Today’s news that may be of interest to you:
I had a conversation with an agent yesterday who told me he just sold a listing to a buyer that found him (and his listing) through Trulia, a first for him. Do you have a profile there? Is your Trulia profile updated? It’s worth reviewing at: www.trulia.com Also check out the first article below for 2012 trends to watch. ~Anthony
Real Estate Predictions for 2012
Speaking of Real Estate (NAR blogs) | December 29, 2012
With nearly half of all REALTORS® using social media in 2011, it’s safe to say that it’s no fad. But will further adoption of social media be a driving force of change for the real estate industry in 2012, or will other trends prove more disruptive? I asked several social-media-savvy real estate professionals, “What new tools or trends will have the biggest impact on the real estate industry in 2012?” Here’s what they had to say.
The Fed’s Advice on the Housing Crisis
The New York Times | January 4, 2012
The Federal Reserve tried Wednesday to stir interest among policy makers in the problems afflicting the housing market, sending a white paper to Congress outlining suggestions for easing those problems.
Pending Home Sales Highest in Over a Year-and-a-Half
DSNews | January 4, 2012
Pending home sales continued to rise in November, reaching their highest level in 19 months, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported late last week.
U.S. Apartment Vacancies Fall to Decade Low
Bloomberg | January 5, 2012
U.S. apartment vacancies dropped to a 10-year low in the fourth quarter, allowing for rent increases that are likely to continue this year, Reis Inc. said
Trouble at the Office for CMBS
The Wall Street Journal | January 5, 2012
The number of troubled loans tied to commercial mortgage-backed securities grew slightly in December, with office properties leading the bad news.
Bernanke Calls for Nationwide REO Rental Program
HousingWire | January 4, 2012
The government should consider helping the nation’s vacant, unsold stock of foreclosed properties by supporting initiatives to occupy.
Funds Investing in Commercial Real Estate have Good Year
USA Today | January 5, 2012
Real estate had an excellent year last year. Assuming, of course, your mutual fund owned it.
Auto Lenders Speeding Past Mortgage Woes
The Wall Street Journal | January 5, 2012
Historically, lenders have viewed mortgage troubles as a major red flag. Now, firms such as Ally Financial Inc., General Motors Financial Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Credit of America Inc. are sifting through loan applications to determine which borrowers with scuffed mortgage-payment histories are likely to be good credit risks.
Typo Involving 80 Cents Nearly Cost Man His Home
The Tampa Tribune | January 5, 2012
When Tom Mudie was approved for a mortgage modification program, he thought his foreclosure troubles were over. Bank of America lowered his monthly payment by nearly $200. All he had to do was make the new payments – on time for three months – and the new amount would be made permanent.
From the National Association of Realtors®:
More Americans Are on the Move, Survey Says
Where are Americans moving to? The latest migration survey shows an increase in households moving to the East Coast, and more Americans saying goodbye to Rust Belt states.
Will the FHA Need a Bailout?
Housing experts warn that the Federal Housing Administration is depleting its cash reserves due to a spike in delinquencies on FHA-insured loans, and the agency may soon need help from taxpayers.
Find me on: 
Anthony V. Carollo / President
Stewart Title of Spokane
606 W. 3rd Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Telephone: 509.328.7171
Direct Line: 509.321.3939
Direct Fax: 866.652.8834
acarollo@stewart.com
Please remember to choose Stewart Title of Spokane on your next transaction!
