The Brookings Institution, one of the nation’s most prestigious think tanks, has issued a new report on the mortgage crisis focusing on the role of state governments.  The report, entitled “Tackling the Mortgage Crisis: 10 Action Steps for State Government,” was written by Alan Mallach, a Senior Fellow at the National Housing Institute and a Visiting Scholar

The New York Times reports today that Bank of America is still firmly committed to acquiring crippled mortgage giant Countrywide Financial.  After reading the article, we’re convinced that the deal isn’t going to happen. According to the Times, Bank of America’s chief executive Kenneth D. Lewis “confirmed his commitment to the Countrywide buyout, which is expected to close by

The FBI announced today that the Justice Department’s crackdown on mortgage fraud has resulted in more than 400 indictments since March — including dozens over the last two days. Those arrested run the gamut of players in the mortgage industry, including lenders, real estate developers, brokers, agents, lawyers, appraisers, and so-called straw buyers. The Department of Justice’s name for the crackdown

Even in the midst of the most serious housing and foreclosure crisis since the 1930s, the United States is still a nation of homeowners not renters.  But recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau show that Americans are now renting their living spaces at the highest level since 2002, and the percentage of households headed by homeowners has

 In the blink of an eye summer will be upon us.  Here are a few tips for keeping your landscaping looking its best:   For homeowners that currently have their homes on the market, remember the first thing a buyer sees is your front yard. You always want it to look its best. There is nothing like

by Sandy Shores Melbourne FL REALTOR Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the Homeowner’s Bill of Rights, better known as property insurance reform, this week. The bill provides protection for Florida homeowners, and will assist in keeping insurance costs affordable. The law goes into effect July 1, 2008: • It extends the rate freeze from January 2009 to

Termites Cost Homeowners Thousands Our soil here in Florida is conducive to attracting termites. It has often been said, that it’s not “if” you get termites, but when you get termites in Florida. Termites cause millions of dollars of damage each year. They can eat through the wood in your home and cause severe structural damage

Many homeowners are looking more and more at the great outdoors for a better quality of living.  Outdoor living is not just a noun anymore, it’s now a verb.   What better place to entertain your guests than outdoors?  There is so much more space than inside your home, no matter what size home you have.  So,

 Getting Your Home Under Contract…. “The Valley of Flowers” It’s exciting for you, and for Stuart and Sally, when we find the property of your dreams, and you decide to go to the next step in the transaction process, by having us write a Buy/Sell Agreement. But what happens next? What follows is a guide to a typical

Specialty lists are available to clients seeking to get ahead of their competitors. These lists include New Movers, Pre-Movers (people that have put their house up for sale), New Homeowners and New Borrowers.