| PermalinkNational Apartment Market - Quarterly Conditions First quarter data shows the relentless pace of recovery in the apartment rental sector. The national vacancy rate declined by 40 basis points,from 6.6 to 6.2 percent,as the sector posted positive net absorption of over [...] PermalinkAmericans favor walkable,mixed-use neighborhoods,with 56 percent of respondents preferring smart growth neighborhoods over neighborhoods that require more driving between home,work and recreation. That’s according to a recent study,the Community Preference Survey,by the National Association of REALTORS®. “REALTORS® care about improving communities through smart growth initiatives,” said NAR President Ron Phipps,[...] PermalinkTIPS ON PUMPING GAS I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline…. but here in California we are paying up to $3.75 to $4.10 per gallon. My line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now,so here are some tricks to get more of your money's [...] PermalinkThis might be interesting as to who owns our national debt. At least it might make for some good conversation at the local coffee shop.Who Owns us PermalinkRates Fall Again Mortgage rates fell again this past week,along with the lower yields on Treasury bonds,reports Freddie Mac. Average interest on 30-year fixed loans declined to 4.87 percent from 4.95 percent a week earlier,and the 15-year fixed home loan rate slipped to 4.15 percent from 4.22 percent. [...] Permalink Paying Buyer's Closing Costs? QUESTION:I think you may have dealt with this question a while back,but can an agent in my office agree to pay part or all of a buyer/client's closing costs? ANSWER:The Legislature passed a law that states:"A real estate licensee [...] PermalinkHigher Costs Ahead for FHA Mortgages An article published online at Marketwatch.com ("Higher costs ahead for FHA-insured mortgages"by Amy Hoak) explains why FHA-insured mortgages have grown as a percentage of the mortgage market AND the changes ahead for the FHA. *** BEGIN QUOTE *** As one of the few [...] Permalink email me now Laurie Raulston NMLS #267373 805 S Church St Murfreesboro,TN 37130 [...] PermalinkIrish Luck His name was Fleming,and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day,while trying to make a living for his family,he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There,mired to his waist in black muck,was a terrified [...] Existing Home Sales Rise Again! January saw an increase in existing home sales:read more | |