550,000 buys you in the DC Area DC Urban Turf An early 20th century row home in Shaw, a 2-bedroom condo in Georgetown or a single-family home with a pond in the back yard, here's a quick overview of homes available in this price point in the DC area. Historic Dupont mansion to be sold at auction DC Mud A historic, 128-year-old mansion, home of the Swann House Bed & Breakfast, located north of Dupont Circle at 1808 New Hampshire Ave, NW, and built in 1883, will be sold at auction next Friday.

National real estate news stories: Talking money with Elmo (VIDEO) The New York Times In the wake of the financial crisis, "Sesame Street" is teaching children financial literacy. Ron Lieber talks to Elmo about saving and sharing. Unwanted McMansions? Make them affordable housing Wall Street Journal Such homes can have more bathrooms than bedrooms, allowing for residential space that could be divided into private units, with a common kitchen and living room. Some already have or could be outfitted with second or third kitchens.

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Real estate round-up: October 5

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Million dollar house is a good deal in Potomac, MD Curbed DC Rarely does a price this high turn out to be a good deal, but in this situation it is. The house has five bedrooms, five baths, a heated outdoor pool, and sits on 1.3 acres of land. The listing description does say 'priced to sell' and in this case they actually mean it. Learn the rules of Fannie Mae before buying from the agency Washington Post Looking to buy a home from Fannie Mae? You'd better hurry. According to its most recent SEC filing, only 135,719 single-family properties were in Fannie Mae's inventory at the end of June. Fannie Mae, which ended up with hundreds of thousands of homes as residents struggled to keep up with their mortgages in recent years, is looking to sell them with incentives for buyers.

National real estate news stories: The right way to shop for a mortgage HSH.com With mortgage rates at all-time lows, U.S. homeowners are refinancing in droves. If you're among them, you already know that it's important to comparison shop; you shouldn't just work with the first lender you meet. But do you know how to comparison shop, whether it's for a conventional loan, FHA mortgage or otherwise? 5 housing trends in fall 2011 Bankrate.com If you want to buy a home and you qualify for a mortgage, this is your time. With mortgage rates at historically low levels, falling home prices and plenty of distressed properties for sale, buyers will be able to find once-in-a-lifetime opportunities this fall. Big banks stand to lose millions if FHA seeks indemnification Housing Wire FBR Capital said such a scenario would be the equivalent of another shoe dropping on the housing economy, but for now it's a headline risk as opposed to an immediate capital concern.

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Real estate round-up: October 4

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Prices climbing in last areas to improve Washington Times Secure federal jobs and contracting work, along with a big technology sector, have made the entire Washington region a much more prosperous place to work and live than other metropolitan areas. That means people can afford to buy homes, which props up home values. 6 questions on lower loan limits Wall Street Journal Many people in Washington, including the Obama administration and congressional Republicans, support letting the limits fall in order to modestly shrink the government's role in the housing market. In essence, these high-cost communities will serve as a "pilot" for what happens when the government takes a toe out of the mortgage market.

National real estate news stories: 5 real estate time management myths debunked Inman News Would you like to manage your time more effectively? If so, the first step is to dump five common time management myths that can undermine both your business and your personal life. Title insurance protects against errors NH Avenues magazine An owner's policy of title insurance is a contract that protects you, according to the contract terms, against loss or damage due to title defects. Will baby boomers rock the housing market? AOL Real Estate As first-time buyers struggle with higher hurdles at the bank, some experts are pinning their hopes on baby boomers to boost the flagging housing market. Miami Heat's Alonzo Mourning lists his Coral Gables home Wall Street Journal The 13,000-square-foot house overlooks the water and has eight bedrooms and 8� bathrooms. There's also a library, a gym and a four-car garage. Outside there's a kitchen and dining area and an infinity pool.�

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Simplifying homebuyer closing costs in Maryland

How much will I need for closing costs? You hear this question from your homebuyers a lot, right?

Below I have provided a quick reference for calculating closing costs in Maryland. With the exception of lender origination charges or discount points, the factors include all closing costs such as settlement fees, owner's and lender's title insurance, and transfer/recordation taxes (assuming a 50/50 split between buyer and seller).

This will provide a close estimate if you are on the go without online access to exact closing costs using Federal Title's Quick Quote tool.

Montgomery County, MD

To use this chart, multiply your purchase price by the appropriate closing costs factor. (Example: For a $375,000 purchase in Montgomery County by a First-time homebuyer, expressed as $375,000 x 0.0155 = $5,812.50)

Purchase Price � in $1,000s	Closing Costs Factor Repeat Buyer	Closing Costs Factor First-time Homebuyer	Estimated Closing Costs
$100-199	0.0209	0.0184	�
$200-299	0.0191	0.0166	�
$300-399	0.0180	0.0155	�
$400-499	0.0174	0.0149	�
$500-599	0.0172	0.0147	�
$600-699	0.0170	0.0145	�
$700-799	0.0169	0.0144	�
$800-899	0.0168	0.0143	�
$900-999	0.0167	0.0142	�
$1.000-1.099	0.0166	0.0141	�
$1.100-1.199	0.0165	0.0140	�
$1.200-1.299	0.0164	0.0139	�
$1.300-1.399	0.0164	0.0139	�
$1.400-1.499	0.0163	0.0138	�

Prince George's County, MD

To use this chart, multiply your purchase price by the appropriate closing costs factor. (Example: For a $375,000 purchase in Prince George's County by a First-time homebuyer, expressed as $375,000 x 0.0170 = $6,375.00)

Purchase Price � in $1,000s	Closing Costs Factor Repeat Buyer	Closing Costs Factor First-time Homebuyer	Estimated Closing Costs
$100-199	0.0228	0.0203	�
$200-299	0.0207	0.0182	�
$300-399	0.0195	0.0170	�
$400-499	0.0188	0.0163	�
$500-599	0.0183	0.0158	�
$600-699	0.0177	0.0154	�
$700-799	0.0176	0.0151	�
$800-899	0.0173	0.0148	�
$900-999	0.0171	0.0146	�
$1.000-1.099	0.0169	0.0145	�
$1.100-1.199	0.0168	0.0143	�
$1.200-1.299	0.0166	0.0142	�
$1.300-1.399	0.0165	0.0140	�
$1.400-1.499	0.0164	0.0139	�

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Real estate round-up: October 3

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Parts of area housing market nearing pre-recession levels Washington Examiner The strongest signs of growth are in the region's inner core of the District, Arlington County and Alexandria. In particular, the District's median price in August was nearly 90 percent of its November 2005 high. Grand opening: Old Town Commons DC Urban Turf The 44-unit boutique building will have one-bedroom, one-with-den and two-bedroom units, all of which will include garage parking with lockable storage areas.� Small time real estate developer has big dreams Washington Post For decades, Buzzard Point has been the Washington waterfront's next big thing. From The Post, October 1989: Buzzard Point is "the blighted neighborhood south of the Capitol that is now being touted in the real estate trade as the Tysons Corner of the 21st century." A little architectural knowledge can go a long way for homeowners Washington Post When real estate agents list a property with the multiple listing service, they have complete discretion over how to categorize the architectural style of the house. Sometimes they get it wrong. Official records occasionally get it wrong as well. And often, homeowners themselves aren't even sure.

National real estate news stories: Exploring the 15-year loan The New York Times Fifteen-year mortgage rates certainly look enticing these days, and the idea of owning a home, debt-free, in less time than it takes to raise a child, sounds grand. So what's the catch? South Florida property values show modest decline Miami Herald Recent figures showed a slowdown in the three-year freefall of property values, with modest countywide declines of 2.8 percent in Miami-Dade County and 1.6 percent in Broward County, according to property appraisers.

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Real estate round-up: September 30

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Autumn home selling and buying Baltimore Sun Home sales in the Baltimore area generally peak in June and slide pretty much for the rest of the year, so you can see why some would-be sellers pull their homes from the market with the idea of trying again the next year. D.C. Economic Partnership not ready to go Washington Business Journal The nonprofit partnership describes itself as "your first point of contact for development and business opportunities in the District of Columbia." Tour Chancellor's Row development in Brookland Curbed DC Out of the one hundred homes in the first phase of their Chancellor's Row development in Brookland, only eleven remain on the market. Of those eleven, only two are available to move into this year.�

National real estate news stories: In the beginning of land title claims St. Augustine Record If someone makes a title claim, it's up to the landowner to defend his ownership.� Title insurance not only provides and pays for legal representation to defend your ownership rights, it will also pay out the policy amount should that defense fail.� Redfin Web site now publishes data on real estate agent success The New York Times The tool can help sellers find agents who are active and who have had success in their specific neighborhood. Using information from local multiple-listing services, where agents list the home they are representing for sale, the "Scouting Report" tool provides data on roughly one million agents. Conforming loan limit drops Oct. 1 Housing Wire Congress elevated the conforming loan limits in 2008 to allow the Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac to insure and guarantee more mortgages when the credit markets froze.

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New rules attempt to clarify DC mortgage foreclosure legislation

The D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking ("DISB") proposed new rules for governing residential mortgage foreclosures in an attempt to clarify legislation that affects the city's mortgage foreclosure process.

D.C. Council had made fundamental changes to the city's mortgage foreclosure process last year by adding (among other things) a requirement that lenders and borrowers make an attempt to mediate their disputes.

After the parties concluded their attempt to mediate, the lender was then entitled to record a "mediation certificate" and proceed to a foreclosure sale and enforce its rights under the deed of trust.

However, the requirement mandated by the "Saving D.C. Homes from Foreclosure Act of 2010," which the Council passed in an attempt to keep pace with reforms made by Maryland and other states, raised concerns among lenders and title insurers.

The raft of changes to the D.C. mortgage foreclosure law and rules thereunder opened a Pandora's Box of loopholes that increased the risk of clouded title for any property sold at, or even after, a foreclosure sale.

The aim of the new rules is to clarify the legal effect of recording a mediation certificate and make an amendment to the wording in the certificate.

Lenders and their allies have been clamoring for a change to the rules to state that recording a mediation certificate is prima facie evidence - that means presumptive validity - of all the procedural steps taken prior recording.

This change would prevent a borrower who participated in mediation and loss prevention from raising any objection to the conduct of this process after the foreclosure sale.

An aggrieved borrower could still raise objections, file a lawsuit, or take any other action to contest the lender's conduct during the process.

It will still take some initial stumbling through the maze of new rules by both lenders and borrowers to work out the kinks in the new procedure.

Hopefully, the new requirements will give borrowers increased opportunity to modify loans, and if modification isn't realistic, it will give title insurers, lenders and purchasers confidence that their title will be undisturbed.

- Jack Reid

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Real estate round-up: September 29

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: New condo project gets moving in Mount Vernon Triangle DC Urban Turf The new project would be following in the footsteps of CityVista and Yale Lofts, condo developments built over the last decade that represented the changing face of the area. The risk of asking too much for your house Baltimore Sun It can seem counter-intuitive, especially to a seller who is trying to account for the possibility of lower offers from buyers by making the asking price 10 percent higher than he would actually take. But in a market where sale prices are dropping and lots of listings are jostling for attention, pricing too high really hurts sellers.�

National real estate news stories: Vetting the lender The New York Times Ferreting out good information is not that easy. For one thing, different kinds of lenders are held to different rules, licenses and disclosure requirements. Can mortgage servicing be saved from itself? Wall Street Journal Loan servicers have been forced to revamp their operations after revelations surfaced a year ago that they used so-called robo-signers who signed foreclosure documents without personally verifying their contents, possibly breaking state laws. Their efforts to foreclose on members of the military have also raised alarms. And many homeowners were not offered loan modifications despite being eligible for them.

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Real estate round-up: September 28

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Jair Lynch buys a block on H Street Washington City Paper It's just one of a bunch of big moves on H Street lately, with a deal for Murry's in the works, H Street Connection ready to go, and the Autozone site and 1350 Maryland spoken for. DC home prices show slight annual increase: Case Schiller DC Urban Turf The index reported that home prices in the DC area increased on both a monthly (+2.4%) and annual (+0.3%) basis. Where does the dirt go? Washington City Paper As long as construction keeps rolling, the D.C. dirt economy will do well. Why do women pay more for mortgages? National Association of Realtors Authors of a recent study offer another explanation suggesting that women pay higher rates because they are more likely to choose lenders by recommendation while men tend to search for the lowest rate.

National real estate news stories: Who wants to buy a new home? Wall Street Journal New homes are designed for the way Americans live today, maximizing the usability of space and offering amenities that speak to modern needs, such as big closets. Plus, new homes are built to be more energy efficient. How are mortgage rates determined? HSH.com If you are watching mortgage rates so you can lock in a loan at the best time, you will notice that rates tick up and down regularly. Here are a few of the factors that regularly influence mortgage rates. America's top cities: Cheapest real estate in the world? Creditsesame.com Even though many economists predict that prices may continue to fall, thus expressing a view that U.S. real estate is still overpriced, real estate in America's top cities is cheap when compared with the rest of the world.�

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What does a title company do?

In the wake of foreclosure problems stemming from improper documentation and representation, a title insurance policy has never been more valuable than it is right now in this current real estate market. �

Clients often ask: What exactly does a title company do?� And the easiest answer that I give them is, "Take a look at our website and view the videos."�

At Federal Title, we conduct an extensive search of public records to verify the seller's right to transfer ownership.� The purpose of all this research is to discover claims or defects (a.k.a. "clouds") that limit the owner's right in transferring the property.

Lenders require title insurance when the purchaser obtains a mortgage to finance the purchase; this type of insurance is often called a lender's title insurance policy to cover the bank's interest in your property and to safeguard first position as a lien holder on your property. �

At the time of closing an owner's title insurance policy is also issued which protects you as the purchaser at the closing. An owner's policy is your assurance of protection against economic loss if a title defect is ever discovered and a claim filed against your property. �

The insurance premiums are only collected once, and your coverage will remain consistent for as long as you or your heirs retain an interest in your property or until you refinance the property at which point a new policy is issued.

Without the protection of an owner's policy, you may be in jeopardy of losing your investment which stems from a cloud on title that does not appear in the public records such as:

• Forged legal instruments (deeds, mortgages, wills, releases of mortgages)
• Improperly recorded legal documents�
• False impersonation of the true property owner
• Undisclosed heirs
• Issues involving improper marital status�
• Documents executed under false powers of attorney
• Deeds drafted by persons lacking legal capacity
• Undisclosed spouses
• Issues of rightful possession of land; which arise when a foreclosed property owner claims that they did not receive proper notice of the foreclosure.�

In the event that a claim is filed against you as owner of your property, the title insurance will cover your legal expenses, court costs and related fees. If the claim against the property is valid, then the title insurance company will reimburse you for your loss up to the amount of the policy.�

At Federal Title our attorneys are diligent in reviewing all documentation in an effort to assist buyers with the often times unexpected yet frequent legal matters that arise during the purchase and sale of real property.� At Federal Title and Escrow there is always an attorney title agent on each transaction that is prepared to explain, negotiate and if needed, represent your legal interests in every transaction.

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What is title insurance?

As we have stated before, it's a great time to buy real estate.� However, due to the banking industry's foreclosure problems due to improper documentation and representation, title Insurance has never been more valuable than it is right now this current real estate market. �

Clients often ask: What exactly does a title company do?� And the easiest answer that I give them is "take a look at our Federal Title and Escrow website and view the videos."�

At Federal Title and Escrow, we conduct an extensive search of the Florida public records to verify the seller's right to transfer ownership of the Florida property.� The purpose of all this research is to discover claims or defects (a.k.a. "clouds") that limit the owner's right in transferring the property.

Lenders require title insurance when the purchaser obtains a mortgage to finance the purchase; this type of insurance is often called a Lender's Title Insurance Policy to cover the bank's interest in your property and to safeguard first position as a lien holder on your property. �

At the time of closing an Owner's Title Insurance Policy is also issued which protects you as the purchaser at the closing. An Owner's Policy is your assurance of protection against economic loss if a title defect is ever discovered and a claim filed against your property. �

The insurance premiums are only collected once, and your coverage will remain consistent for as long as you or your heirs retain an interest in your property or until you refinance the property at which point a new policy is issued.

Without the protection of an Owner's Policy, you may be in jeopardy of losing your investment which stems from a cloud on title that does not appear in the public records such as:

• Forged legal instruments (deeds, mortgages, wills, releases of mortgages)
• Improperly recorded legal documents�
• False impersonation of the true property owner
• Undisclosed heirs
• Issues involving improper marital status�
• Documents executed under false powers of attorney
• Deeds drafted by persons lacking legal capacity
• Undisclosed spouses
• Issues of rightful possession of land; which arise when a foreclosed property owner claims that they did not receive proper notice of the foreclosure.�

In the event that a claim is filed against you as owner of your property, the title insurance will cover your legal expenses, court costs and related fees. If the claim against the property is valid, then the title insurance company will reimburse you for your loss up to the amount of the policy.�

At Federal Title and Escrow our attorneys are diligent in reviewing all documentation in an effort to assist buyers with the often times unexpected yet frequent legal matters that arise during the purchase and sale of real property.� At Federal Title and Escrow there is always an attorney title agent on each transaction that is prepared to explain, negotiate and if needed, represent your legal interests in every transaction.

http://twlv.net/OVAXr6

Real estate round-up: September 27

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: Are LeDroit Park and Bloomingdale DC's hottest rehab market? DC Urban Turf Over the past year, homes sold "as-is" which, in real estate parlance, means "what you see is what you get" are scooped up after a short window on the market, renovated from top to bottom (and in some cases enlarged) and back up for sale several months later. Is the new rate worth the refinance? Washington Times If making the higher payments does not affect other financial aspects of your life, it would make sense. If the higher payment would result in taking away from important investments, such as a college fund or a retirement account, you may not want to be in the position of a required 15-year payoff. Michelle Rhee sells at a slight loss Curbed DC The house in 16th Street Heights that Michelle Rhee had listed back in April sold at the end of August for less than she paid for it in 2007. She had paid $855,000 then, and the final sales price was $841,000. The Yards virtual tour DC Metrocentric Developer Forest City gives a sneak peak of the development with this great fly through of how all the projects will looks once complete, including the Yards Park, Foundry Lofts, Lumber Shed, and more.

National real estate news stories: Why rent when you can nest? The New York Times The children of baby boomers have inherited an expectation of early independence that in today's economy is hard to sustain, and many of them are moving back home � if, of course, their parents live in a place that holds the potential for jobs. Rate drop spurs home refinancing Wall Street Journal The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped below 4%, possibly triggering a refinancing boom for many of the same borrowers who already have taken advantage of rock-bottom interest rates.

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Real estate round-up: September 26

Check in every business day for the latest edition of Real Estate Round-up, where we post a list of our favorite real estate news stories from DC and beyond.

Headlines from the DC Metro Area: What happened to the proposed 20-percent down payment rule? Washington Post The 20-percent proposal is still alive, but it's temporarily bogged down in agency reviews of the roughly 12,000 comments filed by interest groups and individuals. It almost certainly would not be ready for adoption until the first quarter of 2012. Historic celebrity homes attract tourists Voice of America Elvis Presley's Graceland and George Washington's Mount Vernon are two of the most popular, but there are also small houses devoted to preserving the memories of the celebrities who once lived there.� In spots, buyers gain edge again Washington Times Sales chances are calculated by dividing a month's sales figures by the inventory on the last day of the month, resulting in a percentage. A figure below 20 percent indicates a buyer's market. Higher figures mean we're in a balanced market or a seller's market.

National real estate news stories: 5 steps to creating a property website with Wordpress Inman News The ability to create a unique property website is not only a fantastic listing tool, but an effective way to compete in search with national syndication sites, including Trulia and Zillow. Quick refi may ding credit Bankrate.com You can comparison shop mortgage lenders in a relatively short (two weeks) time period, and that will only count as one inquiry on your credit score because it's clear you're shopping for a mortgage. Don't drive yourself crazy, consider the commute HSH.com When you buy a home, you buy neighbors, amenities, a lifestyle…and a commute. If you're about to commit to a home purchase, apply the brakes until you understand the implications of the home's location, location, location.

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