Should Mortgage Rates Vary by State?
The Wall Street Journal | August 31, 2012
Should consumers pay higher mortgage rates if they live in states where it takes a long time to foreclose on a loan? (What are the pros and cons of the concept? They’ll be looking for public comment on this issue soon. ~Anthony)
Small-business Tech Security Can Be Had at Lower Costs
USA Today | September 3, 2012
Companies operate more efficiently by employing a range of security measures — from encryption services to cloud-based antivirus solutions.
Even Simple Code Violations Could Prevent Mortgage Closings
HousingWire | August 31, 2012
A new credit scoring system is taking shape that could prevent borrowers from getting a mortgage if government agencies ding credit scores, even for something as simple as not mowing the lawn. (Are they blowing this out of proportion or is it as serious as they suggest? ~Anthony)
Can Unemployment Rate be Reduced?
The Washington Post | September 1, 2012
Two economists say persistently high rate is cyclical, not because of structural changes in labor market.
Breaking Housing’s ’Vicious Cycle’ Key to Recovery: BGOV Insight
BusinessWeek | September 4, 2012
The U.S. economy is searching for the next “virtuous cycle,” a state of self-sustaining growth where one element of the economy — say, jobs — feeds another, such as consumer spending, which prompts businesses to produce more goods and services, which comes back around to spur job growth.
Downsizing the Jumbo Loan
The New York Times | August 30, 2012
With interest rates still low, many homeowners have been saying goodbye to their “jumbo” mortgages and refinancing into conventional loans. They may need to write sizable checks at the closing, but in the end they are likely to reduce their monthly payments while improving their cash flow.
Hotel Property Returns
Jones on Real Estate Blog | September 4, 2012
Hotel property performance, the third installment in the commercial real estate returns series.
Pending Contracts Up Over 12%
The KCM Blog | September 4, 2012
Last week the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their Pending Home Sales Index. The Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings (not closings), rose 2.4 percent to 101.7 in July up 12.4 percent above July last year. The index is at the highest level since April 2010, which was shortly before the closing deadline for the home buyer tax credit.
Comments