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Jessica covers Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Dublin & Pleasanton

Today's Real Estate News and Advice

Updated: January 11, 2005

How Discrimination Powers Real Estate Taxes
In many communities home values are increasing and so are property taxes -- but taxes are not going up equally for everyone. Peter G. Miller comments. FULL STORY->

Oceanside, California Pricing Out Of Range For First-Timers, Say Realtors
Quickly growing, but out of the price range of many first-time homebuyers, Oceanside, California is no longer known as the reasonable place to buy beach access property. FULL STORY->

Agency Sounds Warning On Stated-Income And Interest-Only Mortgages
A major capital markets rating agency is concerned by growing volumes of new loans being made to home buyers with subprime credit using interest-only and limited documentation terms, putting borrowers at risk of default should economic conditions change. FULL STORY->

Study Finds Least And Most Affordable Housing Markets
If housing prices are causing sticker shock where you live, maybe it's time you seek other options. A recent study that ranks the nation's least and most affordable housing markets for the third quarter of 2004 should help get you started. Phoebe Chongchua breaks down the numbers. FULL STORY->

The Issue Of Liquidity
Most folks realize that making the maximum allowable contribution to tax-deferred retirement accounts is a wise move. Most folks also can't argue with a goal of owning your home free and clear by retirement. But these aggressive financial goals can result in liquidity problems. FULL STORY->

Lenders' Access To Your Tax Returns: How Much Is Too Much?
IRS Form 4506 lets your lender review up to four years of tax returns to compare income information with that provided on your home loan application. David Reed brings to light a few industry tricks you should be wary of when filling out this form for your next mortgage. FULL STORY->

New Year Rings In With Lower Mortgage Rates
Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.77 percent, with an average 0.7 points, for the week ending January 6, 2005, down from last week when it averaged 5.81 percent. FULL STORY->

Del Mar's Racing Seller's Market Slows Slightly
Home of the famous Del Mar racetrack made more famous by the recent book and movie "Seabiscuit," Del Mar, California is a lovely seaside resort and town that is experiencing steady growth in home sales. FULL STORY->

Cold Threatens To Snap Your Pipes
North America is gripped by a major winter storm and it could wreak havoc on your plumbing system if you don't take steps to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes. If water has already frozen in your plumbing you should know how to minimize damage. FULL STORY->

Budgeting For Household Expenses Means More Than Mortgage Payment
The new year has begun, and this is a great time to look at the true cost of your housing to see where you may need to budget extra spending for upkeep or to be able to slice your budget. Just remember, there's a lot more to housing expenses than just the mortgage payment. FULL STORY->

Preparedness Alert: Weather Systems Converging For "Perfect Storm"
It may already be too late for some homeowners to protect themselves and their homes from flooding and the other moisture intrusion-related effects that could be spawned by three converging weather systems. Broderick Perkins reports. FULL STORY->

Perchlorate Contamination Shown To Impact Water Supplies And Common Foods
What in life could be more basic, simple and healthy than bottled water, lettuce and milk? A recent study conducted by the FDA shows that even these items aren't immune from the harm caused by years and years of industrialization and environmental abuse. FULL STORY->

Old Houses Offer Challenges And Great Rewards
Many people who buy old houses have grand visions of remodeling them to meet their specific needs and desires. How long the process takes depends on the condition of the house, what the buyer wants to achieve and the depth of his or her pockets. FULL STORY->

Freddie Mac Releases Results Of Its 21st Annual ARM Survey
Freddie Mac released the results of its 21st Annual Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Survey, which found greater lender discounts for introductory ARM rates, smaller interest-payment savings for ARMs relative to fixed-rate loans, and increasing popularity of hybrid ARMs relative to one-year adjustables. FULL STORY->

Alexandria, Virginia Hot Home Sales Hardly Cooling In Winter
Historical and eclectic, Alexandria, Virginia is one of the most sought-after bedroom communities for commuters into Washington D.C., keeping home sales moving even throughout the holidays and winter months. FULL STORY->

Transit-Oriented Development Poised To Boom
Demand for more housing near transit systems could make up a sizable portion of the home building boom forecast for the next quarter of a century. That could mean more affordable housing, less strain on the infrastructure, land conservation and less pollution. FULL STORY->

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