House Prices Increased in April

Home prices increased 0.8 percent from March to April according to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data released today, the first monthly increase since May 2010.  This headline figure is from FHFA’s seasonally adjusted price index—a measure that adjusts for the fact that the housing market has very strong seasonal patterns.

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Federer Out in Quarterfinals at Wimbledon

For the second straight year Federer is out before reaching the Semifinals at Wimbledon. Once a dominating force on grass Roger Federer appears to be sliding. Although Federer took the opening two sets he was unable to prevent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga from firing off incredible serves and powerful forhands to take the final three sets. Federer's response will be interesting going into the US Open. >> More

Minneapolis Fed Chief Questions Tax Incentives For Household

Lowering the fraction of mortgage interest households are allowed to deduct from their taxable income would help protect the financial system in the event of another housing boom and bust, Minneapolis Fed President Narayana Kocherlakota said.  This is a very dangerous statement as the Fed Chief apparently believes that by allowing home owners to deduct interest from their mortgages that the same homeowner is more willing to take on higher risk in the form of increased debt. Personally I do not agree with this statement, and by making any changes to the current tax code that reduces the home owners ability to deduct interest would harm the housing market. For more information on the Fed Chief's remarks go here.

Sugarland Real Estate Overview

In Sugarland the current single family average market value is $262,000.  This is an increase of 1.3% from the prior year and 6% from 2009.  There are currently 865 single family homes listed for sale.  While the majority of the United States has shown price decreases over the past two years Sugarland, Texas has continued to grow.  Combined with it's fantastic location, ammenities, and highend schools families have continued to move to the area.

Houston GolfersGuide.com

An excellent source for golfing information in and around the Houston metroplex.  There are schools, news, coupns and much more.
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A Slow-Motion Real Estate Recovery

Jed Smith, managing director of quantitative research for the National Association of Realtors, characterized the economic upturn as "a mediocre recovery," and a "very slow recovery ... largely because of job issues. We're looking at up to a four-year recovery." >> More

Treasury Punishes Top Servicers for Failing Troubled Homeowners

The Treasury Department announced on Thursday that it will withhold incentive payments to Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500), J.P. Morgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500) and Wells Fargo (WFC, Fortune 500) until they substantially improve their performance in the federal Home Affordable Modification Program, known as HAMP. >> More

Proposed Changes to Qualified Residential Mortgage Requirements Would Impact Most Home Buyers

The proposed QRM rule is a risk retention rule required under the Dodd-Frank reforms that is intended to ensure that lenders have “skin in the game”.  It would require loan originators to retain risk equal to 5 percent of all but the safest mortgage loans.  The loans that would be exempt from the risk retention requirements would have a minimum down payment of 20 percent or more.. >> More

This proposed rule change is significant and opposition to these changes is increasing.

Sugarland Residents Asked to Limit Water Usage

Sugarland is asking for voluntary water limits to avoid placing restrictions.  Due to the severe drought the sity has provided a schedule for watering you lawn.  >> More

Ten Most Popular Real Estate Websites

Yahoo Real Estate reclaimed the top spot in May on a list of the most popular real estate websites compiled by Experian Hitwise, bumping the National Association of Realtors' official listing portal, Realtor.com, into second place. >> More