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Housing activity began to turn around in 2012 and will continue to pick up in 2013, according to Frank Nothaft, chief economist for Freddie Mac. Read the full story

Homeowners having trouble paying their mortgage are often required to write a hardship letter when applying for a loan modification. Such a letter is a requirement for modification applications under the government’s Making Home Affordable program. A hardship letter is… Continue Reading →

Ten mortgage servicing companies subject to enforcement actions for deficient practices in mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure processing have reached an agreement in principle with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Reserve Board to… Continue Reading →

Many home buyers think that real estate auctions are the best way to get a good deal on a home. While there are certainly deals to be had, auctions also can be dangerous for buyers. Buyers planning to attend an… Continue Reading →

While they are overseas protecting our country, military personnel often have problems meeting certain financial obligations at home, such as keeping current on their rent or mortgage obligations. Last August, President Obama signed a law that strengthened existing provisions aimed… Continue Reading →

The start of the new year brings more protections to California homeowners, mainly those who are trying to save their properties from being repossessed. The Homeowner Bill of Rights, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2012, is a set of… Continue Reading →

In October of 2009, pursuant to SB 94, it became illegal for any person, including lawyers, real estate licensees, corporations, companies, partnerships, or any other licensed or unlicensed person or party, to demand, charge, or collect any advance, up-front, or… Continue Reading →

Mortgage rates closed out 2012 near record lows, keeping home affordability at a significant high as the nation and housing market move towards an uncertain future in 2013. While the country’s financial issues are impacting overall confidence, mortgage rates continue… Continue Reading →

Late Tuesday night, Congress reached a settlement in the “fiscal cliff” negotiations. As a result, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act has been extended for another year. The measure will continue to exempt from taxation mortgage debt that is forgiven… Continue Reading →

California’s median price continued to register double-digit gains from year-ago levels and strong sales of higher-priced homes led to a year-over-year increase in sales in California during November, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® reported this week. The statewide median price… Continue Reading →