Archive for the ‘Housing’ Category

Americans equate homeownership with liberties

Posted on March 8th, 2010, by DHW

A great article published in the New York Times taps into the American psyche when it comes to homeownership. The author, Robert J. Shiller (one half of the super Swedish rock group Case/Shiller), provides a brief history behind  the creation of The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Fannie Mae in the 1930’s. Mr. Shiller notes [...]

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Singles benefit more from housing tax credit – video

Posted on March 3rd, 2010, by DHW

News video regarding home buyer tax credit.
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Housing tax credits – 58 days to go!

Posted on March 3rd, 2010, by DHW

Homebuyers have 58 days to obtain a written, binding contract to qualify for the housing tax credits. First-time buyers and buyers who have not owned a primary residence for the past 3 years qualify for an $8,000 tax credit (or 10% percent of the sales price, whichever is less) so long as they are under [...]

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HUD seeks help to study discrimination based on sexual orientation

Posted on February 28th, 2010, by DHW

Following through on a promise made last year to fight housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender, HUD is seeking help from gay communities in Chicago, New York and San Francisco. The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department is attempting to formulate a study that can identify housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and [...]

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88 Days Later — Housing tax credits expire soon

Posted on February 1st, 2010, by DHW

The extended housing tax credits are set to expire soon. Buyers must have a signed contract on or before April 30, 2010. The transaction must close by July 1, 2010. There are additional extensions available to certain armed service, intelligence service and foreign service personnel.
DHW asks: Will you take advantage of the housing [...]

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Fix the housing crisis – eliminate interest

Posted on January 17th, 2010, by DHW

A great post by seekingalpha.com
History can give us guidance in fixing our real estate crisis.
“Faced with his own foreclosure-nightmare, Julius Caesar came up with a decisive and practical means to cure the solvency crisis which was at the heart of that real estate meltdown. Caesar decreed…that all mortgage interest would be canceled. Thus, all mortgage payments [...]

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Game clock: Housing tax credits expire in 107 days

Posted on January 13th, 2010, by DHW

Buyers hoping to take advantage of the housing tax credits will need to have a written, binding contract in effect by April 30, 2010. Buyers will have until July 1, 2010 to close.
There are exceptions for certain armed service, intelligence service and foreign service personnel.
DHW asks: Will you take advantage of the housing tax credits?
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Haiti assistance: How you can help

Posted on January 13th, 2010, by DHW

From CNN’s ‘Impact Your World’:

How you can help Haiti

President Obama urged Americans trying to locate family members to call the State Department at 1-888-407-4747.
The President also encouraged Americans who want to help aid efforts to visit www.whitehouse.gov.
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China trying to prevent its own housing bubble

Posted on January 10th, 2010, by DHW

China announced on Sunday that it will not allow foreign speculative investment to cause a run on home prices.
The directive calls on the central bank and banking regulators to increase oversight and “window guidance” of mortgage lending.

“Relevant departments must enhance monitoring of loans and cross-border investment to prevent illegal inflows of capital into the property [...]

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Chinese drywall suit sees day in Federal court

Posted on January 6th, 2010, by DHW

If you have Chinese drywall and an FHA-insured mortgage, contact HUD at 888-297-8685 regarding special mortgage terms.
From The Miami Herald, Shannon Behnken:
“HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Jan. 5, 2010 – After months of legal wrangling, it appears one of the first lawsuits filed over faulty Chinese drywall is headed to trial in federal court.
Melissa and Jason Harrell [...]

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