FrontDoor.com Receives Real Estate’s Prestigious Innovator Award From Inman News
July 31, 2008
FrontDoor.com, the new real estate listings and content site powered by HGTV, has been named the Most Innovative Media Web Site of 2008 by Inman News at its Real Estate Connect conference. The prestigious Inman Innovator Awards are given annually to honor forward-thinking technologies, Web services, business models and innovators in real estate. (http://www.frontdoor.com)
Knoxville, Tenn. (PRWEB) July 31, 2008 — Since launching in late 2007, Inman Innovator Award recipient FrontDoor.com has quickly grown to offer users access to more than 3 million listings of homes for sale thanks to partners including Realogy Corporation, Prudential Real Estate and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World™. In addition to providing users with the latest real estate listings, FrontDoor houses expert HGTV advice and videos along with original Web series and a comprehensive library of engaging, interactive tools, guides and information including a new expert blog.
“It is an honor to be recognized as an industry innovator by Inman and our peers just a few months after launching FrontDoor.com,” said Vikki Neil, vice president of real estate for Scripps Networks, parent company of both HGTV and FrontDoor. “Inman Connect continues to be a robust platform to promote the latest in real estate; for us to receive recognition during this conference affirms that FrontDoor possesses a winning combination of real estate know-how and media might.”
About FrontDoor.com
FrontDoor.com (http://www.frontdoor.com) is an online real estate listing service powered by HGTV, the No.1 source for home-related media content. The site provides residential real estate property listings from top real estate brokerages throughout the U.S. in addition to housing expert HGTV advice and videos, original Web series and a comprehensive library of engaging, interactive tools, guides and information.
The award-winning Web sites created and supported by Scripps Networks Interactive currently attracts a monthly average of more than 18.5 million unique visitors and is a leader in the online categories of food, home and living space. The Scripps Networks Interactive properties - including Web sites HGTV.com, FoodNetwork.com, DIYnetwork.com, FineLiving.com, GACTV.com, Recipezaar.com and the new FrontDoor.com– are not only extensions of Scripps Networks’ leading lifestyle brands, providing users programming information and additional instructional content, but also exciting destinations for original content, engaging video and powerful interactive tools.
New Luxury Real Estate Projects at Rubenstein Public Relations
July 30, 2008
AFI, USA and The Jalousie Residences join Rubenstein Public Relations’ real estate practice.
New York, NY (PRWEB) July 30, 2008 — Richard Rubenstein, president of Rubenstein Public Relations (RPR), announced the addition of the following real estate accounts to the practice:
AFI, USA — The New York-based subsidiary of Africa Israel, a global investment company, has hired RPR to provide public relations services for the firm’s U.S. real estate development projects. AFI, USA is currently involved with high-profile conversions at The New York Times building and at the Clock Tower. Rotem Rosen, CEO of AFI, USA, recently entered into an agreement with Versace for the interior design of 55 residential apartments, common areas, a spa and a restaurant at the Clock Tower at 5 Madison Avenue.
The Jalousie Residences — The M Group, the developers of an exclusive 196-acre resort community in the heart of the Val des Pitons on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, has hired RPR to promote this spectacular “green” development, offering buyers the rare opportunity to own property in a designated World Heritage site. Developed by Pascal Mahavi, the force behind the Jalousie Plantation Resort and Spa, and nightlife expert Monty Zullo, the Jalousie Residences is a limited collection of 25 two- and three-bedroom villas and 53 estates situated on the edge of a pristine rainforest overlooking the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Buyers will have access to a world-class spa and two fine dining restaurants, as well as a private pool, lake and membership to one of the seven new PGA Golf Clubs and courses.
Detroit Area Foreclosures Decline In Second Quarter Of 2008
July 29, 2008
Foreclosure Statistics Continue Steady Improvement
Mt. Pleasant, PA (PRWEB) July 29, 2008 — Default Research (http://www.defaultresearch.com), the premier provider of Detroit foreclosure listings, is reporting that 10,829 Detroit area foreclosures were recorded in the second quarter of 2008; this is down 3.5 percent from first quarter. The three hardest hit cities in the second quarter of 2008 were Detroit (3211), Warren (351) and Redford (302).
“It is positive news anytime foreclosures decline in a region,” said Serdar Bankaci, founder of Default Research. “However, something to be aware of is that market indicators show housing inventories rose in the past month along with a decline in median home sale prices.”
To compound that problem, Bankaci explained that the area may see an increase in foreclosures within the next twelve months as the U.S. auto industry is in the process of coping with the national fuel price crisis. He said, “With this area’s heavy emphasis on the auto industry, we may be seeing foreclosures increase in the future.”
While the residential foreclosure market has been slumping for several years in the region, the commercial markets have held their position. The commercial market provides investors with another avenue for investing and Default Research provides the most accurate information for all segments of properties including commercial, industrial and residential.
Below is a unique and accurate local look at how the Default Research foreclosure statistics (June 2008) affect your area:
Wayne County Foreclosures - Hardest hit cities are Detroit (1224), Redford (121), Dearborn (99), Taylor (91), and Dearborn Heights (85)
Macomb County Foreclosures - Hardest hit cities are Warren (100), Sterling Heights (65), EastPointe (50), Clinton Township (45), and Macomb (40)
Oakland County Foreclosures - Hardest hit cities are Southfield (75), Pontiac (58), Farmington Hills (43), Waterford (38) and Oak Park (32)
Default Research provides Detroit foreclosure listings mere days after being recorded, and our statistical data contains all Trustee Notices that were filed. The statistics count each property only once in a 12 month period. More information about Default Research can be found at its Web site: www.defaultresearch.com. For more detailed Michigan foreclosure statistics listed by county, please visit http://market.defaultresearch.com.
N. California Foreclosures Increase In Second Quarter Of 2008
July 29, 2008
Households Entering Foreclosure are 2.34 Percent above National Average
Mt. Pleasant, PA (PRWEB) July 29, 2008 — Default Research, the premier provider of foreclosure real estate data in Northern California, is reporting that Notice of Defaults and Notices of Trustee Sales in the area climbed 21 percent in the second quarter, compared to the first quarter. According to Default Research (http://www.defaultresearch.com), the northern California region as a whole had 4.34 percent of households entering some sort of foreclosure and that is over twice the national average.
“In the past year, northern California has seen median home prices decline by almost 25 percent,” said Serdar Bankaci, founder of Default Research. “Home inventories seem to have steadied in the past six months.”
The worst foreclosure numbers in California came from the state capital of Sacramento with 11,470 Notice of Default & Notice of Trustee sales in the second quarter of 2008.
The three hardest hit cities were Sacramento, Stockton, and San Jose. On the flip side, San Francisco was the least affected by the foreclosure crisis with only 601 Notice of Default and Trustee Sales in Q2 and only .56 percent of homes entering into some stage of foreclosure.
Below is a unique and accurate local look at how the Default Research foreclosure statistics affect your area:
Santa Clara Foreclosures - Hardest hit cities are San Jose (1291), Gilroy (109), Milpitas (68), Santa Clara (54), and Morgan Hill (53)
Alameda Foreclosures - Hardest hit cities are Oakland (626), Hayward (400), Fremont (176), San Leandro (150) and Livermore (110)
Sacramento Foreclosures - Hardest hit cities are Sacramento (2051), Elk Grove (548), Citrus Heights (187), Antelope (151) and Rancho Cordova (144)
Default Research is California’s leader in foreclosure research, reporting Notices of Default and Trustee Sales Notices days after being recorded. More information about Default Research foreclosure information can be found at its Web site: www.defaultresearch.com. For more detailed California foreclosure statistics listed by county, please visit http://market.defaultresearch.com.
Americas Watchdog Expands Its U.S. Investigation of Title Insurance Companies/Home Builders
July 29, 2008
Americas Watchdog and its National Mortgage Complaint Center are expanding their national investigation of title insurance companies over billing U.S. homeowners. The focus on this investigation will be national or regional U.S. home builders setting up phony title insurance companies and actual title insurance companies charging junk mortgage fees when a consumer gets a mortgage to finance or refinance a home. According to Americas Watchdog, “We think U.S. home builders and title insurance companies gouge most U.S. consumers with junk mortgage fees and we are talking the gloves of on what we see as a multi-billion dollar problem.” Homeowners who feel like they were over charged can call the National Mortgage Complaint Center anytime at 866-714-6466 or visit their web site at http://NationalMortgageComplaintCenter.com.
(PRWEB) July 29, 2008 — Americas Watchdog and its National Mortgage Complaint Center are expanding their investigation into national or regional home builders setting up phony title insurance companies. Americas Watchdog is also expanding its national investigation of title insurance companies gouging U.S. consumers with junk title/closing fees in home mortgages or refinances in 2006 & 2007.
Thus far, Americas Watchdog has determined that many U.S. home builders were setting up phony title insurance companies, that did little more than spin title insurance policies to actual title insurance companies at a greatly reduced price. There was no cost savings benefit to the consumer. The specific focus on these investigations are home owners who purchased a home from a home builder in California, Nevada, Illinois, Arizona, Florida or any other U.S. state in 2006 and 2007.
The group is also looking at title insurance companies in these, or other states, that may have gouged consumers with title insurance fees or fees associated with closing a home loan, or a refinance. Consumers wishing more information, or a free audit of their HUD-1 Settlement Statement, can call Americas Watchdog’s National Mortgage Complaint Center at 866-714-6466, or visit their Web site at http://NationalMortgageComplaintCenter.com.
According to Americas Watchdog, “Everyone has heard about predatory mortgage lending, but few have heard about predatory real estate title insurance fees or practices. We are not only suggesting it happened, we can prove it, and we are now expanding the net, so the greedy home builders and greedy title insurance companies get punished severely. We also want to hear from title insurance company insiders, or home builder insiders about the sleazy practices, that cheated millions of Americans, with over inflated title insurance policies, or title fees/closing fees for nothing.”
The group asks, “Whats the second biggest real estate list in the world?” According to Americas Watchdog, “Its the tens of millions of U.S. homeowners who were gouged by a title insurance company, a title insurance company acting as an escrow company, or a U.S. home builder acting as both.” Americas Watchdog calls the biggest list in the the world, “U.S. homeowners who were cheated by a bank or a U.S. mortgage banker with a no cost mortgage.”
*Note: U.S. banks or Mortgage Bankers have no disclosure requirement to explain, or show a homeowner, a huge kickback they get for inflating a homeowners interest rate or monthly mortgage payment (called a Yield Spread Premium). According to Americas Watchdog, “Rep Barney Frank (D) & U.S. Senator Chris Dodd (D) have done zero to require banks to disclose this huge kick back, to millions of unsuspecting U.S. consumers. Its just business as usual in Washington, DC.”
According to Americas watchdog, “We are trying our best to clean up the U.S. mortgage business, and the U.S. title insurance business, but with Washington DC, and most state Insurance Commissioners corrupted with campaign donations, the consumer hardly has a chance.” Americas Watchdog’s home builder/title insurance project is aiming to expose massive consumer abuse for U.S. voters, prior to the U.S. national and state elections.
Again, consumers who used a home builders title insurance company or homeowners who feel like they were cheated, or over charged by a title insurance company should contact Americas Watchdog’s National Mortgage Complaint Center at 866-714-6466 or visit their Web site at http://NationalMortgageComplaintCenter.com
Americas Watchdog is all about consumer protection, and corporate responsibility.
Volatile Economy Forces Asset Diversification for Self-Directed IRA Investors
July 29, 2008
In comparing survey data from 2005 to new data from 2008, Guidant Financial Group has found that self-directed IRA holders have changed their asset allocations dramatically in response to the volatile economy.
Bellevue, Wash. (Vocus/PRWEB ) July 29, 2008 — In comparing survey data from 2005 to new data from 2008, Guidant Financial Group has found that self-directed IRA holders have changed their asset allocations dramatically in response to the volatile economy.
In both surveys of Guidant clients, real estate was the most popular investment among self-directed IRA investors. In 2005, 48.3 percent of survey respondents reported investments in real estate, compared to 59.9 percent in 2008. This shows a 24 percent increase in real estate investments over the last three years. Additionally, Guidant clients increased their investments in private notes and loans by 131.1 percent - an investment opportunity that seems to have come into its own thanks to the current economic climate.
The most dramatic increase was seen in tax lien investments. In comparing data from the two surveys, self-directed IRA holders reported a 341.1 percent increase in tax lien investments with IRA funds. According to the 2005 survey, only 1.7 percent of account holders were investing in tax liens, while 7.5 percent were doing so in 2008.
“The increases in investment activity across several opportunities show us that self-directed investors are diversifying their investments,” explains David Nilssen, CEO of Guidant Financial Group. “If the volatility in the stock market has taught us anything, it has taught us to avoid putting all our eggs in one basket. Even those already diversifying beyond the market into alternative investments are no longer buying just one property or solely investing in tax liens.”
The one investment type that saw a significant decline was private stock placements. This type of investment, in which the investor purchases stock in a privately-held corporation, decreased by 82.8 percent.
“The volatility in the economy and the securities market has made investors wary of any kind of corporate investment,” explains Nilssen. “Self-directed IRA holders are finding that investing in nontraditional assets like real estate and tax liens is just as easy as investing in the stock market. Given the recent state of the market, it’s not surprising they’re turning away from entities over which have no control to alternative investments that allow hands-on supervision.”
About Guidant Financial Group
Guidant Financial Group is the premier provider of self-directed IRAs and business-funding solutions through IRAs and 401(k)s. Guidant’s services allow investors the freedom to make investments in real estate, franchises, businesses, tax liens and more by accessing their retirement accounts without penalty before retirement age. For more information on Self-directed IRAs or Small Business Financing please visit www.guidantfinancial.com.
Rate1st is Proud to Announce the Launch of New Lending Website
July 29, 2008
Rate1st has launched a new Web site in order to better assist those looking for home, business, and commercial loans. Rate1st is already the largest online lending network in the United States, and with the new site will be able to more easily and efficiently help a wider base of clientèle.
Denver, CO (PRWEB) July 29, 2008 — Rate1st, Americas premier online lending resource is proud to announce the launch of a new online consumer and business lending website, home mortgage and reverse mortgage loans, to larger commercial loans and beyond. Rate1st.com will also include directory listings of other resources and services that consumers can utilize to make the best-informed decision possible, mortgage calculators, background information, and more. The company believes that since a mortgage is a consumer’s single largest debt, and equity is the single largest investment, that people deserve expert advice and personal attention when making decisions related to them.
A rarity in the industry, Rate1st works with five hundred different lending institutions to get bids on a client’s mortgage, in order to find the bank or lender that will give the client the best deal, based on the client’s unique situation and needs (home equity loan, home mortgage loan, etc.) Other popular sites purport to do the same, but are actually merely lead providers for banks and lenders. Although they may work with several hundred lenders, as they claim, often most of the lenders will never see the customer’s information, as it’s sold to five or six, each of whom contacts the potential borrower.
Rate1st works differently though. For example, when a customer is looking for information on FHA home loans, and submits their information to Rate1st, that information is not sold. Rather, Rate1st provides a Mortgage Concierge, an employee of the company, who contacts the client directly, gathers information, and then works with lenders to find the best rate possible. The appeal of such a system to customers is that they only receive one call, they only have to give their personal information to one person, and their credit is only run once (unlike competitors, where each institution that receives the lead will run a credit check, leading to potentially five or more inquiries).
Now, along with the unique and genuine approach to online lending, Rate1st will provide an immense catalog of information available to clients, and potential clients for no charge. Clients who aren’t sure what the difference is between a fixed rate mortgage, and an adjustable rate mortgage will be able to clear any confusion before they even submit their information. The general idea is that when customers know what they’re getting into ahead of time, they will be more comfortable with their decision, and with doing business with Rate1st. It makes for a simple, efficient resource, offering free mortgage calculator tools, news articles, and more.
About Rate1st:
Rate1st.com provides a safe, simple, and efficient way for borrowers to compare rates from hundreds of lenders without compromising their personal contact information or credit. For more information, please visit Rate1st at http://www.Rate1st.com.
Reverse Mortgage Industry Tips on Successful Internet Marketing and Lead Incubation Strategies
July 29, 2008
Gretchen Williams of Reverse Mortgage Directory, LLC (RMD) shares Internet marketing and lead incubation tips with industry professionals in the feature article of The Reverse Review, “Why Internet Marketing?” The article addresses website design tips, strategy, general online marketing terminology and keys for successful lead incubation.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 29, 2008 — RMD Director of Sales and Customer Relations, Gretchen Williams, shares web design tips and online reverse mortgage marketing and lead incubation strategies in the June issue featured article of The Reverse Review, “Why Internet Marketing?” The Reverse Review is a reverse mortgage business-to-business publication that educates reverse mortgage professionals and those originators seeking to learn about the reverse industry.
The belief among many reverse mortgage professionals is that the senior demographic is not online and, therefore, there is no need to get involved in Internet advertising. “We hear this from reverse mortgage professionals all the time. The fact of the matter is that that comment just points to the fact that the online senior community is an untapped market. Not to mention that online marketing affords the opportunity to speak to third-party decision makers (like adult children)”, says Williams. “Earning the trust of these individuals early on in the process has proven to increase the lead-to-loan close ratio of our clients. The best part is that in these deals those third parties tend to take on a lot of the legwork.”
A marketing strategy is only as good as its follow up strategy. Persistence and continued follow up are among the keys to success, especially since seniors interested in a reverse mortgage lack that sense of urgency that one might find when working with a new homeowner. “I regularly discuss lead incubation tips with our clients so they can get the most out of every lead”, said Williams who has spent the last 4 years advising mortgage and real estate professionals on Internet lead follow up. “Creating a schedule for continued follow up is particularly important in the reverse mortgage industry since it helps originators to build the rapport and relationship that senior consumers are looking for.”
Gretchen Williams is the Director of Sales and Customer Relations for Reverse Mortgage Directory, LLC and focuses on advising industry professionals on Internet marketing strategy and successful lead incubation. Every month RMD provides thousands of guaranteed reverse mortgage leads to hundreds of Lenders across the United States through its consumer site, ReverseMortgageAdviser.com. The site also offers consumer access to its National Lender Directory. RMD is a member of the Better Business Bureau, National Aging In Place Council and National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association.
For more information on reverse mortgage leads contact:
Gretchen Williams, Director of Sales & Customer Relations
RMD, LLC
888.412.5557
www.ReverseMortgageAdviser.com
Avalar Real Estate & Mortgage Network Strengthens Its Management Team
July 28, 2008
Sacramento, CA — MMDNewswire.com — July 28, 2008 — In what can only be seen as a coup, Avalar Real Estate & Mortgage Network has hired one of Sacramento’s premier broker/managers with the addition of Ann Early to its Folsom office. Ann brings a wealth of experience and talent to a company that is rapidly becoming one of the region’s highly regarded brokerage firms. With a résumé that includes some 36 years of leadership for some of Sacramento’s largest firms, Ms. Early is sure to attract some of the areas brightest stars in the business.
In addition to 20 years of overseeing local companies such as Cook & Cook and Coker-Ewing, Ann has also steered the ships of some of the heftier names like Coldwell, Prudential and, most recently, Keller Williams. According to Russ Knapp, who with Rory Hoelker, is broker-partner of the Avalar offices in Folsom and Roseville as well as Area Developers for the entire Sacramento Region, “Ann is an exciting addition to our company who will further stabilize our efforts in a difficult market”.
Ann is a sitting member of the Sacramento Grand Jury for the second straight year and while away from her duties there or with Avalar, enjoys golf, gardening, reading and time with her husband of 22 years and their six grandchildren.
Avalar is an agent-centric and affordable franchise designed to enhance the recruitment and retention of top real estate professionals through its world-class agent training, state-of-the-art technology and patented revenue-sharing program that becomes a retirement income for brokers, agents and staff alike. Despite a changing market, Avalar Network, Inc. membership has grown 68% over the past 24 months and its office count has increased by 52%.
Avalar Network, Inc. represents both the Avalar brand and the Better Homes Realty brand, offering franchises nationwide and allowing brokers the flexibility to choose between two established brands and models. For franchise information contact McKenzie Myers at 877.895.8988 or mmyers@avalar.biz.This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Ann Early may be reached at 916.985.4475 or you may email her at aearly22@comcast.netThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .
Group Mortgage Speaker Blog Launches
July 28, 2008
A new Mortgage Sales and Marketing Blog was launched July 21, 2008, which will feature the raw messages from top mortgage speakers, educators, and experts.
“As real estate professionals continue to integrate advanced Internet technology into their daily networking and marketing routines, it is vital for industry leaders to embrace social media as a way to connect with the mortgage professionals they serve.” Mark Madsen
MortgageSalesBlog.com was designed by a Las Vegas loan officer to give mortgage innovators the opportunity to share personal insights in a group blogging atmosphere. By centralizing the content on one platform, the contributors will have the flexibility to write valuable articles as their schedules permit, without being burdened by the commitment of maintaining, marketing or having to regularly post on their own blog.
Since MortgageSalesBlog.com is a “Commercial Free” zone, readers can be confident that the free information they read will have no hidden agendas or require registration. This blog is purely focused on Mortgage Sales and Marketing strategies for loan officers.
