For Want of a Nail

One of the earliest advocates of preventive maintenance was Ben Franklin. He wisely wrote: "A little neglect may breed mischief...for want of a nail, the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost..." Old Ben nailed what happens when seemingly minor things are overlooked. Little things have major impact on the assets of a homeowner association. For example, a small lack of flashing can lead to major dryrot structural problems and big bucks (Ka-CHING!).
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Source: realtytimes.com

Home Buying Secrets for the 'Average Joe'

New York City attorney Edward A. Mermelstein is, well, a big shot in the Big Apple --but he hasn't forgotten the little guy. Clients include international conglomerates, start-up ventures and entrepreneurs, multi-national corporations, land charitable organizations, government officials and others, but he also offers insight for the 'Average Joe' -- home buyers who need all the help they can get right now.
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Source: realtytimes.com

Survey Suggests Affordable Prices and Mortgage Rates Could Help Propel Housing Market Past Tax Expiration

RISMEDIA, May 12, 2010—The majority of people looking for, or considering buying, a home had no plans to take advantage of the first-time or move-up/repeat home buyer tax credits, according to a survey recently released from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
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Source: rismedia.com

Mortgage Rates at Lowest Level in Six Weeks

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 5.00 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending May 6, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 5.06 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.84 percent.
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Source: realtytimes.com

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended For Armed Service Members

The expiration date of the $8,000 first-time home buyer may have already passed for most, but there are some potential homebuyers who can still take advantage of this great opportunity. For those who are qualified service members, you have an extra year to cash in on the credit. Your new deadline is April 30, 2011. The government defines "qualified service member" as a member of the uniformed services of the U.S military, a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S., or an employee of the intelligence community."
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Source: realtytimes.com