Rent Real Estate
Oil leaks and spills from residential fuel tanks have cost Canadian insurance companies and homeowners a lot of money in recent years. Insurance companies now balk at insuring homes with older fuel tanks, and some provinces have passed strict new regulations governing when the tanks must be replaced.
Many Canadians are not happy with government decisions these days and a
Mortgage Investors Lose
Look for more luxurious features and improved energy efficiency in new homes built in Canada during the coming year. A survey of members of the Canadian Home Builders" Association (CHBA) shows four in 10 builders say they will make significant changes to the houses they are building, including more luxurious features, better energy efficiency, more square footage and more environmentally favourable features.
Canadian artists may become so intent on perfecting their artistic skills that they overlook the importance of a safe, secure, affordable, inspiring space in which to work. Thanks to Toronto-based Artscape Inc., artists who want help leasing or buying studio space can turn to Square Feet: The Ultimate On-line Resource for Artists, Collectives, and Arts Organizations Looking to Rent or Buy Workspace for details on every phase of selecting, establishing and maintaining creative space.
Household credit in Canada is rising faster than you can swipe a credit card, prompting concern that some consumers are getting in over their heads. For now, however, the number of personal bankruptcies is down, indicating that borrowers are able to cope with their current payments.
Home buyers and other consumers are the true beneficiaries when Canadian real estate developers and other housing professionals win awards.
Canadians like to have their cake and eat it, too. Increasing numbers want to ensure the environment is protected and they want to enjoy the residential and commercial real estate they own and use -- a combination that creates business opportunities for eco-friendly businesses and companies.
The latest economic numbers show nothing but good news for Canada"s housing markets.
Stock market volatility and low interest conditions have made Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) appealing to investors looking for income-generating investments.
When Nancy Campbell of Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC), put aside her scissors in 2001 to officially open CCOC"s 10-unit conversion of a biker hang out -- the Stirling Tavern, notorious for its fights and fires -- and made a ribbon-parting ride on a 1,500 pound motorcycle, she helped celebrate another instance when "out of the box" thinking created a housing solution.
As the cry for affordable housing goes up across Canada, two recent
As the last of winter descends on us, Canadians from coast to coast to coast are getting cabin fever. Some adventurous Canucks have already abandoned us and are enjoying warmer southern climes on the open road.
The start of a fresh new year inspires many Canadians to tackle life-improving goals. Among these Canadians are those who chose a lifestyle move a few years ago that has not panned out the way they hoped.
A report by Re/Max Canada and Clayton Research says real estate prices in Canada will rise an average of 13 per cent after inflation by 2011, and that all areas of the country should enjoy robust real estate activity during the coming decade.
Yes, mortgage rates are at 40-year lows and energy prices are dropping, but credit cards continue to carry double-digit interest penalties and fuel costs threaten to rise again in the near future.
The 15-year FRM this week averaged 5.78 percent with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 5.77 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.03 percent.
Across Canada, governments and communities are out to get Canadians connected. In 2000, 51% of all Canadian households had at least one member who was a regular Internet user from one location or another, which was an increase from 42% in 1999.
Canadian homeowners are getting richer, while renters are getting poorer, says A Tale of Two Canadas, a report from the University of Toronto. The gap is widening by about one per cent per year and without government intervention, fewer renters will be able buy houses in the future, the report says. It also warns that homelessness and poverty will increase.
Owning an island is not an impossible dream in Canada where, according to Natural Resources Canada, there are almost 57,000 coastal islands of varying sizes. Although not all islands are cottage material, in a country with an estimated 62,000 freshwater lakes, there is probably an island out there for you somewhere, or at least a corner of one you can call your own.
Mortgages have put Canadians more than CN$ 343 billion in debt, according to Statistics Canada, but savvy investors love mortgages for their semi-annual compound interest returns and fully-secured status.
Canadians may know that a house, condominium unit or any other piece of real estate is worth exactly what a buyer is willing to pay for it, but when it comes time to set the list price for their own home, many seem to forget this important axiom of value.
Now that Thanksgiving and Halloween are over and done with, aggressive
This weekend, while most Canadians are thinking about family
As the Canadian National Exhibition opens in Toronto and across the country similar fairs swing into action, Canadians must be on the alert for fraud. Whether it"s the Pacific National Exhibition, a fall fair or a home show, when exhibitors offer prizes, promote contests and encourage you to "fill out this form to get...", some of your personal information may end up in the wrong hands - those of fraudulent telemarketers.
How high will interest rates go? In a recent report entitled, "Curren Analysis," the Chief Economist at one of Canada"s leading banks predicted "the lion"s share of interest rate increases are behind us now" and "the Bank of Canada has reached the end of its tightening cycle."
Everybody has read the headlines: Home sales are down 11 percent across the country over the last 12 months, median home prices are down, and inventories of unsold homes are bulging.
Existing-home sales slipped in February but remained above year-ago levels, while home prices rose at double-digit rates, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
What a difference a year makes! Barely 11 months ago, the National Association of Realtors joined forces with trade group allies on Capitol Hill to torpedo a Bush administration real estate settlement system reform plan, that sought to encourage "guaranteed packages" of mortgage and closing costs for consumers.
Low interest rates helped the market for existing single-family home sales to set the highest monthly pace on record in November, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Sales of existing single-family homes set another record in June, with an improving economy and favorable affordability conditions helping to satisfy a strong market demand, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Interest rates are rising due to healthy economic growth and they won"t dampen the general strength of the nation"s housing market, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
Existing single-family home sales rose strongly in March to the second-highest level on record, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Even with an expected acceleration in economic growth, inflation should remain low. That will maintain a low level of mortgage interest rates and keep housing near historic highs in 2004, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Sales of existing single-family homes set a second consecutive monthly record in August on the heels of record-low interest rates in June, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
September 11) -- WASHINGTON -- The Department of Housing and Urban Development should retain oversight over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac"s housing-related missions and programs while oversight of the companies" financial soundness should be transferred to the Treasury Department, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® urged Congress today.
Driven by strong market fundamentals, existing single-family home sales rose to a record monthly pace in July and prices increased at a double digit rate from a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
WASHINGTON (July 15, 2003) – The purchase pattern of second homes in the first quarter of 2003 shows a strong interest in investment properties, with a sizeable percentage of buyers owning or buying a second home, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Washington, D.C. (June 30, 2003) — The National Association of Realtors® praised President Bush and Treasury Secretary John Snow for the plan unveiled this afternoon to strengthen the consumer credit protections available under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). NAR strongly backs the administration"s proposals to provide consumers with one free credit report per year and to give consumers information as to how their credit scores were derived, how they can improve them and how they can correct any errors in their credit files.
Sales of existing single-family homes rose last month and are at the fifth highest level of activity ever recorded, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
If the latest numbers on credit card delinquency is any indicator, U.S. consumers are starting to get a handle on their credit card debt. In the 3rd quarter of this year, according to data from TransUnion, a credit reporting agency, the delinquency rate dropped to 1.1 percent.
Question: Our board received a certified letter from a homeowner demanding a copy of all board meeting minutes for the past five years to be sent to him within 10 days. This request represents a significant investment in time and effort. Are we obligated to comply with this request?
Stopping and slowing vehicle traffic is something most homeowner associations must deal with. Parking lot curbs keep vehicles from damaging the landscaping. Speed bumps slow traffic to a safe speed. Historically, these devices have been made of concrete and asphalt. But exciting new technology offers environmentally kind alternatives.
Question: Our management company seems too busy to handle our HOA business. The board wants to evaluate other management options. Is there some form or checklist we can use? There are many management companies. How do we determine which one is best for our needs?
Reserve planning is something that every homeowner association, regardless of size, should do because the HOA is entrusted with very expensive assets that affect member home values. Failure to maintain them causes home values to fall. The "reserve study" breaks down common elements into components and analyzes their current cost of repair or replacement and predicts when that event should take place. Reserve components come in all shapes, sizes and values. They are not all created equal.
Homeowner associations often come with common amenities which all members can enjoy. Examples include a clubhouse and pool. While not all members may use them, they are available for use, so all members share in their maintenance and repair. There are other common amenities, however, that are limited in use to certain members, because there aren"t enough for everyone. Two common examples include parking spaces and vehicle storage facilities.
Question: Our board wrestles with whether it has the authority to modify the formal architectural design policy.
Reserve studies are one of the most powerful planning tools in an HOA board"s arsenal. It provides a 30 year schedule for major repairs and replacements and a funding plan so the board can gather the gold it needs to get projects done as they come due. It"s a wonderful thing.
Local real estate expert, Mark Carlisle, notes that Birmingham, Alabama, the "Magic City," is the "population center of the state of Alabama. With approximately 1.1 million people living in the Birmingham Metropolitan area, the city has a little of something for everyone."
Homeowner associations are often portrayed as the detached governed by thankless volunteers. It"s the blind leading the blind or rather the clueless in charge of those that could care less. So how should this union of the unwilling go about acquiring the wisdom it needs?
The issue of sex offenders living within a homeowner association has received a lot of well deserved press. This awareness was triggered by Megan"s Law, which mandated that each state have a mechanism for informing the public of the whereabouts of sex offenders. In 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that information about potential predators may be posted on the Internet.
When it comes Board elections or need for a committee member, are volunteers scarcer than snowballs in hell? This is a common frustration in homeowner associations where the same few good women or men seem to shoulder the responsibility for life. So, how do you get others to raise their hand and step forward? Some suggestions:
Question: My HOA"s Design Review Committee conducts approval and denials on homeowner requests using email with no face-to-face meetings. What about the open meeting concept?
A Reserve Plan (also called Reserve Study) is an essential part of running a homeowner association. It provides the Board with a systematic way to track the repair and replacement schedules of HOA assets over a 30-year period and a fair way to distribute the costs of those events to all the members who benefit from them over the timeline. A properly funded Reserve Plan eliminates the need of special assessments which are unfair to those that have to pay them. And with adequate funding, maintenance gets done when it needs to be done instead of piecemeal or deferred.
While conflict is inevitable in a homeowner association, there are choices about how it"s dealt with. When handled constructively, conflict can create a healthier awareness and better relationships.
Almost as quickly as it dropped in Las Vegas, condo sales have made a dramatic turn around the last few months. Home sales are up the 7th consecutive month, according to GlobeSt.com – a national commercial real estate site. As prices have dropped 35 percent in the last year for condos to a median sales price of $123,000, the number of units sold has increased by 35 percent, as well.
Tobacco-related deaths in the U.S. number more than 430,000 each year. Medical costs directly attributable to smoking total more than $50 billion per year. Every year, 62,000 nonsmokers die from coronary heart disease and another 3,000 die from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
In a previous article called "Passing the HOA Baton", the subject of the HOA charging new owners a fee at closing was discussed with a recommendation of not to do it unless current owners have paid it also. But this topic needs further discussion.
Every homeowner association relies on permanent signs to point the way and improve behavior. A directory and map sign guides guests, vendors and ambulances to member homes. Entry signs establish a community"s identity and theme. "No Parking" signs warn of dire consequences. Pet signs remind of neighborly responsibility.
In spite of the fact that most HOAs are nonprofit corporations, tax filing is still required. A few HOAs qualify under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(4) as tax exempt if use of common property is extended to the general public. Otherwise, the HOA must file a federal tax return using either Form 1120 (regular corporation) or a Form 1120-H (for HOAs).
Homeowners associations use CPAs to conduct audits of the HOA"s financial statements. Audit procedures have changed dramatically as a result of many highly publicized accounting scandals in the past few years. Although the types of fraud seen in those well-known cases typically do not occur in HOAs, the changes in audit procedures apply to all businesses, large and small.
One of the vexing issues a new Board has to contend with is lax enforcement of owner additions and modifications by former boards. Lack of enforcement often results in noncompliant decks, fences, sheds and other creature comforts. The violators often claim they got verbal approval for the installation from the developer or some board president that moved years ago. Others claim they didn"t know approval was necessary. But for whatever reason, there are now a boatload of violations that need to be reconciled. How should the current Board deal with them?
Committees are a frequently untapped goldmine available to the HOA Board. Besides benefitting the Board by spreading the work around, committees are an excellent training ground for future Board members. Folks that may be reluctant or too timid to step up to a Board position often feel right at home on a committee with limited or focused responsibilities.
Question: What is the most efficient way to count ballots at an Annual Meeting? Our group has a large membership and vote counting bogs down the meeting.
Investors and Realtors who target short sales may have just gotten some help from an unlikely source - the Obama administration.
Good communication relies on common understanding of terms. English is particularly irksome because the same word or phrase can have radically different meanings. Take the military"s translation of "Secure the Building":
Part of the routine of running a homeowner association includes annual election of directors to the Board. In most, some directors step down and others step up to work with the remaining directors whose terms have not yet expired. Staggering terms makes sense so that there is an element of continuity. Seasoned directors bring with them perspective and history that is valuable to decision making. And it eliminates reinventing the wheel on issues that have already been discussed and decided.
Did you ever read the standard set of state mandated pool rules? They are meant to address health and safety considerations and are often directed at children (or childish adults). For the most part the rules are, like, “Duh, who doesn’t know that?” But they seem to be needed because there is something about playing in water that brings out silly, loud and obnoxious behavior in some.
From time to time, the Board faces the unpleasant task of removing a director from the Board for cause. The causes can be many but common ones are failing to attend meetings, disruptive behavior, inciting riots in the community and generally undermining the Board effort.
People involved in a conflict often know they are wrong but don’t want to admit they made a mistake. They continue the conflict just to avoid the embarrassment of looking bad. This face saving is often more important than the issue that began the fight in the first place.
The reserve study is one of the most valuable planning tools available to the Board of a homeowner association. But all reserve studies are not created equal. Like painting, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it.
One of the advantages of HOA living is the ability to join forces to achieve goals that individuals by themselves could not. HOAs can take advantage of volume discount opportunities like Cable TV bulk rate contracts that can save individuals up to 50% of what they’re already paying. And sharing the cost of a pool makes it affordable to members who otherwise could not. But there are many more untapped possibilities waiting to be discovered.
I once saw the president of a condo association escort a young child out of the pool area where the child was attending a birthday party. Such action is usually reserved for children who cannot follow the pool rules - you know, no running, no shoving, no fighting, etc. However, in this case, the child was paying for the sins of his parents - they were behind on their association dues and had lost pool privileges and, according to this hard-nosed president, so had the child - even for a
The most recent figures indicate that foreclosures are still on the rise. RealtyTrac, the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties, has reported that filings increased 12 percent in August from just July. The figures are 27 percent above August 2007 numbers.
Writing effective letters requires skill. In homeowner associations, they deal with a variety of topics. Sometimes they are informational, sometimes happy and sometimes not so happy. Whether you are sending good or bad news, it requires planning. The type of letter you write dictates the format.
Question: One of our board members, also the newsletter editor, was recently out voted 6 to 1 on a motion. She recently published an editorial in the newsletter criticising the board"s decision and for over a month continues to bring up new objections. Advice?
There is a myth that has survived since the 1960s that the business of a homeowner association (HOA) should be handled solely by the Board without assistance from professional management. That myth is anchored in the belief that money is saved and that there is better control.
HOAs often have rules that don"t exist in traditional subdivisions. Things like controlling pets, the look of the dwelling and where you park frequently qualify as finable offenses.
Out of the blue, an irate homeowner launches a sniper campaign aimed directly at the board. It"s relentless and focused. The motivation may be some personal grievance, hatred of a board policy, disagreement regarding how the board does business in general or a loathing for the HOA concept. Rather than seeking redress in an orderly and open way, however, the sniping takes the form of poison pen letters, back alley rumor mills or a personal assault at a board Meeting.
Big-city developers are beginning to pick up on developing and building earth-friendly projects. Over the years, alternative energy sources were usually reserved for those folks living in more rural areas, with the personal budgets to build solar panels and one-stand wind mills to create a personal power grid. Now, condo developers are taking it to the next level in urban development.
No two painting projects are alike. Types of materials to be painted, their composition, the complexity of architectural features, the types and degree of weather exposure, the impact of landscape features, and shade configurations all make a big difference in a well-conceived painting program.
Many people who are struggling to get mortgages are finding comfort in a growing trend: lease-options. This is a contract that allows renters to lease the property and, at the end of their lease, they have the option to buy the home.
The outcome of construction defect claims often depends on the warranties that courts "imply by law" into the relationships between the property
From time to time, a homeowner will launch a take-no-prisoners war against
Getting and keeping dedicated board and committee members is one of a community association"s greatest challenges. How can the board avoid the burn-out that comes with time on the job? Here are a few suggestions:
One of the advantages of a homeowner association is that it can enforce appearance standards, what is known generally as Architectural Control.
When to speak and when to listen is a challenge we all face. In daily
There has been a nasty rumor hanging around for years that homeowner associations (HOAs) are inherently flawed. The premise is that both volunteer and hired management are incompetent, invasive and tyrannical. Picture the Board trooping through the property with clipboard and citations ready to swat any owners that step out of line. Not a pretty picture for those that want "care free" living.
With ever increasing costs, many associations find it difficult to
Question: I live in a townhome and have had several major plumbing problems related to tree roots in the sewer line outside the unit. The association says the repairs are my problem. The warranty insurance that the seller provided says the blockage in the pipeline is outside so they don"t cover it. It has cost me over $1,800 so far. What"s your opinion?
This is the framework of how a homeowner association works in conjunction with state laws, the governing documents, management company and the Board of Directors. Learning the terminology will help you understand the
It"s a war out there... Car ownership and land costs on the rise... street
Question: Since homeowner associations are set up to be run by a minority who like to stick their noses into everyone"s business, how do we go about dissolving ours?
Question: I serve on the board of a homeowner
What is a homeowners association and why do they exist?
San Francisco, California, has seen the resale of homes drop 30 percent from last -- a downward trend seen in much of the state.
San Francisco, California, has seen the resale of homes drop 30 percent from last year -- a downward trend seen in much of the state.
Is Louisville, Colorado, just east of Boulder, really a "rising star" in today"s uncertain real estate market?
The buyers market of Pensacola, Florida, is seeing prices in a downward trend.
Phoenix, Arizona, could be seeing the bottom of its market. Inventory continues to increase, despite depressed home sales.
Last year about this time, local Detroit experts reported that home price deflation was the worst in the nation -- down 10.5 percent from 2005. At that point, NAR"s President sent out a hopeful word that the market was bottoming out -- and was a result of steep job losses in city.
Tampa Bay, Florida, is seeing median price of $230,000 at this time. Homes sales have decreased significantly from last year at this time.
" ... said Californy is the place you ought to be,
Orange County, California, real estate appears to be "picking up." At least according to local real estate professionals.
Plano, Texas, has seen sales continue to decline this summer. From 2006 sales have dropped around 10 percent.
The National Association of Realtors is reporting that it expects that sales should rise in 2008, along with median home prices rising to $245,400.
Sales are down 28 percent in Chandler, Arizona, from last year, say local experts.
Norwalk, Connecticut, a coastal city known for its water views and beaches, remains a buyers market at this time.
Located near the state capital, Belle Meade, Tennessee, is seeing an average list price near $866,000.
Realtors Pete and Terry Slater say, "The current market conditions have been changing. Even with the threat of interest rates climbing, home values have held. Level of inventories have increased to over 10,000 single family homes on the market. If this trend continures you will probably see a decrease in home values. There are some indicators that show us that by the end of the year home sales may again be on the move. Generating fewer homes on the market will only cause homes values to again increase. When will the bubble burst? Some thought it would burst ten years ago. If you could see what is in store for the Las Vegas Valley in the future and already on the drawing board, you would realize that this area will continue to grow for years to come."
Realtor Ramona Martin notes, "Buyers are looking at more homes and areas than in the recent past. The home in the best condition and priced right will still get multiple offers in a shorter market time than the average. Homes with obvious deferred maintenance are attracting low offers. The DFW area is still attracting corporations such as Fluor. The job market is improved and many are taking this time of low interest rates to move up to larger homes. Sellers need to be ready for these buyers. Transferring buyers are coming to town this Fall. Owners should be ready to take advantage of this market."
It is just eight miles from beautiful Portland, and offers everything under the sun for its residents.
Reatlor Jim Dishman says, "Finding a neighborhood to call your own is a breeze in St. Petersburg, where your options abound. From single-family residences to urban condominiums to palatial waterfront estates, you are sure to find that one of the more than 100 neighborhoods fit your lifestyle. Design elements of homes in St. Petersburg include elegant Mediterranean revival homes, charming wooden bungalows and contemporary loft projects. Waterfront views, pink streets and tree-lined historic neighborhoods are some of the unique features of St. Petersburg."
Tremendous residential and commercial growth is on the horizon for this charming town as several new areas are being developed.
A shift in the market could mean less profit for sellers, say local Realtors.
During the last 18 months, Wichita has seen an increase in aircraft industry orders and real estate sales. Are these increases connected? Wichita real estate agents believe so.
Avon, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, is known for a wide array of industries, which surprises and delights homebuyers, say local Realtors.
Franklin, Massachusetts, Realtors say the area"s beautiful rivers and easy rail to Boston make it an ideal suburban industrial community.
Still capitalizing on its proximity to the nation"s capital, Falls Church, Virginia is as popular with buyers as ever, say local Realtors, although it"s beginning to show signs of a seasonal shift.
Residential real estate has reported gains in sales in the last month, but commercial real estate may be in for tougher times.
Answer: Probably we"re going to see a lot more of them, given the rising level of foreclosures and distressed homeowners.
Despite huge increases in prices, Sarasota, Florida, homebuyers are undeterred from wanting to buy homes, say local Realtors.
Known as the home of the University of Maryland and the "cradle of American aviation," College Park is where the Wright Brothers chose to do early flight training. Local Realtors say the area offers a lot to homebuyers.
While existing home sales may be on the rise in most regions, it seems that price are still on the decline.
Realtors in Racine County and Shorewood report active interest in these Lake Michigan areas from homebuyers. Whether they are looking for the city or rural lifestyle, these areas have something to offer.
Steeped in tradition that includes heaping helpings of Southern hospitality, Charleston"s mild climate and East Coast location make it attractive to homebuyers.
The economy continues to send mixed messages -- some encouraging for real estate, some not -- but this week the positive are edging out the negatives.
"The Town of Yorktown, which includes such hamlet areas as Yorktown Hts., Shrub Oak, Mohegan Lake, and Jefferson Valley is an extremely diverse community," says Realtor Geri Schwalb. "Each hamlet area has an identity all its own; from commercial centers to historic and charming neighborhoods, the town is spread across 40 miles and boasts multiple accesses to the Taconic State Pkwy."
West University in the center of Houston, Texas, has attractions that keep the area"s real estate prices vital, say local Realtors.
Realtors in Seattle are reporting rising home sales as buyers head into prime homebuying season.
Germantown is an upscale suburb of Memphis, Tennessee, where local Realtors report the area is still a big draw for the elite.
Realtors in Portland, Oregon report rising housing prices and sales, in part due to a warm winter season.
Located just north of downtown Dallas, "Uptown" is a designated public improvement district with its own management, funds for ongoing renovations, and one-of-a-kind amenities such as the Katy Trail, a jogging trail fashioned from an unused railroad track.
Lake Murray offers housing at all price levels, suggest local Realtors, and at over 41 miles, plenty of opportunity for waterfront housing.
For buyers wanting a waterfront lifestyle, Cape Coral"s miles of canals to the Gulf of Mexico are in great demand, say local Realtors.
With an ideal North Texas location, Trophy Club, Texas is a sophisticated bedroom community north of Fort Worth.
Before we head into the winter months when people start taking longer showers or baths to warm up on a cold winter day, stop and think about how your water is getting heated and if you could be saving money.
The downtown Seattle housing market is improving every year, say local Realtors, as more people move in seeking investment and the cool factor.
Realtors in Goose Creek, South Carolina, a suburb of Charleston, report that homebuyers are flocking to Goose Creek.
With reports of home sales easing, Boston-area Realtors say buyers are just taking a breather and spring will be as hot as the Red Sox again.
Homes in the Lake Geneva, Lauderdale Lake, and south-central Walworth County are still selling well, say local Realtors, who don"t foresee more slowdown for the holidays.
Demand for more urban amenities is sparking renewal in "Uptown" Charlotte, North Carolina, where residents can be close to entertainment, higher learning, dining, and other attractions.
Housing is in a seller"s market in Battle Ground, Washington, a suburb of Vancouver that has grown in popularity lately.
The summer beach season may be over, but Virginia Beach, Virginia"s seller"s market continues into the holidays, say local Realtors.
Good news has made its way into the real estate arena this summer -- in the form of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. What does this Act mean for you?
Realtors in the Cascade Mountains area of Central Oregon say the spectacular views, mountain air, and fun outdoor activities contribute to homeowner growth in Sisters, Sunriver, and Powell Butte.
Even after weathering four hurricanes this season, south Florida is still considered some of the most desirable real estate in the country, and Naples is considered the crown jewel, say local Realtors.
Historical Falls Church, Virginia continues to be a popular relocation destination for those who wish to live within 10 minutes commute to Washington, D.C.
Howard County, Maryland real estate is so hot that Realtors are recommending buyers have preapproval letters from lenders in hand before they even start looking at homes.
Realtors in Chapel Hill, North Carolina rhapsodize about the "Triangle" area for its cultural diversity, unique neighborhoods, and educational and business opportunities.
Rolling Meadows, Illinois offers quick access to O"Hare Airport, the nation"s most trafficked airline hub.