Optimists



AP



A wave of foreclosures is forcing down home prices in most major U.S. cities. But economists and real estate agents are noticing what they call a key first step for any housing recovery: a drop in the glut of homes for sale in markets hit hardest by foreclosures.



If we were to see several consecutive months of supply getting smaller, it would point to an improving housing market, said Celia Chen, senior director…

 We all know whats happening to the single family home markets. Over supply and shadow inventory and the subsequent price declines will continue until fear is overcome and inventory is soaked up.



The kinds of issues that led to a boom bust in housing did not take place with multi family. There was no build out leading to over supply and the lender market was much more rationlized. Little of the kind of lending that led to so many foreclosures, ultimately driving home…

Getting Tenants to Go Green.

As property managers, we can't insist on behavioral changes. Going green can be a tough sell to a renter. After all, a building is only as green as the people who manage and live in it. Managers are key players and can encourage activities that reduce consumption and waste. The catalyst is education.



We Are All Stakeholders

You need to demonstrate the benefits. Tenants can be…

30-year fixed-rate mortgage: Averaged 4.95 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending February 24, 2011, down from last week when it averaged 5.0 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.05 percent. .



The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage: Average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.27 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.40 percent.



Five-year indexed hybrid…