RealtyBizNews: Real Estate News
With the latest on mortgages, refinancing, real estate & home tips
There are many programs on TV today, and even more online, dedicated to proving just how stupid criminals are. However, much as a broken clock is right twice a day, there are times when even the dumbest of criminals get things right or get lucky. While on face value, protecting your home from crime may seem expensive, the truth is it does not have to be.
Fidelis Screening Solutions is a leading provider in the background check and drug screening industry, and has just launched a new version of RentPrep, a popular landlord tenant screening solution.
Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, has warned that even as the economy picks up and more employment opportunities are created, the commercial real estate market faces a number of challenges as it makes its first tentative steps towards a recovery.
Property investment expert Rick Otton is warning that increased levels of international institutional investment in the UK property market, in particular from the US could make it even harder for buyers to get onto the property ladder.
Throughout the housing crisis, one of the biggest stumbling blocks faced by real estate agents, buyers and sellers alike has been the appraisal process. Would the appraised value be lower than the agreed sales price, and if so, how much lower would it be? It’s thought that thousands of potential transactions have been derailed due to lower-than-expected appraisals.
Buying a new home? Replacing your old appliances? You probably haven’t given it much thought, but a home warranty might be a good investment for you and your family. Sure, the extended warranty for your appliances will cover manufacturing defects, but what about if something major breaks – and it isn’t covered by your manufacturer’s warranty?
The numbers of FHA eligible homebuyers is increasing, and it’s expected that 70% of those forced to sell during the recession will be able to regain homeownership status within the next eight years. Housing inventory numbers are expected to continue declining as home prices surge due to more FHA borrowers taking advantage of the programs attractive down payment options and interest rates.
Making your home more eco-friendly can be a costly business if you’re committed to energy independence and sustainability, and if you can’t afford to install solar panels or low-energy appliances you might be at a loss as to how to get started. Luckily there are a lot of ways you can reduce your energy costs and reduce your impact on the environment.
Outdoor home features are projected to increase in popularity this year and hot trends include outdoor kitchens, fire pits, entertainment spaces, pools and dining areas. Direct From the Designers offers consumers and builders innovative and best-selling house plans direct from the designers themselves.
Francisca Alonso, CEO of AV Architects and Builders of Northern Virginia, has been awarded The Hot Mommas® 2012-2013 STEM Award in its case study competition. Alonso will receive her reward at the George Washington University School of Business this fall.
