SINCE lenders started tightening underwriting standards in 2008, many people have flocked to mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which serves borrowers who have poor credit and little money for down payments.

Now, with F.H.A. mortgage defaults increasing, the government has tightened lending standards for those with the worst credit and increased fees across the board, while at the same time temporarily removing a hurdle that kept away buyers of foreclosed properties.

Full story is available on The New York Times

“The more you earn, the less you keep, And now I lay me down to sleep.

I pray the Lord my soul to take, if the tax collector hasn’t got it before I wake.”

– Ogden Nash

Many home sellers made little profit or sold at a loss last year. But homeowners who bought years ago and benefited from the huge gains during the first part of this century might be pleasantly surprised. If you are married and meet the legal requirements described below, you can exclude up to $500,000 of the profit you have made.

Full story is available on The Washington Post

Q:When is the best time of year to buy a house? Why? When is the worst?

The best time of year to buy a house is when you are financially ready to take on the responsibility of home ownership. Many home buyers – including real estate agents – entered the market because they were under the impression that real estate always goes up. The current housing market collapse is an excellent reminder that real estate is not a one-way bet. Purchasing a home is a long-term commitment. The decision to purchase should not be whittled down to the best time of year.

Full story is available on redding.com

Renee Eisert is settling into her new dream home, with freshly painted walls and new carpet. Her family of five now has a place of their own.

But if you ask her if the home-buying process has been fun, you’ll immediately get a different expression on her face.

“It took us four months to buy a house,” Eisert said.

Full story is available on Granite Bay

For Cheryl and Chris Lawson, now is an opportune time to buy a home.

The two are among the thousands expected to come to the Home Builders Association Home Show this weekend at the Expo Center.

Cheryl Lawson, 27, said if she and her husband can buy before April, they’ll be able to take advantage of a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers.

Full story is availabl eon News Leader

A great housing market?

As of last week, there were 5,291 single-family homes for $200,000 or less for sale in the Las Vegas area. Interest rates are low. So all over the TV and radio, they’re talking about how now is the time to buy a home. So hurry out and contact your Realtor.

But try to buy one — especially for $100,000 or less. It seems that a vast majority of such homes have cash offers — investors seeking to grab up cheap housing. Here’s an example:

Full story is available on review journal.com

Exhibitors at the 30th Great Northeast Home Show say they’re hoping an improving economy and increasing credit availability will give them a boost as they head into the spring construction season.

The show, which is presented by the Times Union, opens today at 4 p.m. at Empire State Plaza and Times Union Center in downtown Albany. Show hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Full story is available on Times Union

The smell of fresh bark and the sight of sprouting daffodils might seem out of place against the backdrop of the neon-decked walls inside the Tacoma Dome. But after 27 years, the Tacoma Home & Garden Show has taken root as an annual tradition – for vendors and visitors alike.

About 500 exhibitors chum for customers at the show, which runs through Sunday.

In the northeast corner of the Dome, a fully landscaped yard – complete with fresh grass – surrounds a simple 997-square-foot house. It looks move-in ready from the outside, though it’s hollow on the inside and lacks a finished roof.

Adair Homes will give away the home in a drawing.

Full story is available on The News Tribune

What does the future hold for house prices? Cliff D’Arcy takes a look at the lessons we can learn from the past 50 years of rising house prices.

We reveal how house prices and British society have changed over 50 years.

Halifax, the UK’s largest mortgage lender, has just released new housing research covering the past 50 years. This report makes for fascinating reading, as it reveals a huge amount of information about social trends in Britain over the past half-century.

Full story is available on lovemoney

OVER the holiday season all was snowy and bright at ski areas across the country, with a festive jingle in the air. It wasn’t sleigh bells — it was the sound of money. Vacation-home seekers who saw recessionary opportunities were looking to buy.

Many were ready to pay in cash, and they wanted great deals, like a $900,000 slope-side condominium for $500,000 or a studio in town for half the asking price. They were getting what they wanted because it is the best buyers’ market in 20 years, real estate agents said, with inventory at levels not seen since 2001.

Full story is available on The New York Times