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The Norris Group Real Estate News Roundup 4/12/11

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Today’s News Synopsis:

81 percent of respondents to a Pew Research Center’s survey believe housing is the best investment a person can make. California foreclosure sales increased 35.1% in March, according to ForeclosureRadar. Altos Research claims home sale inventory rose 2.97% last month. HUD is being sued over a rule requiring a property heir to pay the full mortgage balance to keep the home, even if it exceeds the value of the property.

In The News:

Mortgage Bankers Association – “Weekly Applications Survey” (4-12-11)

“Mortgage applications decreased 6.7 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending April 8, 2011. ”

Housing Wire – “Investors eager, but hold no great expectations for economic growth” (4-12-11)

“Investors are jumping back into the market and reducing their cash holdings even as the overall economic outlook suggests the world economy is facing ‘below-trend growth’ and ‘above trend’ inflation, according to the Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAC: 13.525 +0.26%) Survey of Fund Managers for April.”

Housing Wire – “HUD halts foreclosures on reverse mortgage spouses” (4-12-11)

“The Department of Housing and Urban Development directed its reverse mortgage lenders and servicers to halt foreclosures on the borrower’s spouse, according to a letter sent out last week. The American Association of Retired Persons sued HUD in March on behalf of three spouses of reverse mortgage borrowers. HUD changed a previous policy from 1989, changed in 2008, that said than an heir, which includes a surviving spouse, must pay the full mortgage balance to keep the home, even if it exceeds the value of the property.”

Reuters - “Housing still best investment despite downturn: study” (4-12-11)

“The survey by the Pew Research Center’s Social and Demographic Trends project found that 81 percent of respondents see housing as the best investment a person can make, despite a slump in prices that has knocked nearly a third off home values since 2006.”

MSN - “Some real estate agents feeling spring chill” (4-12-11)

“Spring typically is the year’s busiest season for residential real estate, but this year some normally upbeat sales agents are showing signs of nervousness as they confront sluggish growth and tough lending standards.”

DSNews - “Self-Evident Truth in Market Variables: Longer Foreclosure Timelines” (4-12-11)

“in California foreclosure sales in March increased 35.1 percent on a month-over-month basis, but rose just 10.5 percent on a daily average basis. Nevada foreclosure sales, however, bounced back strongly after falling in February, rising 109.5 percent even on a daily average basis.”

Housing Wire – “Mortgage industry workforce plummets 51% since 2006″ (4-12-11)

“The number of employees in the mortgage industry declined 51% between February 2006 and February 2011, which equates to a loss of 257,000 jobs. February 2006 marked the peak of employment in this sector at 505,000 individuals.”

Housing Wire – “Fannie, Freddie lenders to submit electronic appraisals in June” (4-12-11)

“Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac notified lenders Wednesday that a new system will be available June 27 giving lenders the ability to upload appraisals electronically.”

Housing Wire – “Housing inventory rises for spring selling season: Altos” (4-12-11)

“Home sale inventory was up 2.97% in March and up 6.83% over the three months ended in March, according to the Altos Research 10-City Composite Index.”

Orange County Register - “Who has too much power in America?” (4-12-11)

“A new Gallup Poll shows Americans think that lobbyists, major corporations, banks, and the federal government have too much power, while state and local governments, the legal system, organized religion, and the military have the right amount of power or too little of it.”

Looking Back:

One year ago, distressed home sales in Orange County were selling 34 percent under the typical market place. Fiserv estimated that home prices would not return to the past peak levels until 2025.

For more information about The Norris Group’s California hard money loans or our California Trust Deed investments, visit the website or call our office at 951-780-5856 for more information. For upcoming California real estate investor training and events, visit The Norris Group website and our California investor calendar. You’ll also find our award-winning real estate radio show on KTIE 590am at 6pm on Saturdays or you can listen to over 170 podcasts in our free investor radio archive.

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The Norris Group Real Estate News Roundup 4/4/11

Monday, April 4th, 2011

Today’s News Synopsis:

Ed Haldeman said less than 4% of Freddie Mac’s single family loans are delinquent. The government dismissed two counts of wire fraud in the case against the former CEO of Taylor, Bean and Whitaker. Treasury Secretary Geithner warned that severe economic hardship could impact the United States when the nation reaches its debt limit.

In The News:

NAR - “NAR Study Finds Americans Prefer Smart Growth Communities” (4-4-11)

“Americans favor walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods, with 56 percent of respondents preferring smart growth neighborhoods over neighborhoods that require more driving between home, work and recreation.”

Daily News – “Greg Wilcox: Realtors’ website focuses on short sales” (4-3-11)

“SHORT sales are complicated transactions and account for a big part of the real-estate market. Now the California Association of Realtors hopes to bring some clarity to the process. The Los Angeles-based trade association has launched shortsalescalifornia.org, which will provide resources, news and tips about homes that are valued at less than what is owed.”

Housing Wire – “Less than 4% of single-family loans are delinquent: Freddie CEO” (4-4-11)

“Freddie Mac Chief Executive Officer Ed Haldeman said less than 4% of the government-sponsored enterprise’s single-family home loans are at least three payments behind or heading into foreclosure.”

Housing Wire – “U.S. dismisses two wire fraud counts to speed up Taylor, Bean and Whitaker trial” (4-4-11)

“U.S. government prosecutors dismissed two counts of wire fraud in the case against Lee Farkas, the former CEO of failed mortgage lender Taylor, Bean and Whitaker.”

Housing Wire – “House Committee to vote on Republican bills for GSE wind down” (4-4-11)

“One bill in particular introduced by Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.) hits a hot button issue on whether or not Fannie and Freddie should be exempt from the risk-retention standards of a qualified residential mortgage. According to Garrett’s bill, H.R. 1223 or the GSE Credit Risk Equitable Treatment Act, GSE securities would not be exempt from the risk-retention requirements of Dodd-Frank.”

Housing Wire – “Geithner warns of economic hardship unless U.S. debt ceiling is raised” (4-4-11)

“Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner sent a letter to U.S. Sen. Harry Reid Monday warning the lawmaker that severe economic hardship could impact the United States when the nation reaches its debt limit on May 16.”

Orange County Register – “Demand for O.C. homes jumps 22%” (4-4-11)

“Homes listed for under a million bucks have a market time of 2.85 months vs. 8.24 months for homes listed for more than $1 million.”

Orange County Register – “O.C. rent hikes run half U.S. increases” (4-4-11)

“MPF found Orange County’s effective rents for new tenants — the asking rates minus concessions — as of March rising 1.5 percent in a year — vs. 3.3 percent nationwide. From the fourth quarter, Orange County effective rent was up 0.8 percent vs. 1.1 percent nationwide.”

For more information about The Norris Group’s California hard money loans or our California Trust Deed investments, visit the website or call our office at 951-780-5856 for more information. For upcoming California real estate investor training and events, visit The Norris Group website and our California investor calendar. You’ll also find our award-winning real estate radio show on KTIE 590am at 6pm on Saturdays or you can listen to over 170 podcasts in our free investor radio archive.

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The Norris Group Real Estate News Roundup 3/24/11

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Today’s News Synopsis:

Freddie Mac said mortgage rates increased to 4.81% last week. The Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis reports California income levels rose 2.5% in 2010. Jobless claims fell 1.3% last week, according to the Labor Department. Freddie Mac told servicers managing its loans to stop foreclosing in MERS’ name.

In The News:

San Francisco Chronicle – “Rate on 30-year fixed mortgage rises to 4.81 pct.” (3-24-11)

“Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 4.81 percent from 4.76 percent the previous week. It hit a 40-year low of 4.17 percent in November.”

The Sacramento Bee – “California incomes rose 2.5% in 2010″ (3-24-11)

“Californias’ incomes rose 2.5 percent in 2010, a year after the state’s first year-to-year decline in personal income since World War II, the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Wednesday. The bureau said 2010 income statewide was more than $1.6 trillion, up from 2009′s $1.56 trillion and a return to 2008 levels.”

Bloomberg - “Wells Fargo Chief Sees Home-Equity Losses as Top Concern, Bernstein Says” (3-24-11)

“Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC) Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf said home-equity losses remain his ‘top concern’ because unemployment in the U.S. is still high, according to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co.”

Orange County Register – “FBI informant charged in Lennar stock scam” (3-24-11)

“An ex-con turned fraud crusader accused of defaming homebuilder Lennar Corp. and its chief Orange County-based executive was accused in federal court Thursday of using his status as an FBI informant to get insider information used in his stock trades.”

Housing Wire – “New CoreLogic tool automates the decision-making in loan mods” (3-24-11)

“CoreLogic says the tool allows servicers to bypass manual loan modification calculations by submitting borrower profiles through IntelliMods, which is designed to determine a borrower’s loan modification eligibility.”

Housing Wire – “Jobless claims fall for second week in a row” (3-24-11)

“The number of initial jobless claims filed by unemployed Americans fell 1.3% last week to 382,000 claims submitted on a seasonally adjusted basis, the Labor Department said Thursday morning.”

Housing Wire – “Freddie Mac tells servicers not to foreclose in MERS name” (3-24-11)

“Freddie Mac told servicers managing its loans this week that they can no longer foreclose in the name of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems.”

Looking Back:

One year ago, CBIA reported that 3,404 building permits were pulled in February. Governor Schwarzenegger is expected to sign the $10,000 home buyer tax credit bill soon. According to the Commerce Department, home sales fell 2.2 percent last month. UCLA does not expect to see a second dip in economic performance.

For more information about The Norris Group’s California hard money loans or our California Trust Deed investments, visit the website or call our office at 951-780-5856 for more information. For upcoming California real estate investor training and events, visit The Norris Group website and our California investor calendar. You’ll also find our award-winning real estate radio show on KTIE 590am at 6pm on Saturdays or you can listen to over 170 podcasts in our free investor radio archive.

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The Norris Group Real Estate News Roundup 3/22/11

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

Today’s News Synopsis:

The CBIA reports home production has dropped 41% from last year. MacroMarkets believes a double dip in housing prices may soon occur. Fannie Mae said mortgage applications decreased by 7.9% in January. U.S. home prices fell 3.9% year over year, according to FHFA.

In The News:

Housing Wire – “Cleveland Fed president says housing remains weak link in recovery” (3-22-11)

“Sandra Pianalto, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, says the housing sector remains one of the most ‘unforgiving aspects’ of the recession.”

Housing Wire – “Elizabeth Warren aims to cut regulatory costs for community banks” (3-22-11)

“Elizabeth Warren, the special adviser to the Treasury Department, told an audience of community bankers Tuesday that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau she is working to construct will look to cut regulatory costs for smaller financial institutions.”

CBIA - “California Housing Production Continues Decline in February, CBIA Announces” (3-22-11)

“According to statistics compiled by the Construction Industry Research Board (CIRB), permits were pulled for 2,088 total housing units in February, down 41 percent from the same month a year ago and down 26 percent from January. Permits for single-family homes totaled 1,204, down 34 percent from February 2010 and down 26 percent from the previous month, while multifamily permits totaled 884, down 48 percent from a year ago and down 24 percent from January.”

Housing Wire – “Housing double dip could be coming: MacroMarkets” (3-22-11)

“A double-dip in housing could arrive this year with national home prices only 1% away from a new ‘post-crash low,’ MacroMarkets said in its March 2011 Home Price Expectation Survey.”

Housing Wire – “Fannie Mae expects home sales to remain soft through spring season” (3-22-11)

“Home sales are expected to remain soft in the near term after mortgage applications fell 7.9% in January and another 3.3% in February, Fannie Mae said in its March Economic Outlook report.”

Bloomberg - “U.S. Commercial Property Prices Fell for Second Straight Month in January” (3-22-11)

“The Moody’s/REAL Commercial Property Price Index slumped 1.2 percent from the previous month and 4.3 percent from a year earlier. It’s up 4.2 percent from an eight-year low in August, Moody’s said in a statement today.”

Bloomberg - “Home Prices in U.S. Declined 3.9% in January From Year Earlier, FHFA Says” (3-22-11)

“U.S. home prices fell 3.9 percent in January from a year earlier as the housing market struggled to recover from the worst crash in seven decades, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency.”

Housing Wire – “Federal Reserve’s balance sheet grows on MBS, Treasury securities” (3-22-11)

“At Dec. 31, the Fed reported total assets of $2.43 trillion, up $193 billion from 2009, the Federal Reserve said in its consolidated 2010 financial report released Tuesday. The expanded balance sheet includes an $86 billion increase in mortgage-backed securities acquired from government-sponsored enterprises and federal agencies.”

Housing Wire – “HUD updates Chinese drywall remediation guidance” (3-22-11)

“The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently released an updated version of their guidance on Chinese drywall remediation. The change comes after a study by Sandia National Laboratories found there were no correlating hazardous effects.”

Looking Back:

The total number of failed banks so far in 2010 has now reached 37. Geithner suggests that government officials listen more to harmed families and businesses than to large financial institutions while considering a financial overhaul bill. Lennar is investing over $3 billion into distressed real estate assets. California will offer about $3.1 billion in taxable debt sales this week.

For more information about The Norris Group’s California hard money loans or our California Trust Deed investments, visit the website or call our office at 951-780-5856 for more information. For upcoming California real estate investor training and events, visit The Norris Group website and our California investor calendar. You’ll also find our award-winning real estate radio show on KTIE 590am at 6pm on Saturdays or you can listen to over 170 podcasts in our free investor radio archive.

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The Norris Group Real Estate News Roundup 3/11/11

Friday, March 11th, 2011

Sources:
Underwater mortgages rise as home prices fall
Foreclosure activity slows sharply in February
FHA Powers What’s Left of the Home Market
U.S. Budget Deficit Expanded to Monthly Record $222.5 Billion in February
NAHB Study: New Homes in 2015 will be Smaller, Greener and More Casual
Bank regulators push for principal write-downs
Proposed Servicer Settlement Met With Resistance
Obama threatens to veto bills killing foreclosure programs
House votes to end FHA Short Refi

Today’s News Synopsis:

The U.S. House voted 242-177 to cancel the Emergency Homeowner Loan Program. A new law will allow you to get your entire deduction in one year. Inman composed a list of ten real estate markets they believe will outperform others. Ginnie Mae guaranteed over $26.2 billion in mortgage-backed securities during February.

In The News:

Bloomberg - “U.S. House Votes to Cancel Emergency Homeowner Loan Program for Unemployed” (3-11-11)

“The U.S. House voted 242-177 to cancel a loan program for homeowners who have lost their jobs as Republicans move to eliminate funding for President Barack Obama’s anti-foreclosure efforts.”

Inman - “Don’t wait to deduct real estate equipment cost” (3-11-11)

“Section 179 doesn’t increase the total amount you can deduct, but it allows you to get your entire deduction in one year, rather than taking it a little at a time over the term of an asset’s useful life.”

Housing Wire – “S&P: CMBS loans originated in 2007 pose high potenial for losses” (3-11-11)

“The rating agency concluded the “loss risk level” for CMBS loans originated in 2011 will fall close to 2002 levels because of tighter underwriting conditions at the time of origination. The report estimates cumulative losses of about 2.5% for the 2002 vintage class of CMBS.”

Housing Wire – “Fed’s Dudley sees no reason to turn against QE2″ (3-11-11)

“William Dudley, CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, believes there’s no reason to back down on expansionary monetary policies already implemented by the Fed. He also told a crowd attending a Queens Chamber of Commerce event Friday that the economy is recovering even as housing sector remains a weak spot.”

Inman - “A futile search for economic answers” (3-11-11)

“The 10-year Treasury note has traded under 3.4 percent resistance, and mortgages are sliding toward 4.75 percent, both tied with four-month lows.”

Inman - “SUMMARY: 10 Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2011″ (3-11-11)

“Inman News examined housing, economic and demographic data for metropolitan areas nationwide in compiling a list of 10 housing markets that are showing signs of strength and may outperform other housing markets in 2011 in several key metrics.”

Housing Wire – “Ginnie Mae guarantees top $26 billion in February” (3-11-11)

“Ginnie Mae guaranteed more than $26.2 billion in mortgage-backed securities in February.”

Housing Wire – “HUD calls ending foreclosure programs ‘irresponsible’” (3-11-11)

“The Emergency Homeowners Loan Program will provide relief to tens of thousands of families who are still struggling to make ends meet after the deepest economic recession and housing crisis in a generation”

Looking Back:

According to the MBA, the delinquency rate for CMBS increased by 1.63 percent during the last half of 2009. Statistics from RealtyTrac show that 2 percent fewer homes entered the foreclosure process in February. Nineteen percent of home listings experienced a price reduction since March 1st.

For more information about The Norris Group’s California hard money loans or our California Trust Deed investments, visit the website or call our office at 951-780-5856 for more information. For upcoming California real estate investor training and events, visit The Norris Group website and our California investor calendar. You’ll also find our award-winning real estate radio show on KTIE 590am at 6pm on Saturdays or you can listen to over 170 podcasts in our free investor radio archive.

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The Norris Group Real Estate News Roundup 3/2/11

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Today’s News Synopsis:

The MBA reports mortgage applications fell 6.5% last week. HUD said mortgage delinquencies declined in January. Wells Fargo predicts California economic growth will remain slow this year.

In The News:

Mortgage Bankers Association – “Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey” (3-2-11)

“Mortgage applications decreased 6.5 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending February 25, 2011.”

Sign On San Diego – “San Diego, Orange counties lead state growth” (3-2-11)

“Job growth in San Diego and Orange counties will help lead California into economic recovery, but the statewide growth rate will remain ‘painfully slow,’ according to a study released Tuesday by the economics group at Wells Fargo Securities.”

Inman - “HUD ramps up grants to fair housing groups” (3-2-11)

“Federal housing regulators are boosting grant funding by 48 percent to fair housing groups and nonprofit agencies that educate the public about housing and lending discrimination laws and help catch violators.”

Bloomberg - “BofA, Citigroup Say Mortgage Database Draws Scrutiny in Foreclosure Probe” (3-2-11)

“Earnings at Bank of America, the largest U.S. lender, may suffer materially if using Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems or MERS is found to be invalid, according to a regulatory filing last week. Citigroup and PNC said fines or other penalties may result from investigations into MERS and allegations of faulty foreclosure practices.”

Office of Thrift Supervision – “Thrift Industry Reports First Annual Profit Since Financial Crisis Began” (3-1-11)

“The U.S. thrift industry posted a profit of $6.6 billion in 2010, the first profitable year for the industry since 2006, the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) reported today.”

Housing Wire – “CMBS delinquency slows most since financial crisis, still hits record high” (3-2-11)

“The delinquency rate on commercial mortgage-backed securities increased 5 basis points to 9.39% in February, the smallest monthly gain since the financial crisis in 2008, according to analytics firm Trepp.”

Housing Wire – “Obama administration sees unsettled home prices keeping market down” (3-2-11)

“In its latest housing scorecard released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Treasury Department, the administration said mortgage delinquencies in January continued to decline from record levels seen at the beginning of 2010.”

Housing Wire – “Fed’s Beige Book shows muted results in housing, finance” (3-2-11)

“Overall economic activity continued to expand at a modest to moderate pace in January and early February, although the housing and financial markets outlook was muted, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book.”

Bloomberg - “Treasury Lobbies Congress to Save Housing Assistance Programs” (3-2-11)

“Congress is weighing whether to eliminate programs that have helped fewer homeowners than promised. About 1.5 million households have begun trial mortgage modifications through HAMP, down from initial projections of 3 million to 4 million.”

Looking Back:

One year ago, 68 percent of U.S. citizens supported the government’s involvement in the housing market. Fannie Mae announced plans to buy 150,000 to 200,000 delinquent loans from MBS trusts. Economist Jan Hatzius believed we would not see an interest rate increase any time in the near future. Realtors advised that staging is a critical component of selling a home.

For more information about The Norris Group’s California hard money loans or our California Trust Deed investments, visit the website or call our office at 951-780-5856 for more information. For upcoming California real estate investor training and events, visit The Norris Group website and our California investor calendar. You’ll also find our award-winning real estate radio show on KTIE 590am at 6pm on Saturdays or you can listen to over 170 podcasts in our free investor radio archive.

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The Norris Group Real Estate News Roundup 2/14/11

Monday, February 14th, 2011

Today’s News Synopsis:

Freddie Mac predicts ARMs will represent 10% of all mortgages issued by the end of the year. A national budget has been propposed that will cut the federal deficit from 10% of the overall economy to 3% in a decade. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will cost $73 billion through 2021, according to the Treasury Department. Freddie Mac claims mortgage rates are likely to remain in the low-to-mid 5% range throughout the rest of the year.

In The News:

NPR - “Buyers Face Gamble With Rising Mortgage Rates” (2-13-11)

“In November, the average rate slipped to a 40-year low of 4.17 percent. Today, it’s just over 5 percent, and concerns are growing that rates will keep rising — enough to scare away potential buyers. It’s at least enough to make those buyers rethink the advantages of homeownership.”

The Atlantic – “Is Obama’s Strong Housing Finance Stand for Real or a Political Play?” (2-13-11)

“On Friday, the Obama administration released a surprisingly strong housing finance policy report. It explains a general process to wind down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and offers three alternatives for how to conduct housing finance policy without them. Each option has pros and cons, but put together they lean firmly towards free-market ideals”

CNN - “ARMs helped sink the economy – now they’re back!” (2-14-11)

“After accounting for nearly 70% of all mortgages issued during the boom, ARMs vanished during the bust, totaling just 3% of the market in 2009. Now they make up 5% of all mortgages issued, and Freddie Mac predicts 10% by December.”

Housing Wire – “Fed’s Raskin: Economic recovery depends on mortgage servicers” (2-14-11)

“Federal Reserve Governor Sarah Bloom Raskin said Friday the residential mortgage market will not rebound until loan servicing practices at large financial institutions are improved.”

Housing Wire – “Obama budget includes $1.1 trillion in cuts” (2-14-11)

“the White House is proposing a budget that will cut the federal deficit from making up roughly 10% of the overall economy to 3% of the economy in a decade, according to Jack Lew, director of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget.”

Housing Wire – “Budget: Fannie, Freddie to cost taxpayers $73 billion” (2-14-11)

“Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will cost taxpayers $73 billion through 2021, nearly half of what they’ve pulled from the Treasury Department so far, according to President Obama’s 2012 budget released Monday.”

Housing Wire – “Freddie Mac: Low mortgage rates to remain throughout 2011″ (2-14-11)

“Researchers at the government-sponsored enterprise say 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages are likely to remain in the low-to-mid 5% range throughout the rest of the year, which is low when compared to historic benchmarks.”

Housing Wire – “Mortgage interest tax deduction may be in danger” (2-14-11)

“President Obama’s 2012 budget proposes an across-the-board 30% cut to itemized deductions for high-income taxpayers. This includes the mortgage interest tax deduction.”

For more information about The Norris Group’s California hard money loans or our California Trust Deed investments, visit the website or call our office at 951-780-5856 for more information. For upcoming California real estate investor training and events, visit The Norris Group website and our California investor calendar. You’ll also find our award-winning real estate radio show on KTIE 590am at 6pm on Saturdays or you can listen to over 170 podcasts in our free investor radio archive.

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The Norris Group Real Estate News Roundup 1/25/11

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Today’s News Synopsis:

69,799 Notices of Default were recorded during the 4th quarter of 2010, according to MDA DataQuick. The Case-Schiller Index shows home prices decreased 1% during November in the nation’s top 20 metropolitan areas. University of the Pacific estimates unemployment will remain above 10% in California for 3 more years. IEmergent expects mortgage loan origination to fall below $1 trillion this year.

In The News:

MDA DataQuick – “Another Decline in California Foreclosure Activity” (12-25-10)

“A total of 69,799 Notices of Default (NoDs) were recorded at county recorders offices during the October-to-December period. That was down 16.2 percent from 83,261 for the prior quarter, and down 17.5 percent from 84,568 in fourth quarter 2009, according to San Diego-based DataQuick Information Systems.”

New York Times – “U.S. Home Prices Slump Again, Hitting New Lows” (12-25-10)

“Prices in 20 major metropolitan areas fell 1 percent in November from October, according to the Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index. The index is only 3.3 percent above the low it reached in April 2009 and has fallen fell 1.6 percent from a year ago.”

Sacramento Bee – “Grim economic forecast for California, capital” (12-25-10)

“Even though job growth is picking up, unemployment will remain above 10 percent in California for three more years, according to the latest forecast from the University of the Pacific.”

Housing Wire – “Home prices on federally backed mortgages unchanged in November: FHFA” (12-25-10)

“Home prices fell 4.3% between November 2009 and November 2010. The FHFA revised the previously reported 0.7% increase in October down to a gain of 0.2%. The agency’s monthly index is calculated using purchase prices of houses backing mortgages sold to or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.”

Housing Wire – “$1 billion in mortgage help to unemployed won’t come until spring” (12-25-10)

“The Department of Housing and Urban Development will release $1 billion in mortgage assistance to the unemployed this spring, a HUD spokesman confirmed to HousingWire Tuesday, after receiving complaints from lawmakers and advocacy groups that HUD was dragging its feet.”

Housing Wire – “Mortgage loan origination to drop below $1 trillion in 2011″ (12-25-10)

“iEmergent expects mortgage loan purchase volume plus refinancings of between $903.8 billion and $990.7 billion this year.”

Housing Wire – “Moody’s says keeping Fannie, Freddie intact is lose-lose” (12-25-10)

“The Treasury Department is delaying a report on the future of the government-sponsored enterprises from the end of January until mid-February. Meanwhile, Moody’s Investors Service is throwing its hat into the ring, arguing that the current model is not only unsustainable, but against government vision.”

Housing Wire – “Housing analysts expect home price declines through 2011″ (12-25-10)

“Radar Logic made a similar assessment when it released its RPX composite price index last week, which showed a 0.3% increase in home prices from October to November. Research firm Capital Economics also forecasts a price drop. The firm predicts a 5% drop by the end of 2011.”

Housing Wire – “Ten indicted in California mortgage fraud scheme” (12-25-10)

“A newly unsealed 56-count indictment charges 10 people in California in a $20 million mortgage fraud scheme in Bakersfield, Calif., said U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner.”

Looking Back:

One year ago, existing home sales decreased by 16.7 percent in December. The HVCC repeal bill, named HR 1728, passed in the House of Representatvies and was waiting approval from Congress. The FDIC took over 5 more failed banks in one week. FTN Financial reported that declining home values had little effect on the nation’s economic recovery.

For more information about The Norris Group’s California hard money loans or our California Trust Deed investments, visit the website or call our office at 951-780-5856 for more information. For upcoming California real estate investor training and events, visit The Norris Group website and our California investor calendar. You’ll also find our award-winning real estate radio show on KTIE 590am at 6pm on Saturdays or you can listen to over 170 podcasts in our free investor radio archive.

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The Norris Group Real Estate News Roundup 1/19/11

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

Today’s News Synopsis:

The Commerce Department reports housing starts decreased in December. However, Fannie Mae expects housing starts to triple by 2013, and the nation’s largest home builders announced plans to increase activity by 10%.  RealtyTrac claims foreclosure starts in California decreased 33% in 2010.

In The News:

Mortgage Bankers Association – “Applications Increase in Latest MBA Weekly Survey” (1-19-11)

“The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 5.0 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index increased 6.4 percent compared with the previous week.”

New York Times – “U.S. Housing Starts Slowed Sharply in December” (1-19-11)

“Housing starts in the United States dropped to an annual rate of 529,000 units, the Commerce Department said on Wednesday, down from November’s 553,000 and well below forecasts of about 550,000 in a Reuters poll. At current levels, starts account for less than a quarter of their boom-time peaks.”

Housing Wire – “Bair pushes for foreclosure claims review panel” (1-19-11)

“Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Sheila Bair wants a foreclosure claims commission set up, similar to the one established during the oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico last year, to help homeowners victimized by improper foreclosures.”

Housing Wire – “December home sales down 5% over a year: RE/MAX” (1-19-11)

“After five consecutive months of declines, monthly home sales rose 13.2% in December from the prior month, according to the RE/MAX National Housing Report released Wednesday.”

Housing Wire – “Fannie Mae: Housing starts to triple by 2013 to nearly 1.5 million” (1-19-11)

“Despite the still fragile housing market, Fannie Mae expects housing starts to triple by 2013. According to the agency’s economic outlook, housing starts are predicted to increase 17.3% and hit 710,000 this year, with another 47% increase to 1.1 million in 2012 and another gain of 42% in 2013 to nearly 1.5 million.”

Housing Wire – “Foreclosures increase 2% in 2010, decline in hotspots” (1-18-11)

“ForeclosureRadar, which tracks foreclosure data on the West Coast, reported 338,999 foreclosure starts in California in 2010, down 33% from one year prior. Arizona filings fell 18% to 119,790, and Nevada filings fell 19% to 86,010.”

Bloomberg - “Biggest U.S. Homebuilders Take Over Market as New-Home Sales Begin Rebound” (1-18-11)

“D.R. Horton Inc., Lennar Corp. and Toll Brothers Inc. are among companies planning to boost their community counts by at least 10 percent this year after writing down property values, buying land at discounted prices and obtaining financing unavailable to smaller, closely held builders.”

Bloomberg - “Wells Fargo Refuses to Settle Fannie, Freddie Refund Demands” (1-18-11)

“Prodded by lawmakers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have pressed banks including Wells Fargo to buy back mortgages that were based on faulty data about the homes and borrowers. Wells Fargo said today in its fourth-quarter report that demands from the government-owned mortgage companies declined for a second straight quarter and now stand at $1.5 billion.”

Bloomberg - “Global Commercial Property Investment May Rise 25% in 2011, JLL Reports” (1-18-11)

“Investment in commercial property may rise by 25 percent worldwide this year, after returning confidence produced the most deals in the fourth quarter since 2007, Jones Lang La Salle Inc. said.”

Looking Back:

One year ago, MDA Dataquick’s monthly report showed that 22,328 homes were sold in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino and Orange County in one month . AFIRE conducted a survey in which 51 percent of foreign investors claimed the US provided the best opportunity for capital appreciation. Builder confidence decreased from the previous month. Fitch Ratings saw many positive signals for housing and other related industries which they believed would lead to a strong recovery.

For more information about The Norris Group’s California hard money loans or our California Trust Deed investments, visit the website or call our office at 951-780-5856 for more information. For upcoming California real estate investor training and events, visit The Norris Group website and our California investor calendar. You’ll also find our award-winning real estate radio show on KTIE 590am at 6pm on Saturdays or you can listen to over 170 podcasts in our free investor radio archive.

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The Norris Group Real Estate Holiday News Roundup

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

In The News:

Housing Wire – “Principal Real Estate Investors optimistic for economic recovery in 2011″ (12-29-10)

“Principal Real Estate Investors expects the Republican gains in Congress, stabilizing commercial real estate values, stronger corporate earnings, higher personal savings rates and the dynamics related to quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve will fuel economic growth in 2011.”

Housing Wire – “Foreclosures jump 31% in third quarter: OCC” (12-29-10)

“Large banks and thrifts foreclosed on 382,000 homes in the third quarter, a 31.2% spike from the previous quarter, according to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Foreclosures increased 3.7% from a year ago, and more are coming. There are 1.2 million homes in the foreclosure process as of the end of the third quarter, up 4.5% from the previous quarter and an increase of 10.1% from a year ago.”

Housing Wire – “Jobless claims fall by 34,000 to lowest point since July 2008″ (12-29-10)

“The Labor Department said the seasonally adjusted figure of actual initial claims for the week ended Dec. 25 fell by 34,000 from the previous week’s 422,000 that was revised upward by a few thousand.”

Housing Wire – “2010 average rate for 30-year mortgage lowest since 1955: Freddie Mac” (12-30-10)

“the average rate for a 30-year, fixed mortgage rose to 4.86% for the week ending Thursday, up from 4.81% a week earlier. A year ago, the average rate was 5.14%.”

Housing Wire – “OTS pins some higher REO volume on mortgage servicers” (12-30-10)

“The Office of Thrift Supervision updated its guidelines alerting examiners to the possibility that a higher level of repossessed homes could stem from poor servicer performance as much as lax underwriting standards.”

Housing Wire – “S&P revises shadow inventory timeline upward, again” (12-30-10)

“In the last three months, an estimated liquidation timeline covering the nation’s backlog of distressed real estate actually increased, according to Standard & Poor’s. The ratings agency now estimates it will take 44 months — up 10% percent from an estimate made just three months ago and 25% annualized — to clear the so-called shadow inventory of homes in distress or foreclosure, but not yet on the resale market.”

Housing Wire – “Senate removes extended tax exemptions for REIT investments” (12-28-10)

“Lawmakers removed larger exemptions for real estate investment trust stock purchases in a bill signed by President Obama Tuesday. The House of Representatives version of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act would have extended the tax exemption for REIT stock sold from 5% to 10% ownership interest.”

Housing Wire – “Freddie Mac delinquency rate up slightly in November, Fannie rate drops” (12-28-10)

“Freddie Mac said the rate of single-family home loans more than 90-days delinquent inched up to 3.85% last month from 3.82% in October. The government-sponsored enterprise said the multifamily delinquency rate for November fell to 0.39% from 0.44% a month earlier.”

Housing Wire - “LPS: Nearly 2.2 million mortgages are more than 90 days delinquent” (12-28-10)

“Nearly 2.2 million loans are 90 days or more delinquent but not yet in foreclosure, according to LPS, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based mortgage technology and analytics firm.”

Housing Wire - “Lenders initiate 500,000 short sales through Equator in one year” (12-28-10)

“Lenders initiated more than 500,000 short sales on Equator’s automated platform in one year of operation, the technology provider said Tuesday.”

Housing Wire – “Backlog on failed HAMP trials grows 22% since July” (12-28-10)

“The largest servicers participating in the Home Affordable Modification Program have not taken action on 266,136 delinquent mortgages that have either been canceled out of loan modification trials or never qualified for one as of October. This backlog has increased 22% since the 218,246 reported in July.”

Housing Wire – “Consumer advocates claim new Fed rule encourages reverse mortgage predators” (12-28-10)

“The Fed filed the rule with the Federal Register on Sept. 24. The rule was designed to actually give consumers more disclosures on reverse mortgage paperwork, using simple language to highlight the basic features and risks. But the organizations, which include the Center for Responsible Lending, and the National Consumer Law Center, among others, say that the rule goes beyond the Fed’s authority and undermines the still-forming Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.”

Housing Wire – “Housing price declines increase strategic default risk” (12-28-10)

“Home prices are expected to drop another 20% before hitting bottom, according to economists at A. Gary Shilling & Co., raising the risk that 40% of borrowers will walk away from their home in a strategic default.”

NAR - “Pending Home Sales Continue Recovery, Gradual Improvement Seen in 2011″ (12-28-10)

“The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator, rose 3.5 percent to 92.2 based on contracts signed in November from a downwardly revised 89.1 in October. The index is 5.0 percent below a reading of 97.0 in November 2009. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months”

Orange County Register – “O.C. home sales taking 58% longer” (12-28-10)

“It would take 4.64 months for buyers to gobble up all homes for sale at the current pace vs. 2.93 months a year ago — that’s a 58% increase in theoretical selling time in 2010. Homes listed for under a million bucks have a market time of 4.14 months vs. 2.37 months a year ago — that’s a 74% increase in selling time.”

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