What's New in the Mortgage Market?

Fannie Mae's new "Loan Quality Initiative" went into effect on June 1, 2010…which means that loans may be at risk for some buyers. Here's what you need to know – and what you need to do – to keep your deals from blowing up right before closing. Undisclosed debt is a leading cause of mortgage frau...

According to scholars, there was a simple game of chance in ancient times where each player took a turn grabbing a stick, one hand above the next. The last person able to grab the stick was the winner; they had the "upper hand." That phrase has survived for hundreds of years, with the first figur...

I wanted to let you know about some important rule changes issued by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). These rules impact how lenders and third party originators (TPOs) advertise FHA programs with the use of HUD/FHA logos, names and acronyms. Here are the 10 things you need to know about ...

There's great news from Fannie Mae: Buyers may be eligible to receive up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance through June 30, 2011 as part of the HomePath buyer incentive.To be eligible for this incentive, the following qualifications must be met: Buyers and/or selling agents must request the ince...

Your Personal Chamber Of Commerce The Internet has revolutionized the way we live in countless ways. We are able to access news as it's happening, email friends and relatives all over the world, and purchase anything from cars to vacationpackages with a few clicks of the mouse. What's ironic is ...

Steve Fingerman has nailed it correctly with his blog. In my humble opinion, Realtor's commissions are next. The banks want more of it and for you to have less of it. They've limited your commissions on short sales, etc. If they can do it permanently, they will. We all need to stick together. Whe...

On March 11, 2011, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced two exciting changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). This program is for borrowers who have demonstrated an acceptable payment history on their mortgage, but due to a decline in home prices or where mortgage insuranc...

On March 11, 2011, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced two exciting changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). This program is for borrowers who have demonstrated an acceptable payment history on their mortgage, but due to a decline in home prices or where mortgage insuranc...

It's Up to You Everyone makes choices. Their outlook on life, whether at home, at work, behind the wheel or at the theater, directly correlates to the decision to be either positive or negative. In essence, it's as simple as whether you see the glass half full or half empty. As author Stephen R....

When you are flooded, read the fine print of your insurance plan.By Pat Mertz Esswein, kiplinger.com Water damage accounted for about one-fifth of all insurance claims in 2007, says the Insurance Information Institute, with an average amount of $5,531. But think twice before submitting a water-r...