By Kevin G. Hall RISMEDIA, February 3, 2009-(MCT)-The U.S. economy contracted 3.8% in the final three months of last year-the biggest such shrinkage in almost 27 years-as a deepening recession gripped the nation, the government reported Friday. As bad as that number was, mainstream economists had been expecting a much bigger contraction, and Wall Street cheered. All [...]

By George W. Mantor RISMEDIA, February 3, 2009-Whether you represent the buyer or the seller, you want to use your knowledge and expertise to prevent your transaction from failing to close. Numerous factors contribute to the failure of a contract between buyer and seller of real estate. Financing, possession dates, disclosures, due diligence, inspections, pre-closing contingencies, [...]

By Cristina Bolling RISMEDIA, February 3, 2009-(MCT)-With the economy and housing market in a slump, some growing families are making do with the space they’ve got instead of moving to a bigger home. That means their kids may start doing something that kids don’t do much these days: share a room.But experts say some simple tricks [...]

By Jenny Shearer RISMEDIA, February 3, 2009-(MCT)-Guadalupe and Ariana Sanchez represent hope in the housing market. The 28-year-old couple with four children just bought their first home. “We got it pretty cheap. Right now is the best time to buy,” said Guadalupe Sanchez, a carpenter. Sanchez toured 20 homes, bid on four, and landed a deal with a [...]

By Jim Wasserman RISMEDIA, February 2, 2009-(MCT)-When California state employee Tim McManus peers into the future, he sees 4.5% interest. “I’m hoping it will go down more. One more drop,” says the Sacramento homeowner with a first mortgage at 6% and a second at 7.75%. Sacramento’s Debbie Fernandez has already locked in at 4.875%. That will knock $300 [...]

By Chris Churchill RISMEDIA, February 2, 2009-(MCT)-The use of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration is soaring in the Capital Region, growth that comes as many home buyers are struggling to qualify for more traditional loans. Many lenders, skittish as foreclosure and default rates rise, have discontinued mortgages for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit or little [...]

RISMEDIA, February 2, 2009-The Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals (AEEREP.org) and EcoBroker International announced a partnership with the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). The partnership links AEEREP’s and EcoBroker’s real estate professional members to the industry’s most trusted source of energy raters, further helping consumers evaluate and make energy improvements to their [...]

RISMEDIA, January 31, 2009-OptHome, an online resource for homeowners, says it’s easier and less expensive to go green than homeowners may think. Suggest these few simple and cost-effective tips that your clients can incorporate into everyday living to help turn their home into a more energy-efficient investment. 1. Recycle. It’s free, reduces household consumption and increases [...]

RISMEDIA, January 30, 2009-Gaze up and down the streets of the Antiquity subdivision in Cornelius, North Carolina and you’ll see pristine homes and a carefully developed neighborhood. Constructed by the Cunnane Group out of Charlotte, Antiquity is a nationally recognized “Smart Growth” plan featuring a vibrant, walkable community integrated with planned commercial and retail areas. The [...]

RISMEDIA, January 29, 2009-Citing unseasonably cold weather in many parts of California and drawing upon the experience of having provided service to hundreds of thousands of homes, member firms of the Home Warranty Association of California (HWAC) are alerting homeowners to the energy and cost saving benefits of “winterizing” their residences. While noting that winterizing initiatives [...]

RISMEDIA, January 28, 2009-If you’re over 62 and a homeowner you have a unique opportunity to get significant, spendable value from your home, even if you still hold an existing mortgage. Recently, LendingTree launched a reverse mortgage service for interested senior homeowners looking to talk with lenders who can help them consider using the equity [...]

By Bryan Redemske RISMEDIA, January 27, 2009-(MCT)-It’s like leaving the closet light on all day and all night, all year. When 12 months are up, you will have spent between $50 and $70 to keep that light burning. That’s an undeniably wasteful way to blow 50 bucks, but that’s how much energy is lost in an average [...]

By Tom Gordon RISMEDIA, January 27, 2009-The national foreclosure moratorium imposed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, major banks such as Citibank and Bank of America, and a host of state governments has created a “breather” for homeowners in default. By working with loan servicers, some homeowners will be able to modify their loan terms and [...]

By Charlyne Varkonyi Schaub RISMEDIA, January 27, 2009-(MCT)-Walk into the American Red Cross 2009 Designers’ Show House in southern Florida and it looks like business as usual. A French parcel-gilt turquoise chandelier in the living room. A custom-made chest inlaid with mother of pearl imported from the Middle East in the “Glamour Girl” bedroom. A totally [...]

By Greg Pearson RISMEDIA, January 23, 2009-(MCT)-The kids have moved out. Those three bedrooms are looking awfully lonely. That spacious backyard that once served as a barbecue pit/football field/volleyball court now looks like a breeding ground for weeds, not to mention back-breaking acreage during mowing season. You want to move to something smaller, but the task seems [...]

RISMEDIA, January 22, 2009-(MCT)-Rose Vicente is tired of waiting. Sixteen months after she and her husband, Manny, put their Simi Valley home up for sale for $650,000, they decided they couldn’t put their life on hold any longer. Although they still are waiting for a buyer, the Vicentes purchased a home in Wildomar, Riverside County, and plan [...]

RISMEDIA, January 22, 2009-President Richard M. Nixon came to San Clemente, California in 1969 and established a Western White House where dignitaries gathered, treaties were signed, and where the Nixons resided at the time of the David Frost-Richard Nixon interviews. The grounds of the Western White House were subdivided into 16 lots in the 1980s. Construction [...]

RISMEDIA, January 22, 2009-(MCT)-It may seem counterintuitive to launch a real estate firm during a recession that has sent home sales and values falling, but the founders of Rosner Doherty Realty in New Haven, Conn. say the challenging market added to the allure of starting the company. “It gave us an opportunity to get involved when [...]

RISMEDIA, January 21, 2009-With people moving worldwide for work, Boxers are going bicoastal and cats are clearing through customs on a daily basis. Moving isn’t just stressful for people, it’s equally stressful for pets. So when it comes to moving pets, pre-planning is very important as animals can be very sensitive to changes in their [...]

By Jean Patteson RISMEDIA, January 21, 2009-(MCT)-Color affects mood, as every pop psychologist knows. Considering the pall of gloom cast by the dire economy, it’s no wonder color-trend forecasters are predicting a bumper year for yellows and purples-the former to cheer us up, the latter to calm us down. Not that everyone is rushing out to purchase [...]

RISMEDIA, April 20, 2009-(MCT)-Yoga’s gentle, healing nature can alleviate stress. Sitting, lying or standing on a mat forces the body to slow down and moves the brain away from life’s distractions to a point of mental clarity. “The human brain does not multi-task very well,” says Carlyle Chan, professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at the [...]

RISMEDIA, April 18, 2009-It may seem like everyone is “Twittering” or updating their Facebook pages, but half of Americans (51%) do not use Twitter or have a MySpace or Facebook account. Just under half (48%) of adults have either a MySpace or Facebook page with 16% of adults updating their page at least once a [...]

RISMEDIA, April 17, 2009-(MCT)-About this time of year, everyone craves color. Enough of barren trees and the grime left behind after a snowy winter. Spirits are in dire need of uplifting after weeks of grim economic news. Everyone needs beauty, a shot of creativity, an injection of awe. One place to get an infusion of inspiration [...]

RISMEDIA, April 16, 2009-When reaching for a paper towel to wipe a spill, or a napkin to dab the mouth or even a tissue to wipe a nose, most people don’t consider the vast tree harvesting needed to produce these everyday household products. The advent of Earth Day (April 22) provides an ideal time to think [...]

RISMEDIA, April 15, 2009-The Internet is full of great information, but it’s also a useful cost-savings resource. During uncertain economic times, it’s more important than ever for consumers to understand all the ways they can make the most of the Internet.  Here are five lesser-known ways consumers can use the Internet to save both time and [...]

RISMEDIA, April 14, 2009-Attention, potential homebuyers: home prices have fallen more than six percent over the past year, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which tracks 292 U.S. metropolitan areas. If you are a homebuyer looking for a bargain, check out FrontDoor’s top 10 bargain market picks.  Stockton, CA - Inland California cities seem to [...]

RISMEDIA, April 13, 2009-(MCT)-With the arrival of Spring and April showers, homeowners find themselves with a list of new chores that need to be accomplished now that the weather is nice. Along with the showers comes the task of mowing the lawn while the grass seems to grow faster than you can tend to. Taking the [...]

RISMEDIA, April 10, 2009-(MCT)-Wine-weary visitors to Northern California have a friend in Sonoma County. It’s not that wine isn’t important here - it surely is with more than 200 active wineries - but people don’t get into a lather over wine or the wine lifestyle like the folks next door in Napa. The county’s official website [...]

RISMEDIA, April 9, 2009-The United States federal income tax filing deadline of April 15 is less than a week away, and Bills.com reminds taxpayers of eight ways to get the most from their tax returns - and how to get help if they need it.  “This year, the economy has dictated several changes to tax policy,” [...]

RISMEDIA, April 8, 2009-(MCT)-With Earth Day just around the corner (April 22), many of us are thinking of ways in which we can live a greener lifestyle. Now that spring has arrived, one of the best ways to go green at home is to use less water in both your yard and garden.  April brings showers [...]

RISMEDIA, April 7, 2009-More and more American families are getting back to the basics in a variety of ways, including their choice of foods. But a return to familiar and affordable foods doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nutrition or variety. Sometimes cutting back on grocery bills is as easy as preparing the foods most families keep [...]

RISMEDIA, April 6, 2009-Spring’s arrival is obvious. The weather’s warmer, the days longer and you seem to have a little more energy. Chances are some of that energy will be used for spring cleaning - washing the windows, cleaning the closets or planting a garden. According to the Illinois CPA Society, it may also be smart [...]

RISMEDIA, April 4, 2009-(MCT)-Changing your diet habits isn’t easy, but here are some tips from Sharon Salsman, a dietitian with Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System, on taking the first steps: Adopt an “80:20″ eating plan. Try to eat healthy 80% of the time. This means you can “blow” one meal a week and also indulge [...]

RISMEDIA, April 3, 2009-As the recession puts the squeeze on home owners throughout the world, more and more people are looking for ways to cut back on spending and all too often holidays are the first luxuries to go. Instead, why not tap into one of the newest ideas when it comes to traveling on holiday [...]

RISMEDIA, April 2, 2009-AskMen.com, one of the largest online men’s magazines, announced the inaugural edition of its “Top 29 Cities for Men to Live In.” Compiled by AskMen.com editors, Chicago topped the list as the best city in the world for the everyday man. Selection criteria for the top cities included, among other factors, the [...]

RISMEDIA, April 1, 2009-With the nation’s economic woes continuously hitting home, coupons sent by mail are one way to overcome financial strains, says a recent study by Pitney Bowes and DM News. Not only are consumers looking for free money vouchers in their daily mail delivery, they’re most likely to use coupons on groceries, entertainment and [...]

RISMEDIA, March 31, 2009-(MCT)-Americans are sleeping less than ever, according to a new National Sleep Foundation poll, and there is a wide range of reasons as to why Americans are getting too little sleep. Some people are losing sleep because of the economy, some are staying up too late and getting up too early, some [...]

RISMEDIA, March 30, 2009-(MCT)-Now that the weather is warm, there are no more excuses for lazing away the evening or even the weekends. Instead, parents should get their families outside as a way to spend time together and get some exercise at the same time.Parents can improve their children’s health and fitness greatly by remembering [...]

RISMEDIA, March 28, 2009-Board games are making a roaring comeback during these turbulent economic times as families turn to affordable, healthy, family-centric entertainment. According to Gail DeGiulio, founder and chief funster of SimplyFun, a company that sells board games, puzzles, and other family entertainment products through in-home parties, the average sales per party for the months [...]

RISMEDIA, March 27, 2009-While the economy continues to struggle, cruise lines continue to thrive as Americans look for ways to leave the doom and gloom behind. Celebration Cruise Line, a new cruise line that operates two and three-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas has seen an increase in passengers as the cruise line looks for ways to [...]

RISMEDIA, April 20, 2009-The economy has not dampened the green commitments of most U.S. consumers, according to a recent national poll in which more than two thirds of those who purchase “green” products or services said their “green” buying habits are unchanged and one quarter said they’ve actually increased their purchase of “green” goods or [...]

RISMEDIA, April 20, 2009-The proportion of Americans saying they are hearing a mix of good and bad news about the economy - rather than mostly bad news - continues to steadily increase. Currently, 56% of Americans say they are hearing a mix of good and bad economic news, up from 46% in March and just 19% [...]

RISMEDIA, April 18, 2009-Amid the growing concerns about the current economy, small business owners continue to recognize that having a solid retirement plan as an important issue both personally and to their employees. This is according to survey results released by SunTrust Banks, Inc. Yet, despite this acknowledgement, almost 40% of small businesses do not offer [...]

RISMEDIA, April 17, 2009-Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac modified nearly 24,000 loans during the fourth quarter of 2008, an increase of 76% over the third quarter. The modifications, along with the suspension of foreclosures that began November 26, reduced the number of foreclosures by nearly 27% during the quarter, according to data released by James [...]

RISMEDIA, April 16, 2009-AAA, one of the nation’s largest leisure travel organizations, is suggesting budget-minded consumers seize this summer’s travel bargains as similar savings may not be available in the future. Now is the time to separate general economic anxiety from personal financial reality. “Given all of the negative economic news of the past six months [...]

RISMEDIA, April 15, 2009-Plasma TVs. Getaway vacations. Shopping sprees. The tax refund splurges of years past are not a reality for most Americans in 2009. Many people are likely wringing their hands over what to do with the money they receive back from Uncle Sam. Their concerns are well-founded: It’s more important than ever to [...]

RISMEDIA, April 15, 2009-Several months of stronger-than-expected retail sales provided hope that the industry was poised to bounce back, but March retail sales demonstrate that the industry is continuing to struggle. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retail industry sales for March (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) decreased 0.6% seasonally adjusted from [...]

RISMEDIA, April 14, 2009-(MCT)-Optimism. For months, it’s been in rather short supply. Like a lingering cold you can’t shake off, the economy’s blues just hang on. It’s not just our bottom line that’s been battered, but our psyches, too. And even if you haven’t lost your job or aren’t facing foreclosure, it’s often hard to feel [...]

RISMEDIA, April 13, 2009-(MCT)-The Treasury Department confirmed that life insurers are qualified to join banks and carmakers on the list of industries getting taxpayer bailouts. In a statement, the agency confirmed that certain life insurers are eligible to receive an unspecified amount of the money that remains from October’s $700 billion Wall Street rescue program. “There are [...]

RISMEDIA, April 13, 2009-With just a few days left to file income tax returns for 2008, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is reminding tax filers of another important tax deadline on April 15: the deadline to file or amend returns for tax year 2005. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ecently reported that it has $1.3 billion in [...]

RISMEDIA, April 13, 2009-(MCT)-With mortgage rates dancing around a 65-year-low of 4.75%, homeowners are checking their credit scores and lenders are being deluged with refinancing applications. “I’ve been through about four refinance crazes in my career, and this is the most significant I’ve seen,” said Marshall Boyd, co-president of Southwest Bank Mortgage and a founding and [...]

RISMEDIA, April 11, 2009-American families who are putting money into savings every month are significantly less likely to feel stressed by the current economic situation than those who do not, according to the First Command Financial Behaviors Index. Results of the Index’s March 2009 survey indicate that less than a quarter (22%) of Americans who put [...]

RISMEDIA, April 11, 2009-Consumers’ confidence in their own bank, and in the banking system as a whole, is improving for the first time since September 2008, according to a new Morpace survey. Sixty-six percent of consumers are “very confident” in their primary bank at this time - an increase from the 61% low recorded in January [...]

RISMEDIA, April 11, 2009-U.S. consumers believe mobile banking is important but do no not want to pay for it and also are wary of using their mobile devices such as cell phones, smartphones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) for financial transactions and online banking, according to results of a survey conducted by KPMG LLP, the [...]

RISMEDIA, April 10, 2009-(MCT)-Slightly more than half of Americans think the U.S. economy has stabilized, and almost three in every four think it will take longer than six months for a massive economic stimulus program to be felt, an Ipsos-McClatchy tracking poll showed. A separate survey released by Ipsos, done for the Royal Bank of [...]

RISMEDIA, April 9, 2009-The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending April 3, 2009. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, was 1,250.6, an increase of 4.7% on a seasonally adjusted basis from 1,194.4 one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index increased [...]

RISMEDIA, April 7, 2009-(MCT)-After Tom Fafinski lost money in tech stocks, he began searching for alternative places to invest. Fafinski, 44, of Farmington, Minn., discovered self-directed IRAs and used money earmarked for his retirement and his kids’ college to buy a townhouse as an investment property. Sick of being stuck with a dozen mutual funds in [...]

RISMEDIA, April 7, 2009-Many managers underestimate the power of a pat on the back, new research suggests. While supervisors surveyed rated job promotions and cash as the two most valued forms of recognition to administrative professionals, support staff favored a simple thank-you and having their accomplishments passed on to senior management. The study was developed by [...]

RISMEDIA, April 6, 2009-As recession-battered companies look to save money on real estate costs, a growing number of businesses are equipping their employees with Blackberry smartphones and laptops and moving them out of the main office as a way of reducing expenses. The Regus Group, one of the leading global providers of workplace solutions, is [...]

RISMEDIA, April 6, 2009-Despite partisan debate, the American people find common ground on their support for a number of measures to address the nation’s energy problems. At least 10 major energy proposals that would provide incentives for energy efficiency, reduce gasoline usage and support alternative energy have widespread support. But the public may not yet [...]

RISMEDIA, April 13, 2009-(MCT)-The Treasury Department confirmed that life insurers are qualified to join banks and carmakers on the list of industries getting taxpayer bailouts. In a statement, the agency confirmed that certain life insurers are eligible to receive an unspecified amount of the money that remains from October’s $700 billion Wall Street rescue program. “There are [...]

RISMEDIA, April 13, 2009-With just a few days left to file income tax returns for 2008, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is reminding tax filers of another important tax deadline on April 15: the deadline to file or amend returns for tax year 2005. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ecently reported that it has $1.3 billion in [...]

RISMEDIA, April 10, 2009-(MCT)-Slightly more than half of Americans think the U.S. economy has stabilized, and almost three in every four think it will take longer than six months for a massive economic stimulus program to be felt, an Ipsos-McClatchy tracking poll showed. A separate survey released by Ipsos, done for the Royal Bank of [...]

RISMEDIA, March 31, 2009-As the tax deadline approaches, many Americans have refunds on their mind. While the arrival of a refund once meant a shopping spree to many, this year, Americans are skipping the spring sales to boost their savings and eliminate debt, according to a new survey released by ING DIRECT. According to the company, [...]

RISMEDIA, March 26, 2009-The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending March 20, 2009. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, was 1159.4, an increase of 32.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis from 876.9 one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index increased [...]

RISMEDIA, March 25, 2009-(MCT)-Yesterday’s announcement by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner that disclosed the details of the long-awaited and highly-anticipated $1 trillion plan to relieve the nation’s banks of the bad debt that has crushed lending and helped put the country into a recession has some economists and business experts unsure of the plans effectiveness. While the [...]

RISMEDIA, March 28, 2009-(MCT)-Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner took the wraps off a long-awaited key component of the Obama administration’s bank rescue plan, detailing a public-private partnership to buy up the so-called toxic assets that are polluting bank balance sheets. After a disastrous first attempt to explain the plan that sent markets into a nose dive because [...]

RISMEDIA, March 24, 2009-(MCT)-Insider lending amid a credit crunch and bailouts is not as uncommon as many would believe, as banks nationwide hold $41 billion in loans to directors, top executives and other insiders, a portfolio that experts say should be stripped of secrecy. Insider lending to directors is particularly troublesome because it could cloud the [...]

RISMEDIA, March 24, 2009-(MCT)-As April 15 approaches and taxpayers scramble to complete their tax returns, it’s critical that they take extra care to guard their personal information. Consider what’s exposed and vulnerable: your Social Security number, address, name and financial information. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, “These numbers can be a gold mine [...]

RISMEDIA, March 23, 2009-(MCT)-Mortgage rates are again dropping to near-record lows - below 5% - in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s decision to buy up Treasury bonds and mortgage securities. Lower rates may help spur home sales, but analysts expect much of the action to come from homeowners who are looking to refinance, but [...]

RISMEDIA, March 23, 2009-(MCT)-Adding to the growing list of economic sectors going under the protective wing of the Government, the Treasury Department announced that U.S. auto-parts suppliers will receive up to $5 billion in a taxpayer-funded revolving line of credit. The Auto Supplier Support Program will let troubled carmakers General Motors (GM) and Chrysler determine which [...]

RISMEDIA, March 20, 2009-(MCT)-The Federal Reserve escalated its war on the nation’s credit crisis, announcing that it would more than double the amount of money it will spend in the coming year in an aggressive effort to force down interest rates on mortgages - perhaps by as much as one percentage point - as well [...]

RISMEDIA, March 21, 2009-U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) secretary Shaun Donovan and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) secretary Ray LaHood announced a new partnership to help American families gain better access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs. While the average working American family spends nearly 60% of its budget [...]

RISMEDIA, March 19, 2009-(MCT)-As the economy continues to suffer and jobs are lost and business owners continually push to keep things moving forward so they are in the right place at the right time when the market turns, President Barack Obama is doing his job to help small businesses get on the right track. Working [...]

RISMEDIA, March 16, 2009-The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded nearly $12 million in grants to 207 public housing agencies across the U.S. to help public housing residents find jobs that lead them toward economic independence. The grants are provided through HUD’s Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which enables public housing agencies (PHA) [...]

RISMEDIA, March 13, 2009-The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) told Congress that the housing sector is still being significantly affected by the upheaval in the financial and mortgage markets that started in 2007, and there is deep concern that these financial dislocations will increase the depth and length of the housing downturn. Testifying before the [...]

RISMEDIA, March 13, 2009-In testifying before Congress yesterday, the Appraisal Institute told lawmakers that mortgage reform legislation is needed to address structural weaknesses in mortgage industry regulation. Calling current regulatory oversight “feeble,” the Appraisal Institute called upon Congress to provide state and federal appraisal oversight agencies with greater enforcement power, the lack of which has [...]

RISMEDIA, March 13, 2009-The House Committee on Small Business submitted its recommendations for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Fiscal Year 2010 budget, doubling previous budgets by proposing $1.43 billion in funding for agency programs that will help local businesses stay afloat and promote economic recovery. The recommendations submitted by the committee would restore SBA funding [...]

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2009-The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, will testify before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services today on Latino wealth-building priorities and reforming the nation’s broken mortgage system. Since the hearing will look at consumer protection in the financial services [...]

RISMEDIA, February 2, 2009-The U.S. House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward economic recovery in passing H.R. 1, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. “On behalf of NAR and its 1.2 million members, I’d like to thank Chairman Frank, D-Mass., Chairman Rangel, D-N.Y., and the House of Representatives for passing legislation that [...]