Los Angeles Times
A year ago, 1 out of 10 REALTORS® surveyed said houses were receiving low-ball offers. In the latest survey, there were hardly any. Instead, the focus ha shifted to declining inventory levels.
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http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-harney-20120422,0,7259627.story
The Sacramento Bee
Nearly five years after the housing bust began, government programs to help those who are underwater on their mortgages, unemployed, or unable to make their payments are kicking into gear.
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http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/22/4430747/aid-for-troubled-mortgages-has.html
San Diego Union-Tribune
State officials have noticed an emerging scam: Callers say they will help homeowners apply for Keep Your Home California benefits for fees of up to $900. The calls are happening statewide. Applying for the program is free.
Read the full story:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/mar/07/new-housing-scheme-emerges-california/
Orange County Register
Beginning with the 2012 tax bill (the one due in April 2013), the state Franchise Tax Board will require property owners to break down their property taxes into deductible and non-deductible portions.Read the full story:
http://economy.ocregister.com/2012/01/09/state-targets-property-tax-payers/101799/
Calif. median home price: September 2011: $287,440 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by region/county September 2011: Marin: $786,590 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by region/county September 2011: Siskiyou County: $113,330 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. Pending Home Sales Index: August 2011: 125.3, an increase of 12.6 percent compared with a prior year.
Calif. Traditional Housing Affordability Index: Second quarter 2011: 51 percent (Source: C.A.R.)
Mortgage rates: Week ending 10/13/2011 30-yr. fixed: 4.12 fees/points: 0.8% 15-yr. fixed: 3.37 fees/points: 0.8% 1-yr. adjustable: 2.90% Fees/points: 0.6% (Source: Freddie Mac)