Updated: Friday, May 24, 2013

Investors Should Consider A Starker Exchange
If you are an investor and plan to sell your house this year, you should give serious thought to doing a Starker exchange. Under section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, if you follow the rules and swap one investment property for another, you will defer any tax which would otherwise have to be paid.
Full Story >


Corralling Credit Score Confusion
If you are like as many as 40 percent of consumers, youll need to really cram for this credit score quiz. However, the updated quiz will quickly get you up to speed on your score.
Full Story >


HOA Design Standards
In urban settings, homeowner associations have become a dominant form of construction. While HOA homeowners carry many rights and privileges, they often concede certain freedoms enjoyed in more traditional home ownership.
Full Story >


Agents: How Are You Rubbing Off?
It is amazing how much just one spoiler in a group can do to detract from the positive ebb and flow in an organization. So just for today - think about how you are rubbing off - and make this a day where everyone around says, WOW - I8217;m really glad I ran into you today
Full Story >


Credit Scores Continue to Confound Consumers
Its not surprising credit scores are confusing. Whats surprising is that more consumers arent pulling out their hair trying to keep score on all the new scores.
Full Story >


What Is The OFAC Terrorism Watch Search and Why Is It Important to Real Estate Professionals and Landlords?
When choosing screening services have you ever wondered what the OFAC search was, and if it was really necessary to use for your company? Recent events like the tragedy in Boston have placed a lot of emphasis on Americas terrorist watch list, and what it really means.
Full Story >


Builder Confidence Rises Along With Increase in Building Permits
Housing market improvements continue to be seen with builder confidence on the rise along with an increase in building permits. The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development reported that residential building permits increased 14.3 for the month of April and was 35.8 higher than a year ago at the same time.
Full Story >


Homeownership Is Not a Tax Loophole
Reforming the tax code is a big issue in Washington this year; and whatever is one persons preferred deduction is, in the eyes of another, its a loophole. Imagine, then, literally thousands of Realtors on Capitol Hill, filling their legislators offices, and wearing tags that said Homeownership is not a Loophole.
Full Story >


Reasons To Live In Texas
Texas is the second-largest state in the country and is home to a vast array of landscapes, cultures and businesses. Texas is large and diverse enough to be considered as its own region, but it is also part of the Southwest. Texas can provide almost any reason to want to live there.
Full Story >


How Renovations Impact Your Home Insurance
When planning a major renovation, the last thing homeowners think about is how it may impact their home insurance coverage. That could be a big mistake. Jim Adair reports.
Full Story >


Four Tips for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
Consumers can minimize the fear and paralysis associated with foreclosure by arming themselves with knowledge that will help increase their chances of a loan workout or amicable walk-away.
Full Story >


Real Estate Marketing Strategies: Do You Know What You Should Be Doing, But You Arent Doing It?
How would you know if you subconsciously suffer from knowing what you should be doing, but arent? Here are some signs to notice that will make you aware of whether you have this predicament.
Full Story >


Agents: How To Prepare For Phone Interruptions
No matter the system or strategy you employ to protect yourself from telephone interruptions, you will, on occasion be caught by them. There will be a few calls today or this week that penetrate your defenses.
Full Story >


Here We Go: Building Booming and Home Prices Rising
Build it and they will come. The new housing industry is growing stronger and helping boost the Gross Domestic Product GDP. Homebuyers seeking new homes are encouraging this growth.
Full Story >


Mortgage Rates Move Higher for Second Consecutive Week
Mortgage rates followed U.S. Treasury bond yields higher this week on signs of stronger consumer spending.
Full Story >


Tips on Buying Land in Texas
There are many things that need to be considered when buying land in Texas. In this article, we will provide you with some tips of what to look for when purchasing land in the Lone Star State.
Full Story >


Production Builders Are Meeting Realtors More Than Half Way
There was a day not long ago that builder/Realtor relationships were strained and unstable. But today, especially as it concerns production builders, misunderstandings are not as common as they were at one time.
Full Story >


Mortgage Squeeze Loosens, Somewhat
Some 8 percent of banks loosened mortgage credit recently and mortgage credit conditions have either loosened or held steady for eight of the past nine quarters.
Full Story >