REALTOR.org has an article “Key Features of the New Housing Rescue Plan” that provides a good summary of the government’s new plan to assist homeowners in trouble.
Resource: REALTOR.org
March 31, 2010
Loan Modification Program Not Successful
In an article on REALTOR.org it is pointed out that the loan modification program for home owners who are underwater is not working. Over half of the home owners who had their loan modified have subsequently gone into foreclosure.
As a result, the government launched a revised program to help home owners who are unemployed and underwater. You can read a summary here.
Don Grafues
Resource: REALTOR.org & Bloomberg.com
Resource: REALTOR.org & Bloomberg.com
Comments Off
March 30, 2010
New Lead Base Paint Remediation Regulations
EPA established tighter controls over the removal of lead based paint when remodeling.
The EPA has established tighter requirements for contractors when remodeling homes built before 1978 that most likely contain lead based paint. There is a concern that many contractors have not yet been certified which can add additional cost and delays to remodeling projects. You can read more at yosemite.epa.gov and www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/renovation. These regulations are slated to go into effect April 22.
Resource: REALTOR.org & EPA
Comments Off
More Bees This Year
One result of a wet winter is the flourishing of blooming desert plants. Many of these plants provide food to bees and the more plants there are the greater the number of bees that can be supported in an area. It is not unusual for me to see one or two swarms fly overhead in the Spring. With the wet weather we had this year I may see more.
The Arizona Emergency Information Network has published an advisory titled “Tips to Avoid Bee Attacks.” In addition to the AZEIN article, here are two additional resources; AAA Bee Removal and reported cases of bees stings and other news at Sting Shield Insect Veil.
Comments Off
March 29, 2010
14 Percent Of Mortgages Delinquent
According to Reuters and REALTOR.org, close to 14 percent of all mortgages were in trouble in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Don Grafues
Resource: REALTOR.org & Reuters
Resource: REALTOR.org & Reuters
Comments Off
A Cochise County Hidden Asset
Visiting Cochise County? Then the Arizona Folklore Preserve in Ramsey Canyon may be of interest.
Don Grafues
Resource: Sierra Vista Herald
Resource: Sierra Vista Herald
Comments Off
March 28, 2010
China’s Real Estate Boom
Here is what some are saying about the real estate boom in China;
- Vitaliy Katsenelson: “…the bursting of the real estate bubble in China could turn the country from a ‘wind in the sails of the global economy to its anchor’.”
- Vitaliy Katsenelson: “China may pull back on its purchase of U.S. dollars, a development that could ripple through the American economy and drive mortgage and auto loan rates higher.”
- Mark Zandi: “China is key to the global economy. If it can lead the (world) out of the recession, it can lead it back in.”
Don Grafues
Resource: REALTOR.org & USA Today
Resource: REALTOR.org & USA Today
Comments Off
Bluegrass Festival
2010 Benson Arizona Bluegrass Festival
The city of Benson, Arizona has a Bluegrass Festival each year that is gaining in stature. The 2010 festival is April 23 through the 25th. You can purchase tickets on the Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce web site. Clicking on the image will take you to the program flier.
Don Grafues
Resource: Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce
Resource: Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce
Comments Off
March 27, 2010
Where Are The Baby Boomers?
According to REALTOR.org, the rate of population growth in the sun belt is slowing as baby boomers stay put. Phoenix lost population in 2009.
Don Grafues
Resource: REALTOR.org
Resource: REALTOR.org
Comments Off
Fed Holding Steady
In a presentation to Town Hall Los Angeles on March 23, Janet L. Yellen, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco said;
… the Fed’s main policy making body, the Federal Open Market Committee, last week repeated its statement that it expects low interest rates to continue for an extended period.
Obviously anything that helps keep mortgages affordable helps stimulate the housing market.
Don Grafues
Resource: REALTOR.org & Federal Reserve
Resource: REALTOR.org & Federal Reserve
Comments Off
