The economy is still struggling to gain its footing, prompting several Federal Reserve officials to push for a new stimulus campaign, which could include a move that would push mortgage rates even lower. The Fed will discuss such moves at its policy-making committee meeting next week. Fed Chairman Ben S. Bernanke indicated to Congress last week that one of the items under consideration would be to further drive down long-term interest rates, which could pull mortgage rates down even more […]

The Mercury Alliance, LLC was formed in 2005 by Tom who has had a storied career in specialized real estate assets, non-performing real estate loans and REO. Mission Statement of The Mercury Alliance, LLC: To develop, implement and monetize specialized real estate strategies of benefit to investors/clients focused on liquidity and the time-value of money. Click here to search for a gay or lesbian real estate agent anywhere in the country.   Professional/Personal Distinctions: BA, MBA, Member NAREB (Director), NAHREP, […]

Fewer distressed homes on the market are contributing to inventory shortages in California, the California Association of REALTORS® reports. CAR reported that its Pending Home Sales Index dropped 3.8 percent from May to June. Still, it was up 4.7 percent year-over-year. REOs made up 20.2 percent of the state’s pending home sales in June, which is a decline from 29.2 percent a year ago. All distressed properties — which includes REOs, short sales, and others — made up 42 percent […]

PJ was born and raised in Champaign/Urbana. Living here his whole life, he has familiarized himself with the community and what it has to offer. PJ is a Centennial High School graduate and studying to earn a bachelors degree in Business through Eastern Illinois University. PJ enjoys finding the right home for his clients and he enjoys the opportunity to help clients make the biggest financial decision of their life. PJ enjoys the marketing process of selling a home and […]

Wealthy home owners are reportedly contacting their real estate agents with an urgent request: They must sell their home within the next five months, CNBC reports. Why are they suddenly in such a rush to sell? Wealthy home owners—those with million-plus home values—are seeing Jan. 1 as a deadline to sell their home in case Congress allows the Bush tax cuts to expire and for capital-gains taxes to rise (the current 15 percent rate could rise to 20 percent). If […]

Moving.com identified the top metro areas for 18- to 29-year olds, factoring in affordable housing and rental costs, low unemployment, and education and entertainment opportunities. The areas emerging at the top of its list are located mostly near large cities and are considered “affordable” by big-city standards. The metro areas also offer some of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, below 7 percent. The top seven cities for millennials, according to Moving.com’s list are: 1. Athens, Ga. Unemployment: 6.5% […]

Houston is a vital, diverse city with a lifestyle for everyone; it is my goal to match the perfect home to that lifestyle. My expertise, talent and knowledge of all that Houston has to offer helps me provide excellent service whether you’re a first time buyer, relocating or upgrading to a new home. For investors I have experience in several markets (CA, NV, TX, AZ) and understand the intricacies of building profitable real estate investments as part of a portfolio […]

The streak continues with average 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages taking yet another dip into record territory this week, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage market survey. “With little signs of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s ‘Operation Twist’ keeping U.S. Treasury bond yields in check, fixed mortgage rates are remaining low and helping to stir the housing market,” says Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. According to Freddie Mac, fixed mortgage rates will likely remain at — or near — […]

More than 1.5 million older Americans have lost their homes to foreclosure and millions more are at risk, according to a new AARP report. The risk appears to be greatest among Americans 75 years and older, as well as minority home owners. About one in 30 adults 75 and older face foreclosure today. That’s significant when compared to 2007, when one in 300 home owners aged 75 and older were at risk of foreclosure. Furthermore, older minorities — particularly African […]

My name is Mark and I am a Realtor® in Dallas, Texas. I have over 20 years experience in helping buyers and sellers with their Real Estate needs in all areas of the Dallas Metroplex, but specializing in Oak Lawn, Uptown, and Oak Cliff/Kessler Park areas of Dallas as well as The Historical Homes in Munger Place and Lakewood. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds focusing primarily on the needs of Dallas’ Gay and Lesbian community. The hallmarks of […]