Sales of New Homes in U.S. Rose in April
Sales of New Homes in U.S. Rose in April
May 24, 2011, Bloomberg
Purchases of new houses rose in April to the highest level so far this year after plunging to a record low two months earlier. Sales climbed 7.3 percent to a 323,000 annual pace last month, figures from the Commerce Department showed today in Washington.
Florida ‘Rocket Docket’ Trimmed Down
May 24, 2011, Florida Times-Union
The funding that created Florida's foreclosure courts is gone but, at least in Jacksonville, the court will continue — with a change. Last year, the Legislature approved $6 million for courts whose sole purpose was to speed the process and reduce the backlog of foreclosure cases. Retired senior judges were hired and paid by the day with a mission of clearing 25 cases an hour.
10 Cities Where Rents Are Rising the Most
May 24, 2011, U.S. News & World Report
It might not sound like good news for tenants, but rising rents are usually an early sign that the local economy is picking up steam. And since renters often turn into buyers, steep rent increases can be one thing that boosts home purchases and helps the housing market recover. Here are 10 cities where rents are rising the most, according to data provided by research firm REIS.
Is the Home Foreclosure Crisis Ending?
May 23, 2011, TIME
Foreclosures have been holding back the housing market for some time. It's one of the reasons housing prices have continued to sag, long after many predicted a rebound. But recently there has been some news that seems to suggest a light at the end of the housing bust tunnel. The number of completed foreclosures has been dropping recently. More importantly, the number of home owners who are newly having problems paying their mortgage has fallen as well. Does that mean the drag that foreclosures have had on the housing market will be easing as well?
Utah House Flippers Will Star in a National TV Show
May 23, 2011, Salt Lake Tribune
Utah house flippers Mike Baird and Doug Clark have seen it all. Foreclosures infested with rats and mold, homes filled with drug paraphernalia and rotting meat. In the fall, America will see what they do for a living in Spike TV’s new series "Flipping Foreclosures," from the producers of "The Biggest Loser." And Spike is coming to Utah specifically because of Baird and Clark.