What a boring day in the markets! Stocks added to yesterday's gains and bonds added to their losses. This pushed mortgage rates marginally higher. The best 30 year fixed mortgage rates are still in the 4.125% to 4.375% range for well-qualified consumers, but less lenders are offering rates below 4.25% today. If your lender is still willing to offer a rate below 4.25%, your closing costs are about 25bps higher today (0.25% of your loan amount). AQ's comments from yesterday still apply... We're not panicking over this sell off. There has been no change in our fundamental economic outlook, we see no new reason to be optimistic about a rapid recovery. What we witnessed today was a technical adjustment, an adjustment that could reverse course on Friday morning if the Employment Situation Report...(read more)
Forward this article via email:Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.
The National Association of Realtors released the Pending Home Sales Index today. NAR's Pending Home Sales Index measures the number of home purchase contracts that were signed in the monthly reporting period. Once "pending" sales contracts are closed, they are considered an existing home sale. Because the Pending Home Sales index tells us how many contracts were signed, it is consider a forward indicator of existing home sales. A signed contract is not counted as an existing home sale until the transaction actually closes. Excerpts from the Release... Following a sharp drop in the months immediately after expiration of the home buyer tax credit, pending home sales have modestly risen. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator, rose 5.2 percent to 79.4 based on contracts signed...(read more)
Forward this article via email:Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.
Interested in owning a second home, but can?t afford it? You may want to consider a fractional interest property instead. Check out this NEW Field Guide to find out more on this exciting prospect.
Community organizers, state and federal government officials, and representatives from banking, research and educations institutions are currently meeting in Washington at a REO and Vacant Properties Summit sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank. The two day conference is focused on examining the problems associated with vacant and abandoned property and to explore approaches to neighborhood stabilization. Governor Elizabeth Duke, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve opened the summit on Wednesday. In her remarks she introduced the types of issues that are faced by communities with high rates of foreclosure and REO and highlighted some of the lessons learned in the last few years about neighborhood stabilization strategies. She pointed out that the impact of each foreclosure goes far beyond...(read more)
Forward this article via email:Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.
NAR members have access to a wealth of information relating to the real estate industry from our website, Realtor.org. Now we are providing members with alternate resources to assist in their success. Various academic institutions and independent organizations around the U.S. have established research centers to study real estate-related issues and trends. These resources include state and local association library/research sources, as well as Internet sites. This Updated Field Guide includes contact information for many of these research centers.
Don't miss a webinar; sign up now to receive your invitation
Sellstate provides free webinars with industry experts the third Wednesday of each month. To receive your monthly invitation, e-mail us at register@sellstate.com. You will receive exclusive access to updated information, as well as the registration link for each month's event. You can also download archived webinars and check out upcoming guests by clicking here.
Our Purpose
To fulfill the American Dream
Since the company's founding in 2001, Sellstate has been committed to helping home buyers, sellers, agents and brokers fulfill their personal and professional goals. We pride ourselves on delivering first-rate service and training for the nation's elite group of real estate professionals. We are proud to have you as a member of the Sellstate Family, and we are proud to be partners in your success.
Short sales
Learn the new short sale guidelines!
The federal government's new HAFA program aims to help agents, brokers and service providers expedite the short sale process for buyers and sellers.
Show your Sellstate pride with our new full-color poster series!
Ready to make an impact with customers and recruits? Available while supplies last, these framed prints are the perfect office accent! Click here for more info.
Submit news
Get the word out with Sellstate Source
Have a news item you'd like to share with clients, recruits and Sellstate associates? Head over to our article submission page, and take advantage of Sellstate Source's marketing power. Click here for more info.
iPhone app
Get Sellstate updates on your iPhone!
Have you downloaded the Sellstate iPhone app yet? Get industry news and company updates live 24 hours a day! Download it today at the Apple iPhone app store.
JoinSellstate
Check out the new look at JoinSellstate!
Sellstate unveils new look, message for recruiting website. Get the full scoop on the site's new features by clicking here, or visit the site and see for yourself.
Ramp up your AAD efforts by directing potential recruits to the new JoinSellstate.com!
Get connected to Sellstate!
Facebook
Network with other Sellstate professionals on our Facebook page.
Twitter
Get updated instantly on Sellstate happenings on our Twitter page.
RSS Feed
Sign up and have website updates sent to you instantly. What is RSS?
Check out our latest video
Agents: Discover the Sellstate difference
Why is Sellstate the perfect solution for today's real estate agent? Watch this informative video and learn for yourself. Click the image above to watch the video, or right-click and select "Save Link As" to download video. You can also visit our full archive of training and marketing videos by clicking here.
Are you taking advantage of Sellstate's Agent Asset Development Program? You can earn 100% commission by recruiting new agents - 95% on your direct transactions, and 5% commission on sales by the agents you've recruited! To learn more, click here or ask your broker today!
Attention iPhone users: Receive live news updates 24/7 with the FREE Sellstate Source iPhone app. Download it today!
Have a technical issue or question relating to Sellstate websites or e-mail? Click here to visit our troubleshooting section.
JoinSellstate.com
Know an agent that's interested in learning more about Sellstate? Direct them to JoinSellstate.com, our online information resource for prospective Sellstate associates. Visit now ...
Online training
Sellstate, in cooperation with 360º Training, has created a partnership to allow any agent or broker to receive the necessary training to stay up to date with state licensing requirements. Learn more...
Speak your mind
We invite you to share your thoughts with us anytime. If there are features you'd like to see more of on the site, things you could do without, whatever -- let us know. We want to make Sellstate Source the ultimate website for your success. E-mail us!