Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have implemented policies to expedite the short sales process, including new resources to help determine property values, according to panelists at a property valuation forum during the REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Short sales continue to represent a significant portion of the real estate market. According to [...]

Economists usually do it with models, so it's rare in economics to be able to conduct a laboratory experiment. Currently, though, we're watching two experiments in different corners of the world that support the idea that stimulus works to repair a troubled economy and austerity doesn't. Japan and the Eurozone are, through their actions, demonstrating how economies can move in opposite directions with Japan's stimulus plan succeeding and the eurozone's austerity program failing.

Collateral Risk Solutions, Inc. (CRS) has launched a new Appraisal Audit Service (AAS) to help lenders and AMCs adapt to new regulations that require them to perform post-closing appraisal audits.

The housing market came out of April in a particularly strong position, according to Redfin's latest Real-Time Price Tracker, with prices, sales, and inventory posting gains across the country. Redfin's monthly report--based on home prices, sales, and inventory across 19 U.S. markets--shows prices rose 4.9 percent in April on a monthly basis and 16.1 percent on a yearly basis. Meanwhile, the number of homes for sale increased 6.4 percent from March to April.