What will the new year bring for housing and real estate? Its easy to look at all the negative economic news in the headlines and say - theres no sign that 2009 is going to be any better than 2008. [read more]

The City of Torontos Land Transfer Tax (LTT), introduced last year, has had punishing effects on the Toronto housing market, reducing transactions and lowering average prices, says a study by the C.D. Howe Institute. It also says that theres no advantage to using an LTT instead of simply raising property taxes, but there is plenty of downside to this type of tax. [read more]

McLEAN, VA -- Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.10 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending December 31, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 5.14 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.07 percent. The 30-year FRM has not been lower since Freddie Mac started the Primary Mortgage Market Survey in 1971. [read more]

Its shaping up to be one of real estates surprise hot potato issues for 2009: Who chooses appraisers when houses are sold and financed? [read more]

Unlike many of the condo markets in the south, prices for a condominium in New Orleans is outpacing 2007 levels, according to data from the National association of Realtors. The median price of a condominium in the city of blues is up 7.7 percent compared to the 3rd quarter in 2007. This is the third consecutive quarter that prices have beat out last year s numbers for the metropolitan area. [read more]

When it comes to adding tile to a home, a lot of us head to the local warehouse stores to choose from a variety of selections. Using tile in a home for artwork can enhance homeowners surroundings while adding value and bringing home a museum-quality artwork look. [read more]

Americans are staying put more then ever, but when they do move many of them do so for housing-related reasons, say, to buy a new home or find a better neighborhood. [read more]

If youre looking to buy an investment condo at a great price in Florida, you just might want to get your loan application nailed down and in before January 15th. [read more]

While building green may still cost more upfront, many building industry professionals realize that the health benefits, employee productivity, and the overall positive impact to the environment far outweigh the initial fees. Better yet, environmental responsibility and green building eventually will lead to lower operating costs and increased revenue for building operators and owners. A new report by industry giant McGraw-Hill Construction backs these assumptions, showing an increase in the perceived value of green building among architects, engineering firms, contractors and owners over the last three years, especially the financial benefits. [read more]

Homeowner associations were fashioned after the villages of an earlier time where leadership consisted of a volunteer mayor and council. HOAs today have a similar volunteer board of directors. The complexion of the village has changed, but the organization is pretty much the same. The biggest challenge is how to get volunteers to serve. [read more]

Should There be Another RTC? SANTA ANA, CA-The commercial real estate industry can expect reduced demand, negative absorption and higher vacancy in 2009, but sales of investment properties should break loose from their near-standstill as distressed properties are brought to market. [read more]

Reeling from soured loans originated during the peak of the housing market, regional and national banks are turning to asset consultants to salvage thousands of reclaimed properties throughout the Valley. They hope to turn them into profitable ventures — a difficult task in a frozen credit market. [read more]

By most accounts, the commercial property market reached its pinnacle in early 2007 with the Blackstone Group ’s acquisition of Equity Office Properties Trust and its prized cache of more than 500 office buildings. [read more]

LYNN - With the number of foreclosures continuing to impact cities such as Lynn, the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND) has developed a two-pronged Foreclosure Prevention & Neighborhood Stabilization Program that consists of: foreclosure education, advocacy, loss-mitigation options and neighborhood-stabilization activities that focus on identifying distressed and ... [read more]

LOS ANGELES — Foreclosure search Web sites have grown increasingly popular, as more would-be homebuyers have begun focusing on finding distressed properties. [read more]

One of Dallas’ biggest developers is retooling its identity as it shifts gears to concentrate on buying properties. Koll Development Co. will now be known as KDC. [read more]

Jan. 6 (Bloomberg) -- London & Stamford Property Ltd . made its first acquisition since carrying out the second-largest initial share sale by a European property company in 2007 and said prices for U.K. stores and offices may not drop much further. [read more]

Missouri families hurt by the housing crisis could be getting some assistance this year. U.S. Senator Kit Bond has announced more than 43 million dollars in federal funds to help Missourians affected by the foreclosure crisis. [read more]

Pending U.S. home sales fell to the lowest level on record in November, as the plummeting stock market and faltering economy caused buyers to delay their purchases, the National Association of Realtors said.  [read more]

Pending U.S. home sales fell to the lowest level on record in November, as the plummeting stock market and faltering economy gave more buyers cold feet, the National Association of Realtors said Tuesday. [read more]