Colonial’s Real Estate Update

Today's Headlines

Real Estate Outlook: Consumer Confidence Rising
If rising sales, rising consumer confidence, and rising new construction are keys to a rebound ahead in the home real estate market, it looks like we're well into recovery mode. FULL STORY->

Emphasis on Social Norms Will Help Brokerages in the Long Run
Sometimes people will work harder and more willingly for nothing than they would for a small amount. Perhaps this sounds odd; but it’s a phenomenon with which we are all familiar. FULL STORY->

G8 Meets "Cottage Country"
Social media rose to popularity through its socializing potential, but it's rapidly gaining recognition for its power in community building for real communities. PJ Wade reveals the methods one town used to attract an international summit. FULL STORY->

Washington Report: HUD Raises Expectations
Under pressure from Congress and its own Inspector General, HUD is beefing up its efforts to weed out unethical lenders participating in its booming FHA mortgage programs. FULL STORY->

Helping Clients Estimate Their Affordability Range
Traditionally, real estate and mortgage professionals have encouraged homeowners to stretch -- to shop for homes at the upper end of their affordability range. We wanted them to maximize their investment, and we were seeing property values and incomes rise, especially for homeowners who were first starting out. It all made for a very sound investment in housing. FULL STORY->

Condo Trends: Come Home to the Mall
There's nothing better than coming home to a fresh meal on the table, a clean apartment right after a good workout -- and maybe a short shopping spree. Such is the lifestyle of residents at the 39-story Miraval Living spa-condo complex on 72nd Street, which just opened a mall on its 28th floor. FULL STORY->

Condos are a great buy, but look before you leap

BOCA RATON, Fla. – May 26, 2009 – Steve Economou last month paid $157,000 cash for a fully furnished two-bedroom condominium at Boca Teeca, a short bike ride from the ocean in Boca Raton.The suburban Boston investor took advantage of plunging prices to buy a second home in Florida.“It’s the greatest feeling in the world,” he said.Bargain hunters such as Economou are driving condo sales as the median prices in Palm Beach and Broward counties have tumbled below $100,000, prices not seen since 2003.

Full Story: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n5-052609.cfm

In Case you Missed it:
U.S. Recession May Be Over, Barclays’ Knapp Says:
May 11 (Bloomberg) --

The longest U.S. recession since the Great Depression may have ended last month, according to Barry Knapp, a strategist at Barclays Capital. “We appear to be in the sweet spot of a recovery,” Knapp wrote in a weekly report on May 8.

See Story: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aA7Kx7Je5XeM&refer=news

REO’s
Are you interested in selling/listing REO’s? Take a look at this guide on how to get to the asset managers:
http://colonial.laneguide.com/

REO ASSET DEPARTMENTS, LOSS MITIGATION OFFICES, and LOAN SERVICE CENTERS - 'NOTE DEPT' where loans are held and serviced! ).

Did you know that:

on FNMA and Freddie Mac REO Addendum’s , the Purchaser is allowed to choose their preferred title company, as long as the Purchaser pays for the Owner’s Title Insurance??????? It’s true. If you are selling a FNMA or FreddieMac REO, your buyer does have a choice!!!!!!!!!

Sharpen your Saw/REAL ESTATE AGENT BOOTCAMP
Our Educational Seminars:Special Offering:Brokers/Agents would you like us to bring our team of local professional speakers to your office meetings?

Contact us and we’ll supply you with our vast list of topics that are related to the real estate industry……

We will make you sit up and take notice…..these programs are designed to teach….learn….and start making $$$$$ today. Here’s what agents and brokers have to say: Wow!

Thank you so much for bringing Mike Husson to our office. What a powerhouse! What a shot of optimism! What a great presentation! He is inspirational, believable, and empowering! Thank you for your caring and your professionalism.
Paula Mark
Luxury Homes Inc. GMAC

Just a note to say thank-you, Your message was well received by all. It just goes to show you how people are searching for a message that is clear and understandable, something they can relate to and apply to their lives.. A great meeting that was appreciated by all.

Bob Elliott Executive Vice President/
Broker Luxury Homes Inc. GMAC Real Estate

Short Sales

We negotiate your short sales with NO UPFRONT FEES to your seller. We are Successfully closing short sales!!!!! …contact us for more information on our services. Maria@colonialtitle.us or Mey@colonialtitle.us

Success does not create happiness….Happiness creates success…..be happy!!
Here’s to your success,
Maria Elena Arias, CEO
Meyling Calero, VP of Public Relations
Colonial Guaranty & Title, Inc.