What’s in store for housing markets in 2012? Well, the good news is that we may finally be over the worst, according to the authors of a new Kiplinger article.http://ping.fm/FWMUm

Economists see growth picking up in new year, read more about it here: http://ping.fm/tXPEo

Great Article from Forbes: Housing market 'on sale,' may be the year's best holiday gift! "So while consumers line up before midnight to not miss a sale on a flat screen TV that they also know will be less expensive next year, they miss out on what could be the best sale in housing ever in a lifetime. Maybe the signs in front of homes should say 'On Sale' instead of 'For Sale…'" read more here: http://ping.fm/EQicJ

Rates for fixed-rate mortgages are again at historic lows, with 30-year fixed rates sliding to match the all-time low at 3.94 percent

Read more: http://ping.fm/SaPt2

Most people will appreciate that they’re unlikely to find a home that has every single thing they desire. Instead, we have to stick to the most important items on our wish lists – the “need to haves”, while remembering that the “nice to haves” are only secondary. Here are a few tips to help you separate your needs from your desires http://ping.fm/lDbWI

Marriage status can put you at an advantage when buying a home. According to a 2011 study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), married home buyers comprised 64 percent of all buyers so far this year -- up from 58 percent last year. Here are some ways to save up for your first home together. http://ping.fm/wufGv

If you believe your property tax is too high, there are steps you can take to possibly get it lowered. Here are a few that could help you: http://ping.fm/TK0Kn

CBS (MoneyWatch) says...While we're not out of the woods yet, as we end the year it's clear that the nation's real estate balance sheet is slowly turning around. Here's their 2012 real estate outlook: http://ping.fm/ma05R

10 Ways to Get the best of Winter When Selling Your Home: http://ping.fm/l5DSh

Listing Price for your Home is Key to Selling. http://ping.fm/QNtiH

CNN Money's 2012 Real Estate Outlook. http://ping.fm/KGRp6​11/pf/​make_money_2012_housing.moneyma​g/index.htm

Philly area escaped worst of mortgage crisis, fewer buyers overreached here because prices did not rise as much as they did elsewhere in the country. http://ping.fm/kx3mp

Pending Home sales up for most of the nation:

http://ping.fm/igsH1

BuilderOnline.com: 10 lifestyle trends to watch for in 2012 http://ping.fm/PeQ6C

Home prices and mortgage rates have fallen so far that the monthly cost of owning a home is more affordable than at any point in the past 15 years and is less expensive than renting in a growing number of cities. http://ping.fm/4deav

Mortgage Rates This Week: 30 Year Mortgage Rates at 3.99%. Mortgage rates are mixed this week over last, fixed conforming mortgage rates are lower and fixed jumbo mortgage rates are higher. http://www.monitorbankrates.com/mortgages/mortgage-rates-this-week-30-year-mortgage-rates-at-3-99

What you need to know about choosing the right lender. TODAY Show contributor Barbara Corcoran says its more important than ever to know your lender. http://ping.fm/z3W4e

Long & Foster's Oct 2011 Real Estate Statistics are out for Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, York and Philadelphia Counties. Cities are also listed. For more info visit our website: http://ping.fm/E0zoW

Great article on what to consider when deciding betweeen renting or buying a home in this market. http://ping.fm/gZmEd

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell below 4 percent for just the second time in history. Freddie Mac said Thursday the rate on the 30-year fixed loan fell to 3.99 percent, down from 4 percent last week. http://ping.fm/ysAwZ

Home Prices rise for 5th straight month: http://ping.fm/pl9IU

Effective Oct 1, 2011 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lowered their conforming loan limits back to 2008 levels. Find out what that means for Jumbo mortgages. http://ping.fm/Ve9xS

Why now is the time to buy. Two key measures now suggest it's an excellent time to buy a house, either to live in for the long term or for investment income (but not for a quick flip). First, the nation's ratio of house prices to yearly rents is nearly restored to its prebubble average. Second, when mortgage rates are taken into consideration, houses are the most affordable they have been in decades. http://ping.fm/D5TSg

Thinking of Buying a Home that is a Short Sale? Great article on exactly what they are and how long they typically take to close. http://ping.fm/9TvwG

Will the 30 Year Mortgage disappear? The federal government is reconsidering their involvement in the home mortgage process. They plan to still ‘guarantee’ certain mortgages. However, they appear to be redefining what they consider a ‘qualified purchaser’. They are discussing stricter lending guidelines in four different areas..read more: http://ping.fm/GkoAe

Clogged drains are the most common home plumbing problem. However, you can avoid the hassle by paying attention to what goes down your drain. A little care prolongs the life of plumbing pipes, prevents leaks, and avoids costly repairs

Read more: http://ping.fm/K3VSn

Kitchen remodels can be among the most expensive home improvement projects, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to whip up your meals in style. Here are nine inexpensive ways to cook up some extra storage, style, and function in your kitchen. Read more: http://ping.fm/vkSF4

Tips on how to be a SMART home buyer: Buying a house can still be a great experience if done for the right reasons through a process with a clear plan and open eyes. http://ping.fm/mbs0t

Here are the latest Long and Foster Market Reports for September 2011. View your PA county or cities market activity here: http://ping.fm/UuDKK

Tom Kraeutler, home improvement expert and co-host of radio’s The Money Pit, says early fall is the best time to start preparing your home for colder weather and for finishing up those projects you’ve been neglecting. http://ping.fm/hypQh

With mortgage rates at historic lows…is now the time to refinance? Here’s Today Show financial expert, Jean Chatzke’s advice: http://ping.fm/Wcfg1

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has fallen below 4 percent for the first time in history. http://ping.fm/Av7CL

As underwriting guidelines for lenders become more stringent, we need to re-examine what a good mortgage application looks like. Here are some tips to present a stronger mortgage application: http://ping.fm/YZYbf

This from our Glass Half Full Department: Leaf peepers are predicting a dazzling fall foliage display this autumn, thanks to Hurricane Irene and the non-stop rain that pelted the East Coast in September. That’s good news for your curb appeal.

Read more: http://ping.fm/8iHpv

It's a buyer's market in most of America for real estate right now, meaning would-be sellers need to do everything in their power to make their properties look good. You might think your place looks nice enough, but NAR research shows the average househunter looks at 12 properties before settling on what to buy. Here are some inexpensive ways to stand out: http://ping.fm/HYa18

Here are some unexpected and great ways to cut your energy bills this season: http://ping.fm/LQAvU

Home prices continue to show seasonal strength http://ping.fm/HvJbL

Although spring lawn care gets all the attention, fall lawn care is the make-it or break-it season for grass. Here are 4 ways to prepare for a Lush Spring!

Read more: http://ping.fm/pXDl8

Have you checked out the Aug 2011 local real estate market reports on our website? Here's the link, find your county or city: http://ping.fm/nHfcL

The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan fell to 4.09% this week, its lowest level in 60 years, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac. http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/15/real_estate/record_mortgage_rates/index.htm

With the Oct. 1 deadline rapidly approaching when the conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the FHA will be lowered, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently called on Congress to move swiftly to extend the current loan limits: http://ping.fm/efyNl

As with many investments, the best time to get into the real estate market is when most others are sitting on the sidelines. To figure out whether you can benefit by investing in rental property, here's what you need to know: http://ping.fm/TnuoE

Fixed mortgage-interest rates are down to a record 4.09 percent, Freddie Mac reported Thursday. The low fixed rates do offer a good opportunity to refinance your current home loan. Here's a look at the pros and cons of refinancing. http://ping.fm/gHIKV

5 Insider Secrets for Coming Up With Cash for Your Down Payment: http://ping.fm/FB4FJ

Are pre-listing appraisals a good idea for sellers? http://ping.fm/k9S5i

Group Urges $15,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit to stabilize residential housing markets. http://ping.fm/ZbqgM

What do you do when the appraisal on the dream home you want to buy comes in below the price in the offer the seller has accepted—here are five ways to fight low appraisals. http://ping.fm/uAB2L

Picking a talented real estate agent is one of the most crucial assets in getting your home sold fast and for the right price. Here are some great tips on what to ask agents during the interview process: http://ping.fm/RyWRk

Good news for budget-minded cleaning compulsives: Getting organized in the kitchen won’t drain your piggy bank. Stash more cash and control the chaos with these low-cost kitchen storage solutions, all readily available at home centers, discount stores, and online.
Read more: http://ping.fm/agjxQ

2 weeks left of Pennsylvania's Emergency Homeowners Loan Program which helps the unemployed avoid foreclosure. http://ping.fm/JKlUY

Home prices in the second quarter rose 3.6 percent nationally after falling 4.1 percent in the first three months of 2011, according to the Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller Index released Tuesday. http://ping.fm/bVuCC

‎4 Drawbacks of Home Equity Loans, Taking out a home equity loan against the value of your property can backfire if you fail to avoid these common pitfalls in the borrowing process.
Read more: http://ping.fm/9GXAh

It's a reality of our fragile economy: Many homeowners with dreams of the perfect kitchen or master bath are putting full-scale renovation on hold in favor of more limited changes. http://ping.fm/tOjWm

Let's hope for the best...but just in case...here's an article on How to Prepare for a Hurricane: http://ping.fm/ldrTt

CNN Money came out with their Top 100 Best Places to Live for 2011. Check out the list and see which Local towns made the list. http://ping.fm/fUSA0

Needing a little extra space but you’ve run out of ideas? What about that space under stairs? That little triangular area often has nothing going on behind it except raw, blank space you can put to good use. Stash stuff, display stuff, even add a powder room. Here are 8 great ways to take advantage of this overlooked under-stairs storage potential. Read more: http://ping.fm/w0gvk

Cnn Money's Top Earning Towns...Find out which local city places in the Best City's for high incomes. http://ping.fm/2OxKk

Home prices have taken such a beating and demand for rental units has increased so much that it's now cheaper to buy a two-bedroom home than to rent one in most major U.S. cities. http://ping.fm/SzSSW

In the tumultuous days following Standard & Poor's debt downgrades, rates on 30-year fixed mortgages fell to 4.32%, down from 4.39% last week and closed in on a record low of 4.17% set last November, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/11/real_estate/mortgage_rates_record/index.htm

There is no perfect formula for selling your home efficiently, but by following these five tips prior to listing you can increase your chances to close quickly at a higher price. http://ping.fm/jqlvy

Doing home improvement jobs yourself can be a smart way to save money, but choose the right DIY projects or you’ll end up paying dearly.

Read more: http://ping.fm/FHHxD

You, yourself can inspect HVAC systems to make sure heating and air conditioning flow freely and efficiently. Some mechanical components, like the flue pipe that expels carbon monoxide, should only be checked by a professional. But you can eyeball other HVAC parts and save money on house calls and fuel bills.

Read more: http://ping.fm/i4qdo

Here are 4 key need-to-knows to help you avoid getting a nasty surprise at the closing table. http://www.trulia.com/blog/tar​anelson/2011/08/4_insider_secr​ets_for_avoiding_surprises_at_​the_closing_table?ecampaign=cn​ews201108A&eurl=www.trulia.com​%2Fblog%2Ftaranelson%2F2011%2F​08%2F4_insider_secrets_for_avo​iding_surprises_at_the_closing​_table

As Congress & President Obama hammered out a debt deal over the past week, mortgage rates plunged -- hitting new lows in some instances. The 30-year fixed rate, usually the most popular choice for homebuyers, fell to 4.45% from 4.57% last week -- its lowest point since last November, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/03/real_estate/mortgage_rates_freefall/index.htm?iid=Lead

Recent Information on FHA Loans: http://ping.fm/QTS8s

Major concerns arise from the negotiations for the debt crisis. The fate of a valued tax break, which allows taxpayers to deduct their mortgage interest payments. Now lawmakers have proposed limiting the deduction as part of an agreement to raise the government's borrowing limit to avoid a default after the Aug. 2 deadline. http://ping.fm/dvOqC

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (PenFed Foundation), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization working to meet the unmet needs of military personnel and their families, is offering financial help to eligible first-time home buyers through its Dream Makers program. http://ping.fm/1p1iC

As we edge ever closer to D-Day (next Tuesday, August 2nd), those of us who live and breathe the housing market are trying to figure out what this will mean to mortgage interest rates. Read More here: http://ping.fm/GSu6X

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home are due to many common houshold products..this is a great article on what products cause it and how you can cut down on them. VOC's can cause chronic health problems and are tough to completely eliminate. Here’s what you can do to reduce your VOC exposure.


Read more: http://ping.fm/Uzqhh

Freddie Mac recently released its U.S. Economic & Housing Market Outlook for July showing the housing market, buffeted by a recovering rental sector, is unlikely to experience a “double dip,” & will likely follow the performance of the overall economy for the remainder of 2011. http://ping.fm/IJzFl

Recent reverse mortgage fraud case shows, seniors need to be very careful who they buy these complex products from and make sure they understand the risks. Read More Here: http://ping.fm/5TXVV

Time to get organized! Here’s some clever, inspiring ways to find the proper place for everything and turn your bathroom into the soothing, well-managed spa of your dreams.

Read more: http://ping.fm/h6Crt

Home Economics: Web's house-hunting sites not always accurate..be sure to do your homework and double check..better yet, give us a call and we'll do the work for you! http://ping.fm/aXYqb

Here is the June Long and Foster Market Minute Report for the Philadelphia Housing Market:
http://ping.fm/DFhke

Here is the June Long and Foster Market Minute Report for the Ardmore, Wynnewood, and Narberth Housing Market: http://ping.fm/pp9ck

Getting a mortgage can be tough these days, here's a great article on how you can better your chances at obtaining a loan. http://ping.fm/3iNg0

Here are CNN MONEY's 7 ways to save on everday expenses. Advice from saving $$ on property taxes to cutting car insurance rates. http://ping.fm/L0OQl

Shopping for wood countertops, cabinets, or doors? If sustainability is important to you when you remodel a kitchen or bathroom or build a deck, look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or (SFI)...read more about it here:
http://ping.fm/LHOck​cles/fsc-certified-wood-and-sf​i-certified-wood-whats-differe​nce/

Pending home sales rose strongly in May with all regions experiencing gains from a year ago, pointing to higher housing activity in the second half of the year, according to the National Association of Realtors®. http://ping.fm/7NDNw

Neighborhood is often as big a consideration as buying a house itself. Before you buy, you need to know if it's safe. Are the schools nearby any good? Are there parks, shopping centers or public transportation within walking distance? Here are few websites that can help answer these questions and more. http://ping.fm/KojvE

Many buyers & sellers remain uninformed about the purpose/benefits of home warranties. Home warranties address key consumer needs, typically covering the cost of replacing/repairing such things as heating & air conditioning components, dishwashers, water heaters, ovens, garbage disposals, and more. Read about why they are important: http://ping.fm/QUMvq

Data through April 2011, released recently by S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices show a monthly increase in prices for the first time in eight months: http://ping.fm/pi4wb

If you want to get a mortgage with a loan above $625,500 better buy now!
http://ping.fm/0OrGV

OPEN HOUSE 2-4 PM at 191 Presidential Blvd...tour 5 beautiful units for sale!! Also open, 537 Avonwood! For more information visit: http://ping.fm/JGApl

It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare. You pay someone thousands of dollars—maybe tens of thousands—to fix your home, and the work isn’t done right or perhaps not done at all. There are steps you can take to improve the likelihood your addition or renovation is done, and done well. Read more: http://ping.fm/ggqHN

Here is the May 2011 Real Estate Market Conditions Report for the Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and York Counties. You will also find separate reports for Bryn Mawr, Villanova, Gladwynne, Ardmore, Wynnewood, Narberth and Media Pennsylvania...Find out sale and sold trends at: http://ping.fm/KqKvG

Here's the May 2011 Long and Foster Realtors, Real Estate Market Update for Philadelphia County:
http://ping.fm/4yPJB

Is energy performance key for your next appliance or home system? Use Energy Star, the Consortium on Energy Efficiency, and Energy Guide to untangle the options.


Read more: http://ping.fm/SaoAR

70% of U.S. counties will be affected by water shortages by the year 2050, according to a study by the NRDC. That means your costs will rise, too. When shopping for toilets, shower heads & faucets, look for the EPA's WaterSense label to help you conserve water and save $$!

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/watersense-label-what-look/#ixzz1OnvSiblw

Maintaining a house in the Mid-Atlantic means protecting it from a triple whammy: hot summers, frigid winters, and lots of precipitation throughout the year. You’ll need to stay on top of routine outdoor maintenance to protect your home and landscape, keep everything looking great, and ensure your property retains its value for decades to come. Read more: http://ping.fm/qZXoT

Today’s home improvement trends show that we like our houses to work harder and smarter for the money we spend maintaining and improving their value. Here are some home improvement trends that embrace energy efficiency, low maintenance exteriors, and double-duty space. http://ping.fm/IzSJp



Read more: http://ping.fm/cjZbj

Here are some great ways to cool off your outdoor living areas for Summer. Read more: http://ping.fm/iMGDL

Realtors® Advocate Higher Loan Limits and Low Down Payment for FHA:

http://ping.fm/PwwZu

Mortgage basics for new buyers. TODAY financial editor Jean Chatzky gives new home buyers information on what they need to know when getting a mortgage. http://ping.fm/YdDfa

The mortgage delinquency picture is getting brighter, according to an industry report released Thursday, with falling delinquency rates indicating the housing crisis may be at the beginning of its end. Read More: http://ping.fm/1uYix

Here are CNNMoney's Top 10 turn-around towns..the Philadelphia area is one of them. Read More: http://ping.fm/bNHBG

OPEN SUN, May 22nd: 917 N. Woodbine in Penn Valley from 2-4pm; 2110-12 S. Street in Philadelphia from 1-3pm and our NEW LISTING 629 Spruce Lane in Villanova from 2-4pm. Visit www.PhilaRealEstate.com for more info!

Starting May 16th, Freddie Mac is offering incentives for buyers interested in foreclosed homes. Eligible buyers get closing cost assistance, a two-year home warranty and a 30% discount on appliances. Check out the HomeSteps.com site for more details. Hurry--deadline is July 31. http://www.homesteps.com/

Mid-Atlantic Housing Market Highlight Report: The Philadelphia Housing market experienced a 1.1% percent increase in average sold price in the first quarter versus 2010 4th quarter! See the complete report here: http://longandfostermarketinfo.com/Reports/Market-Conditions/Philadelphia_Current_PDF.pdf

OPEN SUNDAY, MAY 15th! Our newest listing 1475 Flat Rock in Narberth open 1-3pm; 708 Cambridge also in Narberth open 2-4pm; and 917 N. Woodbine in Penn Valley open 1-3pm. http://ping.fm/YtAxI

Don't waste your money on expensive home-office and bathroom additions, Today Show real estate expert Barbara Corcoran advises; instead, replace your front door and add a deck to get more bang for your bucks.

http://ping.fm/IbRKX

Open this Mother's Day Sunday!! 1614 Flat Rock Rd in Narberth. It will be open 2-4pm. Hope you can make it! http://ping.fm/8PLip

U.S. mortgage rates fell for a third week, sending mortgage rate costs to the lowest level since January. http://ping.fm/uY2ED

Consumer attitudes towards the housing markets are echoing views in the years immediately preceding the peak of the housing boom, according to a new national survey by the Gallup poll. Americans continue to see a buyer’s market in housing. http://ping.fm/FAElA

Here is the latest press release by Long and Foster on the Philadelphia area real estate market. http://ping.fm/5Vqsw

In the past few years, many homeowners have found it impossible to live with their mortgage. Recently, the Federal Reserve instituted a new rule on how mortgage brokers are paid, learning from what many observers say caused trouble for borrowers, here are some of the changes. http://ping.fm/a3sss

The weather is finally getting warmer! For those of you looking to hire landscape pros in the near future...Here are some steps you can take to help get the best value from your landscaping pros!
http://ping.fm/5i4ao

With home prices dropping, minimal interest rates and the cost of rental properties on the rise, now may be the time for renters to seriously consider buying a house. http://ping.fm/1fok8

Happy Earth Day! Click on the link below to learn about Earth Day giveways, (Lowe's being one of them...is giving 1 million FREE trees on Saturday) contests, and tips for making your home a greener place. http://ping.fm/NIqyu

Read more: http://ping.fm/7rAuk#ixzz1KHRxypSF

Sales of existing-home sales rose in March 2011. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, expects the improving sales pattern to continue! http://ping.fm/S5RYG

In honor of Earth Day 2011, we wanted to provide you some "Green" alternatives to bathroom remodeling. Remember Earth Day is April 22nd! http://ping.fm/mEuNo

Don't let your home decor make your home sale harder! Here are some tips on getting your home in tip top shape! http://ping.fm/BX8fo

Spring time has arrived...and I bet a lot of you have some home projects coming up. Here's a clip from this morning's Today Show, great segment on How to Hire the Right Contractor. http://ping.fm/gTgFJ

Important Settings Information for FACEBOOK Users

PLEASE READ - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE WHO USES FACEBOOK FOR BUSINESS OR PERSONAL REASONS!! Have you noticed that you are only seeing updates in your newsfeed from the same people lately? Have you also noticed that when you post things like status messages, photos and links, the same circle of people are commenting and everyone else seems to be ignoring you? Don't worry, everyone still loves you and nobody has intentionally blocked you. The problem is that a large chunk of your friend/fan list can't see anything you post and here's why: The "New Facebook" has a newsfeed setting that by default is automatically set to show ONLY posts from people who you've recently interacted with or interacted the most with (which would be limited to the couple of weeks just before people started switching to the new profile). So in other words, for both business and personal pages, unless your friends/fans commented on one of your posts within those few weeks or vice versa - you are now invisible to them and they are invisible to you!! HERE'S THE FIX: On the homepage click the "Most Recent" title on the right of the Newsfeed, then click on the drop down arrow beside it and select "Edit Options", click on "Show Posts From" and change the setting to "All Of Your Friends and Pages" (you can also access the "Edit Options" link at the very bottom of the facebook homepage on the right) Note: Business pages do not have a newsfeed however page owners should adjust the settings on their personal accounts. The good news is: now you can now view all of your friends and fans again. The bad news is: YOU ARE STILL INVISIBLE to a large portion of your list. You must get the word out to ALL of your friends and fans so they can adjust their settings!

Anyone tackling a major remodeling project wants his home to look and work better -- and to get a reasonable return on investment. Read more on how to avoid 4 common remodeling mistakes: http://ping.fm/qlDRN

Even though the country has been suffering through a national downturn, many in the nation are having their best years ever. Great article on why Real Estate & Financing decisions are PERSONAL and each individual should rely on their own individual self and not focus so much on national numbers. Find out why now is the time to buy and sell. http://ping.fm/4C9VS

OPEN SUN, APRIL 10th!! 708 Cambridge in Bala Cynwyd-open 1-3 and 2110-12 South Street, Unit 2110-3 in Philadelphia-open 2-4. Visit www.PhilaRealEstate.com for more information

Great Article! We want to report on what some members of the investment community are saying about the current Real Estate Market.
http://ping.fm/P8BmR

President of Wells Fargo, John Stumpf talks about How to fix the mortgage mess, Read More here :http://ping.fm/A5RfF

Been dreaming of a vacation home? Somewhere warm to get away? Or maybe a cabin in the woods? Prices are right if you can afford it.
http://ping.fm/uJZr1

Please take action! Politicians are going after the Mortgage Interest Rate Deduction and that affects all homeowners--rich and poor! What do you all think of a flat tax?
http://ping.fm/2PI63

Taniya Nayak of “Designed to Sell” fame is sharing her secrets, tips and behind-the-scenes tales for home sellers who are looking to get their home sold in today’s market.
http://ping.fm/bgu7R

The majority of America’s potential homebuyers and sellers believe that the real estate market and property values will recover in the next year or two. http://ping.fm/9QB0K

OPEN SUN, MAR 13th, 2110-12 South Street, Unit 2110-3 in Philly and 108 Debaran in Bryn Mawr. For open times and property information visit www.PhilaRealEstate.com

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses existing home sales, which have risen in 5 of the last 6 months. Bargain-basement home prices and job creation, among other factors, have begun to lift consumer confidence. However, concerns, such as oil prices, still exist. He also discusses why government backing of mortgages is important for the middle class...listen to his podcast
http://ping.fm/jy7DZ

There's no such thing as a "bad" real estate market....take a look at some of the patterns the real estate market can fall into, who is hurt by them and who stands to benefit, great article.

Read more: http://ping.fm/yPqYS

Prospering in the Real Estate Revival: 12 House-Rich Rules for Building Real Estate Wealth – Rule #7 – The Three T’s: Tenants, Taxes & Toilets
http://ping.fm/KEaHD

Mortgage Deduction under Renewed Scrutiny
http://ping.fm/sU6H6

OPEN SUN, March 6th 2-4!! 108 Debaran Ln. in Bryn Mawr: http://ping.fm/9LnU8

Looking for real estate market information about your local area? Click on the link below, then enter your zip or city/state. http://ping.fm/uc7cM

Straw-Bale Housing!? Homeowners Commit to Green Living as They Look Past Traditional Homes:
http://ping.fm/hFtZx

FHA Buyers--Best to get yourself Under Contract by April 18th. FHA rules are changing.
http://ping.fm/WCt74

FHA Buyers--Best to get yourself Under Contract by April 18th. FHA rules are changing!!

FHA Has Raised the Rates They Charge

FHA just announced they are raising the rates that they are going to charge for the monthly MIP, what that means for the same loan it is going to cost you more per month. Example on a $400,000 loan it is now going to cost you $83 per month more. So hurry and buy your house before April 18, 2011 and have your case number assigned before that date and you will not have the added expense. If you miss that date, you will have to buy home that is $16,000 less for the price of the house to get the same payment before the increase. In todays market its all about urgency to get the best deal and monthly payment, DON'T WAIT!

Here is the FHA ALERT Notice:

FYI: FHA has increased Annual MI premiums across the board by .25% effective with case numbers issued on or after 4/18/2011.
They are also creating new case number ordering procedures and an automatic cancellation policy that is designed to stop case number hoarding. Credit Policy will be releasing Bulletin shortly.

Effective April 18, 2011, FHA Systems will require mortgagees to:

certify at the time of requesting a case number that they have an active loan application for the subject borrower and property.
provide the subject borrower's name and social security number for all new construction (i.e. proposed construction and existing construction less than one year old)
Beginning April 18, 2011, FHA systems will automatically cancel any uninsured case number (including those issued prior to April 18) where there has been no activity for 6 months since the last action except for:

loans where an appraisal update has been entered, and/or
loans where the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) has been received
Last action includes:

case number assigned,
appraisal information entered,
firm commitment issued by FHA
insurance application received and subsequent updates, and
Notice of Return and resubmissions
Last action does not include updates to borrower names and/or property addresses. For example, making changes to the number of borrowers on the loan will not reset the 6 month timeframe for automatic cancellation.

TODAY Real estate expert Barbara Corcoran shares her 5 tips on getting a home sold. http://ping.fm/wzz35

Is now the best time to buy a house? TODAY real estate expert Barbara Corcoran and personal finance expert Carmen Wong Ulrich explain why now may the best time to buy a new home.
http://ping.fm/K4jNZ

Here's another article explaining why NOW is the time to buy. Please call our office if you have any question or concerns. http://ping.fm/6yr91

Borrowing against home's value can be a good move - but be careful. http://ping.fm/06RIZ

Are you a home buyer that received a First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit? Read this article to see who has to pay money back to IRS.
http://ping.fm/u4ybb

Get in while the Getting’s Good – Why Buyers and Sellers Should Take Advantage of Today’s Real Estate Market
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The Obama administration on Friday officially unveiled its plan to remake the mortgage market and reduce the government's role in housing finance by winding down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. To read about the changes..click here
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With Spring Break fast approaching...we wanted to give you 10 tips on how to protect your home while on vacation.
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Home Price Stabilization Seen in Most Metro Areas during Fourth Quarter, Sales Up: http://ping.fm/PyFg7

18 to 34-year-olds referred to as 'Millennials,' are most optimistic about the housing market:
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12 House-Rich Rules for Building Real Estate Wealth, see the video:

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Here are 10 Common Errors Home Owners Make When Filing Taxes
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VIDEO: Prospering in the Real Estate Revial: 12 House-Rich Rules for Building Real Estate Wealth
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For those of you who like Jim Cramer, here is his take on the housing market. With prices and interest rates low, now is a great time to buy!
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Two of the areas that potential buyers are often most pressured to remodel before selling are the kitchen and bathroom. Find out what to do—and what to avoid—when considering a pre-sale renovation: http://ping.fm/SISKR

More Positive News on the Housing Front! Existing home sales rose sharply in Dec.
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New Research on Changing Market. The recession has made 55+ buyers more practical when selecting a new home. Design considerations have become less important, and financial concerns have become more prominent, according to the study. http://ping.fm/BLeIi

Positive News on the Home Front! Housing will see gradual improvements in activity this year as the nation’s economy and job market continue to move to higher ground, establishing momentum that will produce more considerable gains in 2012. Read More Here: http://ping.fm/gED2y

108 Debaran Lane in Bryn Mawr will be open on Sunday from 2-4pm. For More information visit www.PhilaRealEstate.com

The Appraisal Institute released helpful tips for consumers, providing guidance for homeowners and buyers seeking to ensure their sales are completed in a timely manner. Get the tips here:
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Census: Fewer are moving far these days. Read More:
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Winter’s chill pervades much of the nation, and escalating gas prices are putting their own chill down the spines of U.S. consumers. But until the spring thaw arrives, simple energy-efficiency steps at home and on the road—potentially supplemented by federal income tax credits for specific energy-efficiency home improvements—can take the sting out of high energy bills, says the Alliance to Save Energy:
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Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors, responds to the Washington Post's article about Mortgage Interest Deductions.
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108 Debaran Lane in Bryn Mawr will be held open on Sunday from 1-3pm. For more information on this home visit. www.PhilaRealEstate.com

New trends for the new year! Homeowners are wise to consider hot trends to differentiate their home from others on the block. Read More:
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Chief Economist of NAR is forecasting 5.2 million existing-home sales in 2011, up from 4.8 million last year. He also expects modest improvement in prices.That would be the first in what Yun says will be a series of small but steady gains in the years ahead that will eventually bring home sales back to a period of normalcy. Read More:
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Pending home sales rose again in November 2010, with the broad trend over the past five months indicating a gradual recovery into 2011. Read more here: http://ping.fm/9lLHv