Voters Issue Warnings to Politicians on Housing

A majority of American voters say they value home ownership and oppose any steps by the government that make it more difficult to own a home, according to a nationwide poll of 1,500 likely voters, commissioned by the National Association of Home Builders. In fact, the poll revealed a word of caution to any politicians  running for office or re-election that they better not put roadblocks in the way of home owners’ — or those aspiring to be home owner’s — if they want to win votes.

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Foreclosures Post Big Drop, Reaching 2007 Levels

Foreclosure filings posted a 33 percent drop in 2011, falling to their lowest levels since 2007, RealtyTrac reports.

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Agents Predict When Rebound Will Take Shape

Expect the housing market to be in gradual recovery mode in 2012, according to a recent  survey of 1,000 RE/MAX real estate agents.

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Fannie Extends Mortgage Relief to Unemployed

Fannie Mae says it will be providing more mortgage aid to the unemployed, possibly extending the forbearance period to up to a year to those who qualify.

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Man Nearly Loses Home Over 80 Cents

Tom Mudie, a Largo, Fla., man, says he nearly lost his home over an 80-cent error. Mudie says when he went to submit his mortgage payment over the phone, he accidentally hit a “0” instead of an “8,” meaning he paid $615.02 instead of the required $615.82.

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Builders Prepare to Work on New Developments in 2012

Although 2011 was among the slowest years ever for single-family construction starts, observers say builders across the country are preparing to commence work on new developments.

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