Darcy and Associates

Prices are down. “For Sale” signs linger. Foreclosures are up. Mortgages are resetting at higher rates. You’ve undoubtedly read various versions of the same info. But what exactly does this mean to you, and is there really a clear trend that applies to the real estate market nationwide? Read the latest issue of our newsletter for a clear and concise market analysis! Many of our clients have been asking about foreclosures, too, so this issue includes an explanation on how the foreclosure process works.

Emergency Readiness

On July 29, Los Angeles experienced a 5.4 magnitude earthquake. For anyone who remembers Northridge, this was a minor tremor! Nevertheless, it was a reminder that we live in quake country, and need to be prepared. Then, we experienced severe fires in the fall, and flooding in the winter. The main lesson was this: be prepared for an emergency. Most people think they know what to do if disaster strikes, but in reality, there are many misconceptions. So take a look at this refresher, even if you think you are prepared!

Daily Real Estate News

Pension Funds Watch Fannie, Freddie
Public pension funds that hold millions of shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are watching closely as Treasury Department officials consider whether to step in to help the mortgage-lending giants.
New York's 9/11 Site Needed a Logue
Rebuilding Ground Zero is arguably the greatest political and bureaucratic fiasco in the history of the world. Planner Edward J. Logue would have provided the leadership that the 9/11 site needed desperately and never had.
In a Slow Market, Builders Offer Big Incentives
There's no guarantee that the housing market will turn around soon—but some builders are offering discounts that make it worth jumping now. June Fletcher offers tips on how to negotiate for a great deal.
Learning to Embrace the Change Order
Nancy Keates discovers that the human desire to re-think decisions inevitably leads to changes in homebuilding plans. Those changes often mean big cost overruns – but sometimes, they can also translate to big savings.
Hedge Funds Help Fill a Gap
More investors seeking financing to acquire office towers, retail stores and hotels are left with little choice but to turn to so-called hard-money lenders, lightly regulated businesses that charge high interest rates for short-term loans. Among the biggest players in the hard-money arena are hedge funds.
Citigroup Veteran Takes Apollo Job
Apollo Management LP has hired a senior Citigroup Inc. executive to build its real-estate business.
Housing Market Still Under Pressure
Home prices are improving in some parts of the country but still falling sharply in hard-hit places like Phoenix, as the weak housing market and shaky consumer confidence continue to weigh on the battered U.S. economy.
FHA Raises Premiums for Home Loans
The Federal Housing Administration raised the premiums it charges for insuring that mortgages will be repaid to 1.75% of the loan amount.
S&P Cuts Mortgage-Insurer Ratings
S&P downgraded its credit ratings on the units of three mortgage insurers, reflecting its expectations for increased claims and concerns about the profitability of insured mortgages originated this year.
Fresh Powder for Ski Towns
Related has built signature buildings that helped to transform neighborhoods in Manhattan, Phoenix and South Florida. Now, the big-market developer is attempting a $3 billion redevelopment to transform Snowmass, Colo.

Darcy and Associates

Helping you home.

Jasmine Aimaq, Ph.D.

Broker, EcoBroker

Emergency Readiness

Daily Real Estate News