The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index posted a modest increase in December, after consecutive declines since summer. The index now stands at 88.6, up from 87.8 in November.
"This month’s slight gain in confidence was due solely to an increase in the Expectations Index," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center. "Consumers’ [...]

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Home sales will finally start climbing again in 2008. That’s the most recent forecast from economists at the National Association of Realtors. The projection applies to existing (previously owned) homes. Recovery for newly constructed home sales is unlikely before 2009, it was noted in the NAR report.
"The unusual mortgage disruptions that peaked in August were [...]

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Preparing a home to be most appealing to prospective buyers is a key element in today’s market when sales are generally sluggish. Buyers are out there seeking the best possible home that satisfies their needs and tastes, and sellers need to market their properties. Both parties are most likely to achieve their objective if the [...]

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All Star Music Fest     January 18-20
Haven Entertainment in cooperation with Smooth Jazz 98.1 KIFM Radio announces the 2008 ALL STAR MUSIC FESTIVAL January 18-20, 2008 in San Diego. This festival crosses multiple genres including Contemporary & Nu-jazz, Soul, R&B, Funk, Contemporary Pop and World Fusion. Following the three-day festival, fans will board the 2008 All [...]

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People are becoming more environment conscious and want to surround themselves with eco-friendly possessions. That includes their home. Housing experts see this trend as having a major impact the design, construction and decorating of homes in 2008. As energy prices remain high, homeowners are adjusting by adopting green principles to save money. They are creating [...]

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Home sales will finally start climbing again in 2008. That’s the most recent forecast from economists at the National Association of Realtors. The projection applies to existing (previously owned) homes. Recovery for newly constructed home sales is unlikely before 2009, it was noted in the NAR report.
"The unusual mortgage disruptions that peaked in August were [...]

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  A growing number of U.S. citizens are looking across their nation’s southern border, searching for a home or investment property in Mexico. "There are now about 1.5 million Americans living in Mexico, and that number is increasing," said Adrian Arriaga, a Texas-based broker and consultant specializing in properties located in Mexico. "Mexico is the [...]

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FHA home loans may soon experience a major revival as a favored type of home financing. Pending legislation would reduce the minimum down payment required (possibly to zero percent) and will increase the maximum amount that can be borrowed.
The FHA Modernization Act has finally been approved by Congress. After a bit of fine-tuning by a [...]

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New federal laws and regulations have created major changes in the mortgage industry. They impact the way lenders qualify borrowers this year, and in some cases will put more money in the pockets of homeowners. The President has signed legislation implementing a law that eases the tax burden for homeowners who have had debt forgiven [...]

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 While mortgage rates rise, home prices continue to drop - a trend that may soon change direction, according to several experts. In October, prices dropped (nationally) by a whopping 6.7 percent from the preceding month. That was the 10th consecutive monthly drop and the largest since early 1991.
"Sales of homes will likely start to rebound [...]

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