Home values are way down since the housing market hit its peak in 2006. The S&P/Case-Shiller Price Index, which is a measure of the home values in 20 metropolitan statistical areas is down by nearly a third since the market peaked. Although home prices were briefly buoyed by the 2009 and 2010 home buyer tax […]
Proposed 20 Percent Down Rule Draws Opposition
A proposed rule intended to prevent the kind of reckless lending and borrowing that heaped so many toxic mortgages into the marketplace in recent years has alarmed some groups, who argue the unintended consequences could worsen the nation’s housing troubles. The plan would require homeowners to make down payments of at least 20 percent of […]
Struggling Refinance Program Extended
Struggling Refinance Program Extended The Obama administration recently announced that borrowers with little or no equity in their homes will have yet another year to take advantage of a refinancing program that so far has made little progress. The initiative, known as Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), was set to expire in June. But, so […]