According to recently released statistics from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), existing-home sales rose 3.4 percent in April and remain above a year ago, while at the same time, home prices continued to increase.

Total existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 3.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.62 million in April; this is 10 percent higher than the 4.20 million-unit level in April 2011. Additionally, improvements in sales and prices were broad based across all regions.

According to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, the latest numbers indicate that a housing recovery is well underway. Yun stresses this recovery is not just being

Well, a couple weeks ago I said that the “experts” were saying that the Treasuries might fall an additional half percent and occasionally the “Experts” appear to know what they are talking about.  It appears that Spain has been feeling slighted since Greece has been getting all the worldwide press attention.  So today, with the help of the European Central Bank, they decided to do something about it.  Spain submitted a plan to the ECB to recapitalize the very large and troubled Bankia SA.  So Spain submitted a plan with virtually no hope of being accepted and the ECB confirmed the no hope part by rejecting the plan and sending Spain’s bonds close to their Euro-era highs.  Spain’s attempts to gain attention coupled with the fears of Greece’s upcoming vote

With energy costs on the rise, and green living trending, consumers across the country are looking for smart solutions to up their eco-friendly ante. However, many homeowners don’t pay attention to what is coming out of their tap—specifically, their shower. Water is a place many homeowners overlook when thinking of ways to make their home more eco-friendly.  One major way they can change their water consumption is to take a look at their daily water use, and their water quality—specifically hard water.  According to the U.S Geological Survey, nearly 90 percent of American homes have hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.

So how do you know if your water is hard?  Check your pipes and showerheads for scaling.  Also, if you have

Q: When Is the Best Time to Refinance?

A: Many people flock to refinance while mortgage interest rates are low, particularly when rates are about two percentage points below their existing home loans.

Other factors, like when to finance, will depend on how long you plan to hold on to your home and whether you have to pay considerable fees to refinance. It also will depend on how far along you are in paying off your current mortgage.

If you expect to sell your home relatively soon, you are not likely to recoup the costs you incurred to refinance. And if you are more than halfway through paying your current mortgage, you probably will gain little by refinancing. However, if you are going to own your home for at least another five years, that is

The first part of the week, rates increased back into the 4% range with the 10 year long bond, moving back up to 1.80% from Friday’s lows.  This morning global nervousness dropped the 10 year towards its all time lows again and mortgage rates dropped back to 3.875% with no points. 

The biggest issues scaring investors is the squabbling that is starting to unfold in Europe.  It is no secret that Germany’s economy is in the best shape, not only in Europe but probably in the world and correspondingly their debt payments are the lowest in the world – basically at zero percent.  Greece and Spain in particular have economies that are a mess, they haven’t taken care of business and they are paying over 6% on their massive (relatively speaking) debt.  The EU

An estimated 13,000 REALTORS® converged on the grounds of the Washington Monument last week to make their voices heard on behalf of homeowners, real estate investors, and those who aspire to homeownership.

At the Rally to Protect the American Dream, REALTORS® from every state in the country joined invited members of Congress to demonstrate their commitment to preserving access to homeownership and robust real estate investment.

“REALTORS® know that homeownership is an investment in our collective futures, and we’re here today to protect the American Dream of homeownership,” said National Association of Realtors® President Moe Veissi. “Homeownership and investment in real estate impacts families, communities, small businesses and the nation’s economy in

Worldwide, investors are fleeing to safe havens and these days that means German and US bonds.  Germany’s yield is down to almost 0 at 0.028% and our yield is down close to record lows –  dropping below 1.7% before closing at 1.73%.  Why?  The same soap opera; Greece is going to pull out of the EU, the Euro may collapse and more of Spain’s banks were downgraded by Moody’s.  Our 10 year Treasury yield fell (very slowly) for the 9th straight week approaching  a new record low.  Some “experts” are predicting the 10 year dropping below 1.5% but we must caution – many experts are only experts because they say they are.

On the US front, our initial jobless claims came in at 370,000, about 5000 above the consensus but within the consensus  range.  The 4 week

No room is too small for a fabulous kitchen! All it needs is some cleverly thought through tricks to ensure every corner of the room is used, whilst still looking great.
Take a look at these top tips on how to make a big kitchen impression in your small space.

• If your space is small, make use of light. With the combination of clever lighting, glass and mirrors, you can make the room seem much more spacious by choosing a pantone which works with the space.

• Try to avoid clashing colors and bold patterns, as these generally work best in larger rooms. You don't want the room to have too many different colors or points of focus. Instead choose something practical and let the accessories do the talking.

• Storage should be top of the list when it

Monday morning rates on the 10 year treasury dropped from Friday’s low of 1.84% into the 1.76 range and have spent the past two days between 1.75 and 1.80% and is ending today at 1.76%.  Mortgage rates exactly haven’t followed the 10 year down.  While mortgage rates have moved slightly lower, they really haven’t followed in lock step with the 10 year and are sitting in the 3.75% range with fees and 3.875% with no origination with most investors.

The economic news this week has been unexciting – which is good. Consumer Price Index came out showing no inflation due to falling energy costs and the core index came in right at estimates at 0.2%, about the perfect number – 2.4% annually.  Housing starts were right in the consensus range of 0.717 million

Despite the fact that Americans overwhelmingly support homeownership, legislative and regulatory proposals now under consideration would greatly harm home owners, home buyers, the housing market and the nation's economy. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has launched a new website, www.ProtectHomeownership.com, to bring attention to the threats to homeownership and inspire the public to take action to protect it.

“American families aspire to homeownership because they know that it promotes stability and is critical in creating wealth and providing upward mobility and financial security for families. Equally important, homeownership supports the economy by creating jobs,” says NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville,