10 Housing Markets Getting the Most Web Traffic
Chicago continues to garner the most Web traffic at Realtor.com, taking the No. 1 spot once again for the highest search ranking in December at Realtor.com.
Based on rankings of 146 metro markets, here are the cities that had the highest search rankings for December 2011 at Realtor.com:
1. Chicago
Median list price: $189,000
2. Detroit
Median list price: $80,000
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Builder confidence is at its highest level since June 2007, yet another sign that things are finally perking up in the new-home market, which has faced some of its darkest days on record this past year.  For the fourth consecutive month, builder sentiment for newly built, single-family homes was on the rise, according to the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. The index measures builder sentiment on current and future sales conditions and buyer traffic.
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Up to 1 million at-risk, underwater borrowers may be eligible for a reduction on their mortgage principal, if a settlement between big banks and government officials gets the final approval.  The mortgage aid is reportedly on the table as big banks and federal and state government officials are nearing an end to months of settlement talks stemming from foreclosure abuses allegedly made by banks that caused many home owners to lose their home.
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Homes may require some extra attention when it comes to maintenance to protect itself against the cold, harsh weather.  A recent article at Realty Times offers up some maintenance tips for the winter months:
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