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Title: Press Room Headlines from REALTOR.org
Link: http://www.realtor.org/press_room
Description: REALTOR.org Press Room Headlines
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Lexington, Kentucky, Earns Ambassador City Designation for Helping Elderly, Disabled Keep Their Homes
Lexington, Kentucky, was named a 2009 Ambassador City for the success of its programs Repair Affair and Remodeling for Access and Mobility which help low-income homeowners.
May Existing-Home Sales Continue Rising Trend
Sales of existing homes showed another gain in May, benefiting from favorable affordability conditions and a first-time buyer tax credit.
NAR Convenes Commercial Real Estate Meeting
Eighteen groups from commercial sector gather to set priorities that will strengthen industry, provide liquidity and facilitate lending.
FHA's Expanded Market Share Must Be Supported
NAR urged Congress today to invest resources that will ensure FHA?s continued role in stabilizing the housing market.
Realtors® Recognize Need for Regulatory Reform
NAR commends President Obama for developing a comprehensive financial regulatory reform framework.
Improve Energy Efficiency by Offering Incentives
Improving the energy efficiency of the nation?s homes and buildings can be best accomplished with incentives and education.
Realtors®: Renew Focus on Housing Stabilization
NAR applauds Business Roundtable's recommendations to reinvigorate the housing market.
NAR Awards $730,000 to Support Workforce Housing
The National Association of Realtors® has awarded $730,000 to five state Realtor® associations through the Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grant.
Mortgage Market Needs Fannie and Freddie
A secondary mortgage market model that includes some level of government participation is necessary to ensure affordable and available home mortgages.
Pending Home Sales Up for Three Months Straight
The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.7 percent to 90.3.
Realtors® Under 30 Turn Challenges into Opportunities
Younger consumers are taking advantage of today?s market opportunities like never before more than four out of every 10 recent home sales were to first-time buyers. This year?s REALTOR® Magazine ?30 Under 30? winners demonstrate the same spirit, transforming challenges into advantages for their clients and businesses.
First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit for Closing Will Move Market
Consumers across the country can now take advantage of a Federal Housing Administration program to allow qualified home buyers to apply the $8,000 tax credit when purchasing a home. FHA will now permit its lenders to provide a short-term bridge loan that will let qualified home buyers use the tax credit to either make a larger downpayment above the FHA required 3.5 percent, cover closing costs, or buy down their interest rate.
NAR, Mayors, Recognize Tri-Valley, Calif. for Increasing Affordable Housing Opportunities
California?s Tri-Valley region has been named a 2009 Ambassador City by the National Association of Realtors® and the U.S. Conference of Mayors for its Tri-Valley Housing Opportunity Center, a nonprofit housing counseling organization that promotes affordable rental and homeownership opportunities.
Existing-Home Sales Rise in April
Existing-home sales rose in April with strong buyer activity in lower price ranges, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
NAR Grants Support Local Affordable Housing Initiatives
The National Association of Realtors® has awarded $49,050 to 16 local and state Realtor® associations through the Housing Opportunity Fund grants program. The grants help local and state Realtor® associations promote and expand affordable housing opportunities in their communities.
Commercial Real Estate Hurt by Credit Crunch and Weak Economy
The general economic downturn, complicated by a severe credit crunch in commercial real estate, is dampening commercial real estate activity. In addition, a forward-looking index shows the forecast for commercial real estate sectors will remain weak for the remainder of the year, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Realtors® Explore Land Use Challenges
Smart growth, military base development, disaster insurance, and pine beetle infestation were among issues Realtors® shared at the Land Use, Property Rights and Environment Forum.
Realtors® Help Buyers, Sellers Navigate Short Sales
Realtors® attending the Housing Opportunity Forum at the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo gain insight on assisting buyers and sellers with short sales.
Economy, Lack of Credit Hobble Commercial Real Estate
Credit availability and refinancing issues have seriously affected commercial real estate, but recent actions by Federal Reserve may ease crisis.
Uniform Process for Short Sales Will Help Struggling Home Owners
Help is on the way for many home owners who are facing foreclosure, thanks to new details under the Making Home Affordable Program.
Realtors® See Buyers Returning to Market
Historically housing affordability and low mortgage interest rates, combined with buyer opportunities in the distressed sales market, have increased home sales in many areas of the country.
Realtors® Use New Visa Types to Open Doors for Foreign Buyers
Realtors® from across the country met today with experts in immigration issues and international economics at the joint International and Resort and Second Home Real Estate Forums at the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo.
NAR Awards Grants to Promote Diversity Initiatives
The National Association of Realtors® is awarding $37,900 to nine local and state Realtor® associations through its Diversity Initiative Grant Program.
Realtor® Member Survey Shows Response to Challenging Market
Realtors® are adjusting to shifts in the real estate market, according to the 2009 NAR Member Profile.
Realtors® Deliver Agenda to Elected Officials
Realtors® agenda includes measures to protect commercial real estate markets and to ensure the availability of affordable healthcare to the self-employed.
REALTORS® Federal Credit Union Opens
Realtors® now have a banking resource designed specifically with their needs in mind.
Jumbo Mortgage Market is Holding Recovery Back
Limited availability and unusually high interest rates in the jumbo loan market are adversely affecting the rest of the housing market.
Realtors® to Carry Economic Recovery Goals to Capitol Hill
National Association of Realtors® President Charles McMillan encouraged those gathered at the ?59 and ˝ Minutes: A Member-Director Forum? to continue a dialogue toward finding solutions to today?s economic conditions and moving the economy as a whole toward recovery. The forum capped a day of presentations and panel discussions as part of the Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy.
Credit is Key to Real Estate Recovery
Improving the availability of credit and access to capital are essential to recovery in the real estate market. Addressing these challenges was the focus of the "Financing Real Estate for Tomorrow" session, part of the National Association of Realtors®' daylong Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy.
Foreclosure and Short Sale Discounts Weigh Down Metro Area Median Prices
First-time home buyers responding to improved affordability conditions, and lower prices of foreclosures and short sales, impacted metropolitan area median home prices in the first quarter, while existing-home sales remained sluggish in many parts of the country.
HUD Secretary Announces Monetization of Tax Credit at NAR Real Estate Summit
Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, said the FHA will permit its lenders to allow homeowners to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.
Top Minds Highlight NAR Real Estate Summit to Advance the U.S. Economy
'The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy' kicks off a week of NAR meetings that run through Saturday. Government officials, academics, business leaders, economists, media members and real estate industry experts will participate in the summit.
Realtors® Recognize the Power of Green
More than 2,700 Realtors® have completed the National Association of Realtors® Green Designation Core Course and over 1,250 NAR members have received NAR?s Green Designation.
Realtors® Support HUD Funding in Obama Budget
The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Charles McMillan: As the leading advocate for housing and homeownership issues, NAR is pleased that President Barack Obama?s 2010 budget, released today, includes increased funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and many of its important programs. HUD helps millions of families obtain affordable housing and makes safe affordable financing available to even more people.
Realtors Urge Congress to Stop Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Foreclosure rescue scams and other predatory and irresponsible lending practices have been on the rise, negatively impacting families, communities, and the housing market.
Realtors® Covered by NAR with New Limited Health Insurance Program
Realtors® without health insurance now have an affordable, guaranteed-issue, option for coverage through a new REALTOR Benefits® partner program.
Realtors® Push Mortgage Reform
Home buyers must be protected against mortgage lending abuses and assured of access to affordable mortgages. Toward this end, NAR expressed its support of the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2009.
Realtors® Recognize Kemp?s Contribution to Homeownership
"NAR mourns the loss of former Congressman and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Jack Kemp," said NAR President Charles McMillan today.
Pending Home Sales Rise
Pending home sales rose with many first-time buyers taking advantage of historically good housing affordability conditions.
NAR Recognizes School of the Future Design Winners
The annual School of the Future Design Competition recognizes the efforts of young students in integrating sustainability, technology and community involvement into school design. This year?s winners were announced by the National Association of Realtors® and the Council of Educational Facility Planners International Foundation at an event last night.
Realtors® Support Mortgage Lending Reform
There must be a balance between safeguarding consumers in the lending process and ensuring reasonable access to mortgage capital.
March Existing-Home Sales Slip but First-Time Buyers Rise
Existing-home sales eased in March but first-time buyers are responding to low mortgage interest rates and tax credits, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
HOPE Award Winners Remove Barriers to Minority Homeownership
This year?s HOPE Awards (Home Ownership Participation for Everyone) winners exemplify the efforts of countless individuals and organizations across the country committed to closing the minority housing gap.
Houston Named Ambassador City
The National Association of Realtors® and the U.S. Conference of Mayors have named Houston a 2009 Ambassador City for its Houston HOPE Homes program, an initiative to reinvest in some of Houston?s historic neighborhoods with housing development and infrastructure improvements.
FHA Key to Housing Rebound, Say Realtors®
The Federal Housing Administration is a primary source of mortgage financing for millions of America?s families and plays a key role in helping bring stability to the housing market.
For Realtors®, Every Month is Fair Housing Month
Realtors®? ongoing commitment to remove housing discrimination and advance fair housing laws takes on added meaning in April during Fair Housing Month.
Gain Seen in Pending Home Sales
Pending home sales have edged up, hinting at a possible pickup of sales activity in coming months. Plus, housing affordability sets new record.
2008 Second-Home Sales Decline
The combination of vacation- and investment-home sales slipped to 30 percent of all existing- and new-home transactions in 2008.
NAR Warn of Rental Property Scam
NAR encourages consumers affected by a recent property rental scam to file a complaint.
NAR Supports David Stevens as FHA Head
NAR President Charles McMillan released a statement applauding the nomination of David Stevens, a real estate professional, to lead the FHA.
Existing-Home Sales Rise In February
Existing-home sales increased in February, reversing losses in January.
Fed Move to Buy Securities Will Boost Housing
NAR applauds the Federal Reserve announcement it would purchase an additional $750 billion in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities.
Accolades Grow for NAR's Green Designation
The National Association of Realtors® has received an Award of Excellence for its Green Designation, a program designed to equip Realtors® with advanced knowledge on green building practices and green property features.
REALTORS® Recommend Responsible Lending Principles
REALTORS® care about protecting consumers from unfair lending practices and are important allies in those efforts.
Five Cities Receive ?Ambassador? Designation
Five cities have been designated as 2009 Ambassador Cities by NAR and the US Conference of Mayors for expanding affordable housing opportunities.
Taxing Times on Real Estate Today
As consumers prepare their tax returns, Real Estate Today is preparing to deliver crucial tax information that may affect all homeowners, buyers and sellers.
Realtors® Pledge Assistance for Guidelines on Foreclosure Fixes)
NAR President Charles McMillan issues a statement on member support for President Obama?s Making Home Affordable plan.
Realtors® Get the Right Tools, Right Now
NAR is offering its roster of business-building resources to members for free or at reduced costs through its new ?Right Tools, Right Now? initiative.
Pending Home Sales Down, But Housing Affordability at Record
Pending home sales declined on the heels of a weakening economy and with some buyers waiting for clarity on housing stimulus provisions, according to NAR.
Americans Agree: Smart Growth Approach to Transportation Helps Build Communities
An overwhelming majority of Americans believe restoring existing roads and bridges and expanding transportation options should take precedence over building new roads, according to a survey sponsored by NAR and Transportation for America.
REALTORS® Endorse Obama?s Recovery Plan
NAR expressed support of President Obama?s broadened focus on economic recovery that stresses housing stability and health care, as well lending and foreclosure prevention.
Existing-Home Sales Fall, Inventory Down in January
Existing-home sales declined and housing inventories fell to a two-year low in January, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
REALTOR® Magazine?s Good Neighbor Awards Call for Entries
NAR is accepting applications for the 10th annual REALTOR® Magazine Good Neighbor Awards, recognizing Realtors® for volunteer service.
Commercial Real Estate Continues Decline
A sustained lack of credit and the economic slump will depress the commercial real estate market this year; all components of the index declined.
NAR Supports Aid to Troubled Homeowners
The National Association of Realtors® commends the Obama administration?s plan to help millions of homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes.
Realtors® Advocate Quick Implementation of Stimulus Package
NAR looks forward to swift implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, now that it has been sent to President Obama for his signature.
Housing Stimulus and Stabilization Will Help Recovery
NAR President McMillan: "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is important for the economy and contains important housing provisions."
NAR: TALF Will Encourage Commercial Investment
The US Treasury?s announcement regarding commercial mortgage-backed securities and TALF will encourage investment in the commercial real estate market.
Q4 Metro Prices Down
Most metropolitan area median home prices, impacted by distressed sales, trended down in the fourth quarter from a year earlier.
REALTORS® Take Real Estate to Radio
America will have a new source of comprehensive real estate information when the NAR, 630 WMAL and XM Satellite Radio launch a national radio show this weekend.
Senate Stimulus Bill, Treasury Stability Plan Hailed
NAR hailed the Senate for passing its stimulus bill and commended the Obama administration for the financial stability plan announced today.
More Liquidity Needed in Commercial Real Estate
A severe lack of credit threatens commercial real estate and poses significant risks for the whole economy, according to a National Association of Realtors® work group.
NAR Mourns the Loss of Habitat for Humanity Founder Millard Fuller
The National Association of Realtors® mourns the loss of Habitat for Humanity International founder Millard Fuller, who died Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the age of 74. We extend our sincerest sympathies to his family and friends.
REALTORS® Urge Congress to Help ?HOPE For Homeowners?
NAR announced its support for legislation designed to ease loan modifications and improve refinancing options for troubled homeowners by revamping the HOPE for Homeowners program.
Realtors® Welcome Renewed Efforts Toward Housing Stabilization
Congress and the Department of the Treasury must enact legislative and regulatory priorities to stabilize the housing market and to stop the financial market?s rapid deterioration.
Pending Home Sales Show Healthy Gain
Pending home sales increased as more buyers took advantage of improved affordability conditions, according to NAR.
REALTORS® Recognize Importance of Keeping Big Banks Out of Real Estate
NAR calls for legislation that would permanently ban banks from entering into real estate transactions, citing concerns for the nation?s economy.
Realtor® Recommendations Make Headway in House
The US House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward economic recovery in passing The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Existing-Home Sales Show Strong Gain
Existing-home sales rose unexpectedly while inventory declined, led by a surge of sales in the West, according to NAR.
NAR Launches $5 Million Grant Program for Workforce Housing
In today?s challenging economy, NAR is taking action to make workforce housing more available.
REALTORS® Welcome President Barack Obama
On behalf of NAR?s 1.2 million Realtors®, we welcome the new president and pledge to work with him to stabilize the U.S. housing market," NAR President Charles McMillan says.
REALTORS® Continue Push for Housing Strategy
A revitalized housing market is essential to generating commerce and helping families build wealth and stability, NAR President Charles McMillan says.
Americans Want Transportation Spending in Stimulus Bill
This according to The 2009 Growth and Transportation Survey sponsored by NAR and Transportation for America.
Many Home Buyers Need Higher Loan Limits
The drop in mortgage loan limits is hurting home sales and trade-up activity in higher price ranges.
Effective Implementation Critical to Tax Credit
If home buyers become eligible for tax credits without repayment features, the result could be an additional 555,000 home sales.
Realtors® Support Donovan as HUD Head
A statement by National Association of Realtors® President Charles McMillan:
Realtors® Reiterate Keys to Housing Recovery
To move the country out of this economic crisis, Congress and the next administration must place significant emphasis on restoring confidence in the housing market.
Realtors® Urge Congress to Increase FHA Funding
The importance of the Federal Housing Administration?s role in the economic and housing recovery has never been more apparent, and the National Association of Realtors® reinforced this message in testimony submitted to Congress today.
Economic Slump Weakens Pending Home Sales
After holding fairly stable for a year, pending home sales declined in the face of job losses and an eroding economy, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
First-Ever Realtor® Float Wins Award
The National Association of Realtors® inaugural float won the Isabella Coleman Trophy for ?Best Presentation of Color and Color Harmony Through Floral Use,? at the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade.
Media Advisory: Downpayment Clarification
There is some misinformation in the media lately about the required size of a down payment for a mortgage in today?s market, and the blog world is abuzz with misperceptions. .
Existing-Home Sales Decline in Economic Uncertainty
Existing-home sales weakened against a backdrop of an eroding economy, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
NAR Urges Financial Regulators and Industry to Make Mortgages More Attainable
The National Association of Realtors® applauds recent actions by the Federal Reserve and the Treasury making mortgage interest rates more affordable.
Commercial Real Estate Outlook Dampened
With the exception of cash transactions, investment activity in commercial real estate sectors is nearly at a standstill because commercial lending has essentially halted, while job losses are curtailing the demand for space, according to the latest COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK* of the National Association of Realtors®.
Fed Action Creates Best Interest Rates in 50 Years, Realtors® Report
The National Association of Realtors® applauds the actions of the Federal Reserve Board in lowering interest rates for home buyers and homeowners who need to refinance.
Realtors® Strongly Support Donovan Nomination as Head of HUD
The National Association of Realtors® applauds President-elect Barack Obama?s selection of Shaun Donovan as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Realtors® Push for 4.5 Percent Interest Rate Buy-Down
A federal mortgage interest buy-down program would help spark the housing market, the National Association of Realtors® said in a letter sent today to James B. Lockhart, chairman of the Oversight Board of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
NAR: Interest Rate Drop Good Sign, But Government Must Continue to Help Families
The National Association of Realtors® is urging the federal government to proceed rapidly to drive down mortgage interest rates and move ahead with housing stimulus action to drive up consumer confidence.
Realtors® Tell Congress Increased Housing Demand Critical To Stabilize Markets, Slow Foreclosures
Critical to boosting the economy is the need to stem the rising tide of foreclosures and boost homebuyer confidence in the housing market, the National Association of Realtors® told Members of Congress today.
Realtors® Praise Efforts of Fair Housing Advocates for Ensuring Equality in Homeownership
The National Association of Realtors® commended the collaborative efforts of hundreds of fair housing advocates who participated in the National Commission on Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
Pending Home Sales Holding In Stable Range
Pending home sales eased against a deteriorating economic backdrop but remain in a stable range, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
House Bill Aims to Stabilize Housing, Addresses Foreclosures and Stimulus
A bill that embraces the need for righting the housing market the first big step toward economic recovery was introduced Friday in the U.S. House of Representatives.
NAR, Mayors Recognize Irvine, Calif., Efforts to Educate Public Officials on Affordability
The National Association of Realtors® and the U.S. Conference of Mayors have named Irvine, Calif., an Ambassador City.
NAR President Charles McMillan's Statement on Possible Treasury Action
A statement from National Association of Realtors® President Charles McMillan.
Curb Appeal Matters Now More Than Ever, Say Realtors
For the second year in a row, Realtors® report that exterior remodeling projects return the most money as a percentage of cost, as detailed in the 2008 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report.
