Our Blawg
New Lead Paint Regulations May Affect Realtors®
New lead paint regulations go into effect in Massachusetts on April 22, 2010. Although the new regulations do not immediately or directly impact Realtors® and real estate agents, contractors will now be required to be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency...
read moreSummary of Recent RESPA and Regulation "Z" Reform Presentation
Key Features of RESPA Reform New style 3 page Good Faith Estimate (GFE): Must be provided to borrower within 3 days of receipt of a complete application. Must match HUD-1 at closing within certain tolerances. Except for "changed circumstances" GFE cannot change prior...
read moreGo For Everything. How to Finish What You Start!
On February 23rd at 6:30pm, Jeff St. Laurent will be hosting one of his most impactful seminars to date. Most people never finish what they start… and what is worse than that, of the people who do “finish,” most never give everything they have and are left with an...
read moreHUD Releases Additional Guidance on Final RESPA Rule
These most recent FAQs offer additional guidance on the following issues: A loan originator can require the use of a particular provider of flood certification and tax service as long as that provider is not affiliated with the lender; Pages cannot be added to the GFE...
read moreHousing Market Index, What Does It Mean?
An index of over 300 home builders, which shows the demand for new homes. The index runs from 0-100, so a rating of 50 would mean that demand for new homes was average. Data used in the index is provided by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The index...
read moreThat Didn’t Take Very Long
In an effort to avoid being bound by newly implemented RESPA (Real Estate Procedures Act) regulations governing real estate mortgage consumer Good Faith Estimates and Settlement Statements, some mortgage lenders have been providing potential borrowers with worksheets that estimate what their loan might cost.
read moreEarly Signs of Recovery
Reporting on all forms of payment, including cash, retail sales rose 3.6% from November 1 through December 24, according to a top credit reporter. Internet sales popped up 18%, consumer electronics rose 5.9% and jewelry sales climbed 5.6%. Major economists had...
read moreIt’s Showtime!
Dancing With Realtors ® Saturday, January 16th at 7:30pm Four Points/Sheraton, Leominster Doors open at 7:00 pm The NCMAR Charitable Foundation presents an elegant evening of Ballroom Dance competitions and performances to benefit Habitat for Humanity, North Central...
read moreEmployment Market May Be Turning a Corner
The number of people filing new claims for unemployment benefits in the U.S. fell in the latest week to its lowest level in nearly 18 months, a sign the labor market may be turning a corner. Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell by 22,000 to a seasonally...
read moreNAR – Home Sales Up for October/November '09
Home resales are expected to have risen to their highest level in nearly three years in November, as an extraordinary level of federal support has pulled the housing market back from the worst downturn since the Great Depression. Economists project home sales rose 2.5...
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