In a growing number of housing markets, sellers are facing less competition now compared to a year ago.
Inventory of for-sale homes has dropped by about 23 percent compared to this time last year, and fell by 6 percent alone from December 2011 to January 2012, according to Realtor.com data.
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The number of home owners behind on their mortgage payments dropped to the lowest level in three years, according to a report of data from the fourth quarter of 2011 released by the Mortgage Bankers Association.
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Homes are getting bigger again. Census Bureau data shows that 2011 home starts were bigger with more features and amenities than those built in 2010.
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Chase announced it will donate at least 100 homes it owns to wounded military veterans as part of a program operated by a national nonprofit group known as Operation Homefront.
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A Senate proposal would expedite short sales by giving mortgage lenders or servicers 75 days to respond after receiving a home owner’s written request.
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