US home sales rise 9.4 percent in September

WASHINGTON -- U.S. home resales rose far more than expected last month to the highest level in more than two years as buyers scrambled to complete their purchases before a tax credit for first-time owners expires.

Source:Associated Press
US home sales rise 9.4 percent in SeptemberBy ALAN ZIBEL , 10.23.09, 10:05 AM EDT

FDIC’s Bair: Bank Failures Will Continue at a ‘Good Clip’ This Year

Banks have stabilized since the collapse of Lehman, but “failures will continue at a good clip” this year and next, FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair told CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo Tuesday.

source; http://wallstreetpit.com/10389-fdics-bair-bank-failures-will-continue-at-a-good-clip-this-year; editor

Listed: Meticulous Arts And Crafts Replica

Newly constructed homes that imitate historical styles often miss their mark, capturing the essence of a period from the outside, but leaving the interior devoid of character.
That’s not the case for this recently built, $2.8 million, six-bedroom home in Bedford, N.Y., constructed in the arts and crafts style. The indoor details were attended to as carefully as the stone and shingle exterior: wainscoting, arched doorways and molding galore adorn the place.

Source; http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/09/bedford-luxury-zip-lifestyle-real-estate-house-of-week.html; franseca levy

What You Need to Know About Reverse Mortgages

With today’s retirees living longer than expected, many of them are turning to other sources of income in their golden years. A buzzword among many seniors is “reverse mortgage,” though critics say they’re often too good to be true. So what is a reverse mortgage, and what does it really do?

source; http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/personal-finance/on-topic/need-know-reverse-mortgages-644573935/ ; Kathryn Elizabeth Tuggle

Classic Architecture Perched On A Canyon

$1.2 million, any home buyer should expect a lot of perks packaged into such a price. But this three-bedroom ranch, in the California city of Arcadia, offers none of the baroque bathrooms, elevators and home theaters that characterize many McMansions. Its sellers are betting that buyers will forgo the chintz for a sleek, unembellished example of classic architecture. The stunning view of Big Santa Anita Canyon shouldn't hurt the home's sale, either.

source; http://www.forbes.com/2009/09/23/home-of-the-week-lifestyle-real-estate-arcadia-house.html Francesca Levy,

FHA Announces Several Policy Changes. Adopts HVCC Guidelines

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today announced several significant policy changes that are intended to improve their exposure to risk. The changes, effective January 1, include.


source; http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/09182009_drastic_fha_guideline_changes.asp
Adam Quinones

Where Home Prices Are Likely To Rise

Though home prices in many areas still have room to drop, economists say some of the country's real estate markets are showing early signs of repair. A two-year slide in values has eased its stomach-turning pace, and some analysts expect the national market to bottom out by mid 2010.

source: www.forbes.com ; Francesca Levy

http://www.forbes.com/2009/09/14/cities-home-prices-lifestyle-real-estate-homes-cities.html