Category: Mortgages, finance
Condo lending guidelines causing problems
As President of the Chicago Association of Realtors and Managing Partner of Prudential SourceOne Realty, David Hanna is well-positioned to understan [...]
Keeping tabs on FHA-approved developments
A development pursuing FHA loan approval is hardly news these days -- it's almost expected. Senco Properties sent out a release this week promoting Em [...]
At long last, a few mortgage fraud arrests
When you've been around Chicago long enough you simply shake your head and mutter forlornly about the near-complete lack of law enforcement while a wa [...]
Sacred cow no more? Budget proposal curtails mortgage interest deduction
Just days after winning a major legislative victory in the stimulus package, the housing industry lobby machine is cranking up again — this time to op [...]
Tax tips: These are the breaks!
The New York Times over the weekend published a recap of the latest tax breaks for home sales and purchases, including a reminder that the oft-mention [...]
Anatomy of a Train Wreck
That's the title of a provocative report (PDF file) on the causes of the mortgage meltdown that precipitated our current financial crisis.
The report [...]
DeBat: Uncle Sam’s housing stimulus applauded by buyers and Realtors
Homeowners with roofs over their heads are applauding Congress’ passage of a housing stimulus bill as the most important legislation affecting real es [...]
DeBat: Cook County borrowers now protected against future home-loan fraud
With the real-estate market in a "deathly" state, it may take years for some city neighborhoods and suburbs to recover. What protection do borrowers h [...]
DeBat: Summer brings great selection and prices, higher mortgage rates
In the July issue of New Homes (available now at these locations!), columnist Don DeBat surveys the summer house-hunting market.
The selection of new [...]
Feds 67, locals 0
As you read the sordid details of the mortgage fraud indictments announced today by the United States Attorney's office (PDF), you might wonder whethe [...]
Illinois makes FBI mortgage fraud top 10
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) just released its 2007 Mortgage Fraud Report. Illinois maintained its ranking in the top 10 states for mortg [...]
Why rent-to-own when you can rent?
Every so often I get a protective urge toward prospective home buyers. I almost always feel that urge when I see a rent-to-own offering.
Rent-to-own [...]
Roeder: Rokas president is nowhere to be found
Over the past few months, tidibits have been accumulating about the fate of Rokas International and the developer's South Loop projects. Lawsuits, for [...]
In-unit safe? Basement storage cage? Check 'em out here
Willard Court may be "architecturally bankrupt," in the words of one Yo reader, but it still offers a few interesting features here and there - like t [...]
Why are home buyers so skittish?
Why aren't more people taking the plunge on a new condominium or townhouse at the moment?
“They think that things may be worse than they are. They [...]
Deal watch: Free closing costs, no payments for four months with Pulte purchase
Like our recent Lennar post, this applies mainly to those of you looking for homes in the 'burbs. But hey, Oswego's not a bad little town, especiall [...]
The one-two punch: Home sales down, foreclosures up
A pair of articles in Crain's today paints a rather dreary - but not entirely unexpected - picture of the Chicago home market.
Home sales fell 28 per [...]
Deal of the day: Lennar matching Fed's interest-rate cut through Sunday
Okay, so this may apply only those shopping for homes outside of Chicago proper, or for those willing to hasten their hunts for new digs, but we fig [...]
Quote of the day: This is what TIF funds are for
"This is exactly what TIF funds and city incentives should be used for. There’s no question. We’re talking about a blighted area [on] the verge of bei [...]
Chicago builders offer predictions for 2008
They didn't use crystal balls, but a handful of key real estate players from the Lincoln Park Builders of Chicago nonetheless sought to predict the fu [...]