Your Resource for Real Estate in Orange County

  Pasadena Star NewsHome prices drop in FebruaryFollowing three months of sales gains, California home sales posted a weaker-than-expected performance and declined in February, according to data from the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.). The statewide median price of an existing, sin...

  Los Angeles TimesBanks drag feet on short sales, survey findsThe CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTOR® (C.A.R.) published its findings of a survey this week, which show that tedious lender requirements and poor communication hamper short sales.MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY• Fewer than three of five s...

  The Wall Street JournalFive signs that say “buy”Home buyers sitting on the fence wondering if now is the right time to buy should consider five factors when making this decision: Jobs, recent sales activity, construction, mortgage availability, and anecdotal evidence. Each of these issues can ...

  CNN MoneyShould you pay off the house?An increasing number of homeowners are considering paying off their mortgage early. While paying off debt generally is a sound strategy, homeowners also are aware that mortgage interest is tax-deductible, so paying off a mortgage early may not be in the be...

  The Wall Street JournalBanks push home buyers to put down more cashMany economists and housing analysts blame lax lending standards – including no-down payment, no-document loans – for contributing to the challenges in the current real estate cycle. As a result, most lending institutions have ...

  New York TimesOnline mortgage shopping made easier The vast amount of information available online about mortgages – such as interest rates, loan benchmarks, prepayment penalties, and the like – can cause home buyers to feel confused and overwhelmed when shopping for a mortgage. Most surprisin...

  USA TodayFees for home mortgages increase For the first time since 2009, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are raising risk fees charged to lenders on loans they buy for resale to investors. Fannie and Freddie also are adding risk fees to more loans offered to borrowers with exemplary credit. Althoug...

Los Angeles Business JournalCalifornia home sales hit seven-month high in DecemberCalifornia home sales rose in December, posting their highest level since May, according to a report from the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.), as the inventory of unsold homes dwindled.MAKING SENSE OF ...

Smart MoneyReal Estate: Finally a good investment?The housing market still looks pretty bleak:  There were a record 1 million foreclosures last year, home prices are still falling in many regions, and the number of "underwater" properties is at a record high.And things don't look much better in ...

  The New York TimesA little-known strategy for cutting mortgage payments Homeowners looking to lower their monthly mortgage payments and reduce their interest rate may be able to do so without refinancing. A little-known strategy called recasting or re-amortization is available through some mor...