Trulia roles out lead notification tool for agents
Trulia.com announced a new online real estate lead notification system that automatically calls the agent’s mobile phone when consumers leave their phone number, instantly connecting both parties live on a phone call. Powered by communications provider Twilio, Trulia said agents will receive a text message if they cannot answer the phone or if a consumer […]15 years ago
Seattle rated No. 6 in nation’s most walkable cities
Seattle was ranked No . 6 in the nation's most walkable cities according to the latest rankings compiled by Walk Score . Seattle-based Walk Score uses an algorithm that generates a walkability score for America's 50 largest cities.
15 years ago
450,000 get refunds for excessive Countrywide fees
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 450,177 refund checks worth almost $108 million to homeowners who were allegedly overcharged by Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. “It’s astonishing that a single company could be responsible for overcharging more than 450,000 homeowners,” said Jon Leibowitz, FTC chairman. “Countrywide’s unconscionable behavior harmed American consumers on a massive scale and […]15 years ago
Are couples staying together for the house?
A new study by the American Economic Review (AER) identifies a correlation between lower divorce rates and home price declines. According to Census data, the divorce rate fell to 46 percent in 2009 from 50 percent in 1996. Essentially, AER says couples are more likely to divorce when equity gains make it possible for them […]15 years ago
Tom Kelly: ‘Reverse Mortgage Myths’
I was in a meeting last week when the subject of reverse mortgages surfaced. One of the participants at the table was considering "a reverse" for her mother who needed cash to stay in her home.15 years ago
FTC halts timeshare property resale scam
A federal court has temporarily halted a telemarketing operation that targeted consumers trying to sell their timeshare properties. The defendants allegedly charged consumers thousands of dollars, falsely claiming they had buyers lined up for sales that supposedly would be reviewed and approved by the Federal Trade Commission. According to court papers filed by the FTC, […]15 years ago
Nation’s priciest home takes 43% haircut
The nation’s most expensive home closed last week at a 43 percent discount, but how do you draw accurate comparable sales on a $150 million home? Candy Spelling, widow of the late television producer Aaron Spelling, reportedly had been trying to sell her 56,000 square foot, 123-room Los Angeles mansion for three years, holding firm […]15 years ago
Home builder confidence bounces up in July
Builder confidence for newly built, single-family homes rose two points on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for July. The gain largely offsets a three-point dip recorded in June, and marks the ninth time out of the past 10 months in which the index has held within the same three-point […]15 years ago
Zillow research shows sellers overpricing homes
Seattle-based Zillow announced today that home sellers who purchased their home in 2007 or later are overpricing their homes by an average of 14.1 percent. Meanwhile, sellers who originally purchased their homes before the run-up in home values and those who bought during the bubble also overprice their homes, but not by as much. Those […]15 years ago
Free ride? 1 million foreclosures delayed until 2012
An estimated one million foreclosure-related notices for defaults, auctions, and home repossessions that should be filed by lenders this year will be pushed back until next year, according to the latest report by RealtyTrac. While the delays could give homeowners more time to catch up on their payments and try to avoid foreclosure, housing experts […]15 years ago
Is your second home an RV? Check deductions
According to the Internal Revenue Service, “second homes” must have basic sleeping, cooking and toilet accommodations to qualify for a mortgage interest deduction. Most all recreational vehicle (RV) types – motorhomes, van campers, travel trailers, truck campers and even some folding camping trailers – are equipped with these facilities. In a capsule, an RV combines […]15 years ago
Remodel before moving? Just paint and move on
Whether or not to sell your primary residence might be the most important decision you make in the next few months. If you decide to sell, don’t jeopardize the decision by making the costly mistake of over-improving your nest egg – or racing to create a new room the new owner might enjoy. Major structural […]15 years ago
More women specializing in commercial management
The Cornell University Program in Real Estate has released the results of its Women in Commercial Real Estate Report, sponsored by the Commercial Real Estate Women Network. The study, which covers a variety of components from compensation to job satisfaction, was first completed in 2005. More than 2,900 property professionals, including brokerage and leasing professionals, […]15 years ago
Seattle home prices continue upward swing
Seattle home prices and inventories have continued an upward trend the past three months, according to the latest Altos Research National Report. The Seattle market, equivalent to the Census Bureau’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), showed an average sale price of $333,127 in April, $335, 425 in May and $337,666 in June – a modest increase […]15 years ago
Curb appeal: Old term sellers should revisit
Before websites were populated with gorgeous photographs and video home tours, “curb appeal” was an advertising phrase used only in print. It was right up there with “peek-a-boo view,” “cozy fixer” and “step-saver kitchen.” What separates curb appeal from vague other terms? Achieving it is a must if you want your home to stand out […]15 years ago
Summer getaway? Jay Buhner’s ranch back on market
If you are looking for a secluded spot to host pony rides, a softball game and swim party, Jay Buhner’s huge spread in Fall City is back on the market – this time at $6,750,000. Buhner’s B2B Ranch, highlighted by a 7,500-square foot timber and stone main house, features four bedrooms and 6.25 bathrooms and […]15 years ago
HUD settles agent kickback claims with Fidelity
Fidelity National Financial and the Department of Housing and Urban Development reached a $4.5 million settlement over claims that FNF paid real estate professionals for referring services, such as home warranties and title insurance that violated the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. HUD says the kickbacks and referral fees are in violation of Section 8 […]15 years ago
