Real Estate Reads Of The Week

Good morning and happy Friday!

Each Friday we share with you the must-read, real estate news of the week. We’ve got everything you need to know to stay on top of breaking industry news and trends.

Grab your coffee and get reading!

“Housing Market Outlook Positive For 2012”

It’s only January, but already the latest real estate news indicate that the housing market is looking up. CoreLogic’s latest MarketPulse report, released Wednesday, suggests 2012 could be the year of the housing turnaround. Improved unemployment figures, low mortgage interest rates and inexpensive homes could be just the kick the housing market needs to begin a recovery. Continue reading . . .

“Home-Builder Sentiment Hits Highest Level Since Mid-2007”

U.S. home builders’ sentiment rose in January to the highest level in 4 1/2 years, the latest in a series of signs that the housing market is finally beginning to recover after a prolonged bust. The National Association of Home Builders said Wednesday its housing market index rose to 25 from 21 in December, reaching its highest point since June 2007. It was the fourth-straight monthly increase. Continue reading . . .

“12 Mortgage Tips For 2012 Homebuyers”

Getting a mortgage loan has become challenging in recent years. Lending standards will remain tight in 2012, but that doesn’t mean your clients won’t be able to snag a mortgage with an attractive rate. Savvy borrowers who understand the rules and prepare will improve their chances of success. These tips from MSN Real Estate will help your clients secure a mortgage in 2012. Continue reading . . .

“Top 10 Housing Markets Poised For A Recovery”

Forbes Magazine highlighs ten cities they believe to be the most likely to experience a real estate rebound, all of which have strong job markets. Forbes looked at the home price changes over the last year and three years, unemployment rates, job growth projections, population shifts, and new home construction rates of the 100 most populated metropolitan statistical areas, comparing these rates to recent years in an effort to predict which markets are on the verge of rebounding. Continue reading to see which cities made the list . . .

“Hyperlocal Web Pages For Realtors With No Writing Required”

Real estate website company, a la mode, inc. has announced the launch of their “Featured Community Pages” which are hyperlocal pages created by users’ filling in of a few fields which creates a web page for an agent’s website about a very local area. The goal of the community pages is to give users a better shot at being found in Google for applicable areas of expertise rather than attempting to compete for the entire city. Continue reading . . .

“Top 10 Android Navigation Apps”

Want to help homebuyers get to know a new neighborhood? Encourage them to explore with a little help from their smartphone! Inman News recommends the top 10 Android navigation apps. Continue reading . . .