Real Estate is an enormously exciting, fast-paced and diverse industry. Whether you are interested in the foreclosure market, property investment, commercial reality or even in the economics of real estate, there is ample opportunity to make your mark.

Follow the patterns of the market, the advice of professionals, and even the personal stories of first-time realtors by using the links provided below. These engaging and insightful real estate blogs will give you the tools and expertise you need stay on top of trends, overcome obstacles, and stand out in the real estate industry.

Jan O’Brien – Real Estate Coach has been featured on Guide to Online MBA’s list of the Best Real Estate Blogs found here: http://www.guidetocareereducation.com/tips-and-tools/real-estate-blogs.

Thanks for the include on this extensive real estate resource list!

For the next 30 days, HUD is seeking public comment on the following policy changes, each of which are designed to mitigate risk to the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund while promoting sustainable homeownership for FHA borrowers:

1. Update the combination of credit and down payment requirements for new borrowers. New borrowers seeking FHA-insured financing will be required to have a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for FHA’s flagship 3.5 percent down payment program. New borrowers with credit scores of less than a 580 will be required to make a cash investment of at least 10 percent. Borrowers with credit scores of less than 500 will no longer qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage.

2. Reduce allowable seller concessions from six to three percent. Allowing sellers to contribute up to six percent of the home’s sales price to offset a buyer’s costs exposes the FHA to excess risk by potentially driving up the cost of the home beyond its appraised value. Reducing seller concessions to three percent will bring FHA into conformity with industry standards.

3. Tighten underwriting standards for manually underwritten loans. When using compensating factors in the underwriting process, lenders will be required to consider those factors which are the best predictive indicators of loan performance, such as the borrower’s credit history, loan-to-value (LTV) percentage, debt-to income ratio, and cash reserves.

HUD is changing policy to “manage its risk and boost reserves.” The big changes appears to be the seller concession changing to 3% – down from 6% and borrowers with credit scores of 500-580 will need 10% down payment.

Facebook reached 400 million users five months ago. This time last year, it had just reached 200 million, and eight months before that it was at just 100 million. The site launched in February of 2004, and has since become the most popular social site on the web.

Facebook continues to impress with continued explosive growth with an estimated 500 million users in July. Look for launch of “Facebook Stories” where users can share how Facebook has impacted their lives.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan OBrien Receives 2010 Best of Kalispell Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

NEW YORK, NY, July 7, 2010 — Jan OBrien has been selected for the 2010 Best of Kalispell Award in the Insurance Agents & Brokers category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@uscaaward.com
URL: http://www.uscaaward.com

Thanks to the U.S. Commerce Association for the recognition. Be sure to check out their site for comprehensive small business resources, tips, articles, news, and marketing ideas: http://www.uscaaward.com.

Yahoo is outsourcing yet another product to an outside company. Tonight, Yahoo is announcing an exclusive partnership with real estate listings and search site Zillow. As part of the partnership, which will go into effect later this year, Zillow will power all for-sale listings on Yahoo Real Estate. The financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.

Zillow’s will integrate its 4 million for-sale listings on Yahoo’s real estate site, where users will still be able to search for home listings by the same parameters as on Zillow’s site, such as by geography, price and other criteria. For-sale listings placed on Zillow will automatically appear on Yahoo Real Estate.

Do you have your Profile on Zillow? Check out this page for how to leverage Zillow for your real estate business: http://www.zillow.com/learnmore/why-use-zillow.htm.>