Foreclosures back on the rise

While foreclosures have not slowed much, the new push by the banks is to move the pipeline along.  This means continued pricing pressures, but it also means continued buying opportunities while prices remain low with low interest rates.  In my opinion, we won't see this trend turn around until the jobs picture changes.

See the entire story on this link:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Mortgage-default-warnings-apf-157937671.html?x=0

Rentals boosted by Foreclosures

This article covers a lot of ground between plans by Fannie Mae to rent homes up to 5 years to lenders selling foreclosures in bulk to investors.   Regardless of the place the foreclosure ends up, the article hints that sales prices maybe stabilizing, and that rentals are the big focus for investors as rental prices go up from new demand and easy foreclosure inventory.  I think the biggest take aways are:  buy and hold (not flip), and also banks are considering stabilizing the market by holding their own inventory and renting it.    This indicates rentals are a good way to go for current home owners, investors and banks.

How can you as a home owner benefit? Simple, if you have a desire to move closer in town or upgrade to a bigger home, this could be the right time. You can easily rent out your existing home, hopefully with positive cash flow, and purchase the upgrade home cheap!  This market can present some win wins!

See article: http://www.pe.com/business/realestate/stories/PE_News_Local_D_rentals03.3a0741f.html

Rental Rates maybe rising in Atlanta

As you will see from this article, Post Properties has reported a 3.5% rise in rates.  This could be another sign of the growing strength in the rental market.  As an investor, this can be a great time to add to your portfolio of properties.  Prices and interest rates remain low and you have a good opportunity to get it rented fast.  The long term trend appears to be putting rentals in a very strong position.

See the article about Post's results at this link: http://www.housingwire.com/2011/08/01/post-properties-swings-to-profit-as-rental-rates-occupancy-rise

Changes Ahead for Mortgage Servicing

This is not a surprise as the mortgage market continues to face many changes. Some are quite good, and some still remain a worry. This one appears to be positive on many fronts.  One of my favorite points in the single point of contact for the mortgagee.  See all the details in this article.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/43991596

Fortunately we are not in this situation

Well as this story from CNBC notes, Detroit is solving some of its housing problems with a bulldozer. But fortunately Georgia is no where close to this situation.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/43989234