July 2011

Fixed Mortgage Rates Inch Higher

Fixed Mortgage Rates Inch Higher

Mortgage rates turned course this week, with the benchmark conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising to 4.74%, according to Bankrate.com. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.35 discount and origination points.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage moved up to 3.83%, as did the larger jumbo 30-year fixed rate, which is now 5.19%.

Program Helps Troubled Borrowers

Program Helps Troubled Borrowers Reduce Mortgage if They Share Upside with Investors

Foreclosure Activity Down in Most U.S. Metro Areas

Foreclosure Activity Down in Most U.S. Metro Areas

By Alex Veiga

LOS ANGELES — Most of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas are seeing a sharp drop in foreclosure activity as banks take longer to move against home owners who are behind on their mortgage payments.

Pending Home Sales Rise in June

Pending Home Sales Rise in June

WASHINGTON (July 28, 2011) — Pending home sales increased in June following a wide swing down in April and then up in May, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Activity increased in the West and South but declined in the Midwest and Northeast; all regions show strong double-digit gains from a year ago.

Cut Home Owners Insurance Bill by Using Discounts

Cut Home Owners Insurance Bill by Using Discounts

By Phil Mulkins, Tulsa World, Okla.

July 20 — Home owners often think the only ways to save money on home insurance is to put up smoke detectors and insure cars with the home insurance company. But property and casualty companies offer a variety of other discounts, says BankRate.com, some for as much as 25% for obscure improvements.

June Existing-Home Sales Slip, but Prices Stabilize

June Existing-Home Sales Slip, but Prices Stabilize

9 Tips to Protect Your Identity During a Move

9 Tips to Protect Your Identity During a Move

Moving to a new home can expose you to the risk of identity theft, so take precautions to guard your personal information as you finance your new home, close and open new bank or utility accounts, pack, and move.

Foreclosure Drop Seen as False Indicator

Foreclosure Drop Seen as False Indicator

By Christopher Quinn, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

July 14 — Foreclosure filings across the nation in the first half of 2011 are down 29% from the same period last year, but not because the housing market is healing, says a national real estate tracking firm.

Mortgage Rates Hit a 2-Month High

Mortgage Rates Hit a 2-Month High

Mortgage rates increased for the second week in a row, with the benchmark conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate now 4.79%, according to Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.32 discount and origination points.

Owning a Home is Top Priority for 70% of Renters

Owning a Home is Top Priority for 70% of Renters