Archive for May, 2009
More Seattle neighborhoods considered affordable
The King County housing slump made six geographic areas affordable for those earning the county’s median household income of $68,821 in 2008. When the market was sizzling in 2007, only Auburn was considered affordable, a Seattle Times analysis showed.
As home sales dropped in south Snohomish County, affordability increased
Home prices got more affordable across all neighborhoods and housing types in South Snohomish County last year. South Mukilteo remained the most expensive neighborhood, while Everett remained the most affordable and the only neighborhood where someone making the county’s median household income could buy the median-priced home.
Mortgage scams increase as foreclosures rise
The letter may look like a government form. The logo may seem official. The Web site address may sound like an agency that can help.
Mortgage rates rise, remain below 5%
WASHINGTON — Rates on 30-year home loans rose this week and were poised to go higher as investors demanded higher rates for long-term government debt, which is closely tied to mortgage rates.
Congress funds mortgage fraud crackdown
The FBI, Justice Department, Secret Service and Postal Service will get a combined half a billion dollars to investigate and prosecute those who engage in mortgage fraud. It may not have made a big splash on network news or in print, but for real estate it was the equivalent of a congressional declaration of war [...]
Home foreclosures hit record in first quarter
California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona account for about 46% of the foreclosure starts in the country, the Mortgage Bankers Assn. reports. California and three other states continued to take an outsize share of the blame for the foreclosure epidemic sweeping the nation.
Shannen Doherty lists Malibu home at $4 million
The five-bedroom, 4 1/2-bathroom contemporary sits on an acre-plus, which includes a huge patio and waterfall. Actress Shannen Doherty has put her ocean-view Malibu residence on the market at $4 million.
Open-plan luxury in Brentwood
A contemporary home at the end of a cul-de-sac capitalizes on its natural surroundings. Warm woods, natural light and the sound of water falling from fountains create a meditative atmosphere in a contemporary-style home in the heart of Brentwood.
Actor Hank Azaria buys $10-million Bel-Air home
The 1932 gated traditional has seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms and about 9,000 square feet of living space on nearly three-quarters of an acre. It’s a far cry from Springfield, but comedic actor and “The Simpsons” voice artist Hank Azaria recently purchased a home in Bel-Air for $10 million.
Homeowner association members face huge assessment for legal fees
Question: Our board of directors made a claim against our insurance company that was denied. Without surveying the owners and membership or asking for a vote, the board filed a lawsuit. Before the court’s judgment against us, the insurer made a significant offer to settle the claim and the board turned it down, again without [...]