Ft Lauderdale Lifestyle Blog

Banks to Get a Boost From FHA Refinancing Analysts say the housing bailout is a good deal for banks.

Home Buyers Acting On Lower Prices

Homes sales are up in 13 States, NAR data show.
http://go-to.realtor.org/r/6VFHOX/WLYP4/JX34A/STWVD/X8S4S/7V/t/

Greenspan: Housing Stabilizing Soon

Once price declines stop, the health of financial institutions will become clear, former Fed chief says.
http://go-to.realtor.org/r/6VFHOX/WLYP4/JX34A/STWVD/SLYAI/7V/t/

Toll Bros. Says Demand Picking Up
Purchase cancellations are heading in the right direction, builder chief says.
http://go-to.realtor.org/r/6VFHOX/WLYP4/JX34A/STWVD/R1D2I/7V/t/

Orlando: Home Sale News Brightens

Almost 30 percent gain in homes under contract is among the signs of market improvement.
http://go-to.realtor.org/r/6VFHOX/WLYP4/JX34A/STWVD/1CND1/7V/t/

Where the Adventurous Go to Live

Magazine says it looks for cities that balance jobs and growth with green values.
http://go-to.realtor.org/r/6VFHOX/WLYP4/JX34A/STWVD/LRM8K/7V/t/

First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit - Buy a Home, Get a Tax Break!
Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

As part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, a First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit is now available. However, this limited-time tax break ends in mid-2009. A homebuyer tax credit has been available for first-time homebuyers in Washington, D.C. for many years, and now first-time homebuyers nationwide can take advantage of a similar benefit.

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RESEARCH UPDATE AUGUST 2008

JUST THE FACTS

The Latest Pending Home Sales Index and Forecast Release Some improvement is projected for existing-home sales in the months ahead, with broader gains seen by the fourth quarter as buyers take advantage of new provisions provided through the recently passed housing stimulus bill, according to the latest forecast. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said sales have been in a pattern of rising and falling within a fairly narrow range. "The vacillation of data from one month to the next indicates a housing market in transition," he said. "The rise in pending home sales was broad-based with all four regions showing gains. This is welcome news because a rise in contract activity is necessary for an overall housing recovery. With a tax credit now available to first-time home buyers, increases in home sales could be sustained with the momentum carrying into 2009."

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Mortgage Loan Concerns Drive Internet Traffic In June alone, almost two billion Web searches of the term 'foreclosure' were conducted.

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Alliance Says It Has Increased Loan Workouts

Almost two million loans have been put on a positive track over the last year.

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Neighborhoods Where the Bubble Hasn't Burst Confidence remains strong in some markets that solid home prices will rise yet higher.

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