Existing Home Sales and Mortgage Apps Fall Again

The National Association of Realtors reports that total existing home sales - including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops - decreased 2% in March when compared to the previous month's sales.

Meanwhile, mortgage application volume continues to fall off weekly.  Over the past couple of weeks, application volume dropped by over 14% according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

And although existing home sales and mortgage applications continue to show declines, conflicting sentiment seems to indicate that more people are positive about the overall economy than not.  Recent surveys show more American's feel they still can buy a home than those who feel they cannot.

What's your feeling now?  We'd love to get your feedback on exactly how you feel (overall) about the current economy.  Use the comment link below to give us your opinion.

Negotiating with Your Lender

You're behind on your mortgage, and you want to save your house. It's time to talk turkey with your lender. But what do you say and who do you say it to?

In this short (1:32) video, Money Talks correspondent Stacy Johnson offers some tips.

Leave any comments you have about this video, or any other tips on things you think should be considered when negotiating with your lender.  Use the comment link below to give us your feedback.

Selling Your Home: Presentation is Everything

In today's more challenging real estate market, selling your home becomes even more of a challenge.  With more and more homes on the market, how you present your home is key.

Uncluttered homes; spacious, clean and organized; bright and open is the desired look these days. Homebuyers are looking for a home to grow into not grow out of. So it is imperative that one make good use of the space they have in their home to prove to potential buyers that they can feel comfortable in your home, regardless of the square footage.

First, give a thorough inspection to the interior and exterior of your home, carefully going over every detail. If necessary, enlist the aid of a professional home inspector who can help you inspect your home, looking for any necessary repairs and maintenance issues. It is vital that you clear up any of these problems regarding the safety of your home before you even consider putting your home on the market for sale.

Presenting your home in a manner that will make buyers imagine living in your home is a step in the right direction to a quicker and more profitable sale.

If you want to know more about what you need to do to make your home more presentable to buyers, give us a call or drop us an email.  We'll be happy to help in any way we can.

Housing Bailout Backlash Grows Stronger

Many Americans want no part of a government-funded bailout for troubled mortgage borrowers, and many are being heard saying things like, "why should American taxpayers have to pay to bailout reckless lenders and borrowers?"

The website Angryrenter.com, launched just recently, has a vitiation demanding that Congress not pass any bailout programs that reward risky borrowing and lending.  The petition is gathering 40 to 50 signatures per hour, according to spokesman Adam Brandon, who adds that the site is already getting 15,000 visitors a day.

Many people would prefer the government do nothing at all to prop up the housing market — especially those hoping to buy in a more affordable market.

Tell us what you think.  Use the comment link below to give us your feedback. And if you'd like to sign the petition, go to http://angryrenter.com to sign up.

Homeless: Not the American Dream

The mortgage crisis continues to loom large, and many thousands of people in the U.S. have lost their homes and are now joining the homeless.  This special report from the BBC takes a look at how some people, once proud homeowners, are now having to spend their lives.  (Video runs 1:33)

Have a comment about this video?  Your email will never be published on our site, so go ahead and tell us how you feel about this.  Can you imagine yourself having to live like this?  It's not beyond the realm of possibility for any of us one day.  Your comments are welcomed.