https://www.happyherald.com/articles.sec-8519-1-happy-herald-realty.html There has never been a better time to refinance your home. That’s because of a little-known government program called the Home Affordable Refinance Plan (HARP). This allows Americans to refinance their homes at shockingly low rates, and reduce their payments by as much as $4,905 a year.]]> A closer look at the real estate industry gives us pause to reconsider the market and look beyond the numbers to some less than rosy trends. For example, in today’s market, it is extremely difficult for individual investors to secure bank financing.]]> Two recent housing reports are confirming the same picture: Home owners are rapidly recapturing the equity they had lost in the last decade. A sharp rise in home prices helped 2.5 million more mortgage borrowers eke out from being underwater in the second quarter, according to the latest report from CoreLogic.]]> Large portfolios of REO homes and a strong residential rental market are attracting the attention of a new class of single-family home buyers—institutions. Private equity firms, mortgage REITs, and even a homebuilder have raised between $6 billion and $8 billion to acquire portfolios of foreclosed homes and rent them to consumers.]]> The burst of construction activity in South Florida might create a visual image of economic recovery, but the region only ranks 58th nationally in a new measure of economic vitality. South Florida has a score of 46.61 on the Biz Journals On Numbers Index, compared with leader Provo, Utah, which scored 85.]]> Many sellers who bought their home when home values were overstated have not adjusted to the current market and still believe their home should be worth what it could have sold for in its "heyday.]]> Reverse mortgages enable homeowners 62 and older to convert part of their home equity into tax-free income. The lender provides income to the homeowner in one of various forms, such as a lump sum or monthly payments. The most popular form is a line of credit, allowing the borrower to draw funds as needed.]]> Sellers could find themselves in a nightmare when their home does not appraise to expectations and the sale falls apart.  It makes sense to know the condition and location of any home that has a ]]> The improving market fundamentals, especially job growth, retail sales and the housing market, bode well for commercial real estate on a national basis, and say that South Florida in particular is ben]]> South Florida continues to lead the nation with the highest percentage of working families struggling to pay housing costs. The region has had this distinction for four consecutive years, according to a report last week. Investment firms are buying and renting foreclosed homes keeping them out of the hands of traditional buyers .]]> You think of moving into a larger home in a nicer neighborhood but know you live in precarious and unpredictable economic times. Is this the right time to sell your home? Will you make a financial mistake if you sell in this economic environment? No one has a crystal ball, but there are several factors to consider before making a decision to sell.]]>