Experts Respond to January Home Sales Report

In response to data released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) on Wednesday, experts overall agreed the housing market is heading towards recovery but advised certain factors need to be taken into consideration when analyzing the numbers. For the responses from Capital Economics, IHSGlobal Insight, and Moody Analytics, click here.

Short Sales Bring 24% Greater Returns than Foreclosures

The real estate professionals at Massachusetts-based McGeough Lamacchia Realty have been proponents of short sales for quite some time, insisting that everyone comes out ahead when a short sale is achieved as opposed to a foreclosure. Now they’re sharing the facts that back up their claim. For more on the facts, click here.

Plans to Involve Private Investors Lessen Role of Fannie and Freddie

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released a three-part goal Tuesday to phase out the dominant role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and allow for more private investors into the mortgage industry. For more on the goals, click here.

Proposed Bill to Speed Up Short Sale Process and Prevent Foreclosure

To avoid losing homes to foreclosure due to long response times for short sale transactions, three senators introduced legislation to speed up the short sale process. For more information on the bill, click here.

Banks Respond to Robo-Signing Settlement

While the $25 billion settlement between five of the nation’s largest servicers and 49 of the state attorneys general awaits approval from a judge, there is some relief in the industry that the 16 months of investigation and negotiation has come to a close. For more details about the mortgage settlement, click here.

Home Values Declined 1.1% in Fourth Quarter

Zillow forecasts home values will be on the decline through December 2012, but the decrease will be smaller than in 2011. Home values in the U.S. fell in the fourth quarter, with the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) sinking 1.1 percent after a less significant decline for the two previous quarters. For more on the The Seattle-based company’s forecast, click here.

Number of 'Improving' Housing Markets Expands to Nearly 100

The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement expanded by 29 metros in February to include a total of 98 markets listed on the Improving Markets Index published monthly by First American and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Thirty-six states are now represented by at least one market on the list. For more on the market improvements, click here.

Home Prices Start Year With 2.6% Annual Drop

Data through the end of January released by Clear Capital Monday shows home prices in the U.S. are down 2.6 percent from a year ago. For more on the story, click here.

Administration Revamps HAMP to Reach More Borrowers

Changes announced Friday to the administration’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) are expected to extend relief to a larger share of struggling homeowners as well as renters, according to federal officials. For more about the changes, click here.