The housing recovery that wasn't

FORTUNE -- Over the past few months, a spate of good news about the U.S. housing market has led some to think a recovery is finally on the horizon.**** READ MORE AT; The housing recovery that wasn't:

10 Often-Missed Signs of Heart Attack in Women - Via A Viral Video

Women often don't realize they're having a heart attack because their symptoms are different from the traditional signs depicted in movies and warning materials. The American Heart Association's video "Just a Little Heart Attack," is going viral highlighting 10 often-missed symptoms of heart attack in women. **** Read More At; 10 Often-Missed Signs of Heart Attack in Women - Via A Viral Video:

BlackBerry, Aiming to Avoid the Hall of Fallen Giants

Some tech gadgets that once seemed indispensable have been mercilessly superseded over the years, and Research in Motion is trying to avoid that fate for its BlackBerry.***** BlackBerry, Aiming to Avoid the Hall of Fallen Giants:

Treasury to pay investors triple for HAMP principal reductions

[Update 1: Adds comment from FHFA Acting Director]
The Treasury Department will triple payments to mortgage investors for reducing borrower principal through an expanded Home Affordable Modification Program announced Friday.
Officials announced several critical changes to HAMP, including an enrollment extension to Dec. 31, 2013, from its original expiration date at the end of this year.
The Treasury [...]  ****Treasury to pay investors triple for HAMP principal reductions:

Why Century 21 Is Advertising In The Super Bowl For The First Time

Century 21, a real estate company that a few years ago had shifted marketing spend to digital media in lieu of TV, is back to TV in a big way, as that move includes its first-ever Super Bowl spot. The company actually announced its plans to participate in the big game last March. The :30 ...**** Why Century 21 Is Advertising In The Super Bowl For The First Time:

Distressed Real Estate Made Up Smaller Percent of Sales in 2011 3Q

RealtyTrac says sales of foreclosed homes accounted for less real estate sales in the third quarter of 2011 from both the prior quarter and the year before. **** Read More AT; Distressed Real Estate Made Up Smaller Percent of Sales in 2011 3Q:

Reality of real estate agents reflects housing pain

The next time you see a well-dressed, smiling real estate agent glaring at you from an advertising board, remember the carefree persona these days is likely only a mirage.Look deeper and you will find agents and brokers facing a tsunami of negative economic factors, including low housing demand, uncertainty over the regulatory landscape, reluctant young [...] **** Reality of real estate agents reflects housing pain:

Mortgage crimes are focus of new task force

A new special task force to investigate and prosecute those responsible for bad mortgages during the housing boom will be part of President Obama's 2012 agenda.**** Mortgage crimes are focus of new task force:

10 Ways Top Business Leaders Avoid The Loneliness

One of the toughest things about running a business is the feeling of loneliness and isolation. You are on your own and nobody supports you because it's hard for them to see what you see and feel the excitement that you feel at the critical stages. This is especially true if you run your small ... ****

Home prices bottoming out? Not so fast

A home price bottom could stimulate real estate demand, but contrarians are betting against a recovery in 2012.In fact, Lance Roberts, CEO of StreetTalk Advisors, is pushing back at reports claiming affordable home prices will lure consumers.
Despite affordable prices, Roberts says consumers are too over-leveraged to buy a home and unable to qualify for a [...]Home prices bottoming out? Not so fast:

Four Traits of Effective Leaders You Should Steal Today

Leaders are responsible for setting the company's vision, being the change agent, promoting continuous learning, leading strategy, and maintaining the company's values and culture. A pretty light workload, huh? An effective leader can spur innovation, elevate a company high above its competitors, and empower employees to accomplish things they never thought possible. On the ...**** Four Traits of Effective Leaders You Should Steal Today: ?

Top Places To Retire-And Work

Some 25 cites across the countries are identified for prospects and affordability **** Top Places To Retire-And Work:

Foreclosures: America's hardest hit neighborhoods

The housing collapse has dramatically changed the nation's foreclosure landscape.Foreclosures: America's hardest hit neighborhoods:

9 remodeling tips to make your home feel bigger

You don't have to be underwater on your mortgage to feel trapped in your home. **** 9 remodeling tips to make your home feel bigger:

Rapper Drake Looking To Flip Two Miami Apartments

Merely 12 months after purchasing the swanky units, the hip hop celebrity is selling them at significantly higher prices.**** Rapper Drake Looking To Flip Two Miami Apartments:

Mortgage applications surge amid record-low rates

Mortgage loan applications surged 23% last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, as record-low interest rates convinced many homeowners it was time to refinance into lower-cost loans. **** Read More;  Mortgage applications surge amid record-low rates:

Institutional Buildings Converted to Luxury Housing

The creation of a small number of high-end units from buildings that once housed multitudes may seem incongruous, but developers say the decision is driven by the market. **** Institutional Buildings Converted to Luxury Housing: 

Economic standstill stalls housing recovery: IHS report

Wage stagnation and weak consumer confidence among young adults are two factors delaying a housing recovery, according to a new report from IHS Global Insight.The report was presented to the United States Conference of Mayors this week.
According to the report, house prices are still searching for a bottom at a time when wages are stagnant [...]    Economic standstill stalls housing recovery: IHS report:

Upgrading a Home Before a Sale - Market Ready

So you inherited a beat-up house. Is it better to sell as is or invest in repairs and upgrades? **** Read More At; Upgrading a Home Before a Sale - Market Ready

Foreclosure nightmares: Fighting for their homes

Foreclosure nightmares: Fighting for their homes: With more than 200,000 households receiving foreclosure notices each month, there are bound to be a few mistakes. But for some unlucky homeowners, these blunders carry some serious consequences.

Are LED Lightbulbs Worth The High Cost?

In order to get the government spending bill passed, on Dec. 16, Republicans agreed to put on hold the implementation of a bill that would require more efficient light bulbs which, in the minds of many, meant the end of the much loved (and cheap) incandescent bulb. Proponents of the bill were quick ...**** Are LED Lightbulbs Worth The High Cost?: by??Tim Parker

RE/MAX finds unexpected jump in December home sales

Home sales unexpectedly jumped 5.7% in December from the month before, according to a report from real estate franchiser RE/MAX.Sales usually fall in the winter months. But homes continued moving late last year, up 1.1% from December 2010. It's the sixth consecutive month of yearly increases. Home prices, however were nearly flat from the previous [...] **** RE/MAX finds unexpected jump in December home sales:

O.J. Simpson faces foreclosure on Miami house

Court records indicate that O.J. Simpson is now facing foreclosure on his Miami home while he is in prison in Nevada.JPMorgan Chase filed for foreclosure on the four-bedroom, four-bath house in Kendall in September, the Associated Press reports. Simpson's attorneys have since filed a motion to dismiss the case.
Simpson bought the house [...]  O.J. Simpson faces foreclosure on Miami house: 

Housing: The one bailout America could really use

Please take a minute and read, she is very good and gives you something to think about!
Laurie Goodman is an apolitical number cruncher who has spent most of her 28-year career out of the public view, studying the minutiae of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) for big investment banks. She's long been a star among Wall Street insiders, however. She holds the record for the most top rankings for fixed-in-come research from the trade bible Institutional Investor.**** READ MORE AT; Housing: The one bailout America could really use:

Beware of debit card drafts

Checking account get hijacked. Apparently, overseas scammers gained access to his account information because he used a debit card to pay charges on a video game system account. Next thing he knew, money had vanished from his account at a credit union, and because that account no longer contained the funds it should have, my friend was hit with multiple overdraft fees. To make matters worse, he was told he would have to pay additional fees to block some regularly scheduled Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions that would have further overdrawn his account. *** Beware of debit drafts The Post and Courier, Charleston SC - News, Sports, Entertainment

Tracking Firm Reports Foreclosures Down in 2011 – But Not Really

“Foreclosures were in full delay mode in 2011, resulting in a dramatic drop in foreclosure activity for the year,” said Brandon Moore, CEO of RealtyTrac. “The lack of clarity regarding many of the documentation and legal issues plaguing the foreclosure industry means that we are continuing to see a highly dysfunctional foreclosure process that is inefficiently dealing with delinquent mortgages — particularly in states with a judicial foreclosure process." Tracking Firm Reports Foreclosures Down in 2011 – But Not Really: "

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November home sales in Miami hit five-year high

Home sales in the Miami area rose 5% in November with 7,855 closings on the books, DataQuick said this week.
That figure is up 17.5% from a year ago and the highest November sales level since 2006 when 10,369 home closings were recorded by the San Diego-based research firm.
DataQuick attributes the faster sales pace to lower [...] November home sales in Miami hit five-year high:

Foreclosure filings drop 34% in 2011: RealtyTrac

Foreclosure filings drop 34% in 2011: RealtyTrac: Foreclosure activity in the United States stalled in 2011 as the number of foreclosure filings – including all default notices, auctions and bank repossessions – declined 34% from a year earlier, RealtyTrac said Thursday.
Foreclosure notices were posted on 1.8 million U.S. properties last year, and overall foreclosure activity remained 33% below 2009 levels.
The Irvine, Calif.-based [...]

Foreclosure rates plunge in 2011 - Jan. 12, 2012

Total filings, including default notices and bank repossessions were down 33% for the year to 2.7 million, according to RealtyTrac, the online marketer of foreclosed properties.

One in every 69 homes had at least one foreclosure filing during the year, while 804,000 homes were repossessed. That's a significant improvement from the peaks reached in 2010 -- when 1.05 million homes were repossessed -- and the lowest levels seen since 2007. "BUT " **** Read More;  Foreclosure rates plunge in 2011 - Jan. 12, 2012: "

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Lennar Says High Rents Helped Home Orders Rise 20% - NYTimes.com

Lennar, one of the country’s largest home builders, on Wednesday reported a third consecutive quarter of growth in orders and said the housing market was bottoming out after a long downturn.
Related

Times Topic: Lennar Corporation
Shares of the company rose 7 percent to close at $22.25 on Wednesday.

Stocks of other home builders, like KB Home, the PulteGroup and D. R. Horton, also rose."
Lennar Says High Rents Helped Home Orders Rise 20% - NYTimes.com: "
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Unemployed Mortgage Holders Get Payment Extension

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac say they will extend their existing programs so that unemployed borrowers can defer part or all of their monthly payments for up to 12 months.Unemployed Mortgage Holders Get Payment Extension:

The Problem With Current Mortgage Rates

On December 21, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced that existing home sales had risen in November -- up 4 percent over October's figure, and up 12.2 percent year-over-year.

The next day, Freddie Mac announced a new record low for 30-year mortgage rates - 3.91 percent.

On paper, this could make it appear that the housing recovery is shaping up as planned: lower interest rates create new housing demand, which fuels a recovery in sales and housing prices. However, a closer look at the numbers doesn't support that optimistic view."
The Problem With Current Mortgage Rates: "
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5 Things to Do Now to Get Your Home Sold in 2012

If selling your home is part of??your resolution list for this year, there's plenty of prep work you can do to set yourself up for home selling success. Here are 5 things you can and should start working on without further ado, if you want to get your home sold ? smoothly and for top ... 5 Things to Do Now to Get Your Home Sold in 2012:

Tips For Finding The Right IRA

Since their inception in 1982,??individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have grown to become one of the most popular retirement savings vehicles in America. Virtually every??financial institution in the country offers this type of account, including banks, brokerage firms, independent investment advisers, life insurance companies and trust companies. However, knowing which type of account ... Tips For Finding The Right IRA: by??Mark P. Cussen

MetLife to Close Mortgage Unit - NYTimes.com

MetLife, the nation’s largest life insurer, announced Tuesday that it would close its home mortgage-origination operation, costing the company at least $90 million. Most of the 4,300 employees at the unit will lose their jobs." **** MetLife to Close Mortgage Unit - NYTimes.com: "

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Zillow: Home values in November back at 2003 levels

Home values in the United States in November remained flat with the prior month but declined 4.6% from last year, according to the latest real estate markets report from Zillow Inc. (Z: 24.85 +7.90%).
The company's home value index, which measures prices across the nation, shows the average home price was $147,800 in November, [...] Zillow: Home values in November back at 2003 levels:

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Home sales rise as prices hit historic lows in December

New and existing home sales increased year-over-year in December, while home prices continued to plummet, hitting levels of affordability not experienced since 1971, the Obama administration said Monday.
In its December Housing Scorecard report, the administration said median-income families on average had double the funds needed to cover the cost of a home, but purchase demand [...] Home sales rise as prices hit historic lows in December:

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What's Hindering Today’s Home Loan Borrower?

"No longer are home loans a quick and easy process. While most companies, including credit unions, have taken every step necessary to streamline their processes and hired numerous staff to handle the increased work, the truth of the matter is each application takes longer for all lenders to process, underwrite and close. For example, the required paper trail when gift funds are used, if disputes exist in the credit report or in how income is allocated are all much more in-depth. Even a refinancing has more stringent requirements and a streamlined loan process no longer exists. Everything is documented. Everything is checked and double-checked." **** Read at; What's Hindering Today’s Home Loan Borrower?:

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Gadgetwise Blog: Giving Windows on an iPad a Boost

The iPad seems to be doing well among business customers already, but the ability to run business software like Microsoft Office well could make the Apple device even more appealing. A start-up company called OnLive is launching an online app that it says will allow iPad users to do just that. *** Read at; Gadgetwise Blog: Giving Windows on an iPad a Boost:

Money, Fraud, And Scandal: Art Highlights Of 2011 - Forbes

"Where there’s money, there’s usually crime. Where there’s big money, there’s big crime. In the art market of 2011, there was both, and lots of it. Here, a roundup of the major events: " *** Read At; Money, Fraud, And Scandal: Art Highlights Of 2011 - Forbes:

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Monday Morning Cup of Coffee

A look at stories across HousingWire's weekend desk, with more coverage to come on bigger issues:
Federal Reserve Governor Sarah Bloom Raskin said Saturday the Fed will fine 14 mortgage servicers for misconduct in loan servicing and foreclosure practices.
"The Federal Reserve believes monetary sanctions in these cases are appropriate and plans to announce monetary penalties," Raskin [...] Read At; Monday Morning Cup of Coffee:

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How To Be More Interesting (In 10 Simple Steps) - Forbes

1.Go exploring.
Explore ideas, places, and opinions. The inside of the echo chamber is where are all the boring people hang out." **** How To Be More Interesting (In 10 Simple Steps) - Forbes: "

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Fed governor suggests tight underwriting is stalling recovery

Federal Reserve Board Governor Elizabeth Duke says tighter underwriting in the lending space is stalling a meaningful housing recovery and impeding overall economic growth.
She also believes that while controversial, the government-sponsored enterprises may be required to play a larger role in the housing recovery until a safe hand-off to the private market can occur. She [...] Fed governor suggests tight underwriting is stalling recovery:

2012 interest rate outlook | Bankrate.com

When you shop around, the lowest rates you can find at banks and credit unions are below 3 percent for both new and used cars. And with the Federal Reserve pledging to stay on the sidelines until at least the middle of 2013, the good news ... 2012 interest rate outlook | Bankrate.com:
Bankrate.com

What Happens To Old And Expired Supermarket Foods

We found this article very interesting and wanted to share it with you!

As darkness falls, your local supermarket becomes a hive of activity. From canned vegetables and salad dressings to fresh vegetables and deli meats, countless items are removed from shelves by night staff. Approaching their expiration dates or because they are no longer at their peak quality, most stores consider them unfit for sale. With 15,000 ... What Happens To Old And Expired Supermarket Foods:

Freddie cuts some refi credit score requirements

Freddie Mac eliminated the minimum credit score requirement for borrowers seeking a mortgage refinance from their existing servicer, as long as they have at least 20% equity in their home, according to guidance released Thursday.
The change goes into effect for any refinances with a settlement date on or after Jan. 5. Previously, Freddie required at [...] Freddie cuts some refi credit score requirements:

America the mortgage: All your info, one click away « HousingWire

"Thursday, January 5th, 2012, 10:24 am
Ben Bernanke's letter on housing, which suggests an REO-to-rental program, garnered plenty attention focused on that idea alone.

But there is something equally notable: the Federal Reserve chairman and his teams of researchers also want an online database on every single mortgage lien in America" ****America the mortgage: All your info, one click away « HousingWire:

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Make a New Year's Resolution To Give Your Estate Plan a Checkup

An annual estate planning checkup can flag opportunities and pitfalls occasioned by changes in the law, the economy, and your personal circumstances.**** Make a New Year's Resolution To Give Your Estate Plan a Checkup:

10 Startup Survival Tips in the Age of the Platform

Every startup, as well as mature business, needs to learn as much as possible from Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google, who have set the standards for fast growth and success in today's business world. These companies, designated the "gang of four" by Eric Schmidt last year, are clearly driving a consumer and business revolution on ... 10 Startup Survival Tips in the Age of the Platform:

Bernanke calls for nationwide REO rental program

The government should consider helping the nation's vacant, unsold stock of foreclosed properties by supporting initiatives to occupy.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke believes that one aspect should be a government support program that allows renters to move into those houses.
In a letter Wednesday to ranking members on the House Committee of Financial Services, Reps. Spencer [...] Bernanke calls for nationwide REO rental program:

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Low mortgage rates may not increase purchase demand in 2012

Mortgage rates are expected to remain near historical lows through 2012, but the impact on home purchasing activity remains unknown until Americans see how the larger economy fares.
Doug Duncan, chief economist with Fannie Mae, said positive indicators in the past few months, including employment growth at the end of the year, would [...] Low mortgage rates may not increase purchase demand in 2012:

Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Personal Board of Directors

Our society emphasizes friends, family and co-workers as essential parts of our emotional and professional support system. Friends can offer distraction and encouragement, family members give unconditional love and co-workers may provide a sense of camaraderie and even professional advice. However, there are times when we need a fourth type of support in the form ... Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Personal Board of Directors:

Bailout concerns mount for FHA

Concerns are growing that the Federal Housing Administration will need to be bailed out by taxpayers. **** Bailout concerns mount for FHA:

Miami-Dade County pending home sales jump 25%

Pending home sales in Miami-Dade County jumped 25% in November from a year earlier, the Miami Association of Realtors said Tuesday.
The number of listings hit 3,348, up from 2,598 a year ago, the trade group said.
Single-family home and condo sales pending during the month jumped 43% and 14%, respectively, over their [...] Miami-Dade County pending home sales jump 25%:

S&P: Home prices back to 2001 levels

Current home prices when adjusted for inflation are back to 2001 levels, suggesting the high prices experienced over the past decade did little to effectuate significant long-term gains, according to David Blitzer, chairman of Standard & Poor's index committee.
Blitzer said the rapid increase and decline in home prices did nothing S&P: Home prices back to 2001 levels: [...]

Hope In 2012 For Shelter Pets From Best Friends CEO: 'Remember The Animals'

Best Friends co-founder and CEO Gregory Castle offers advice and hope for shelter animals in the coming year. **** Hope In 2012 For Shelter Pets From Best Friends CEO: 'Remember The Animals':