Business

Tough lending rules impact condo developers

New lending rules for condominium buyers are already forcing some developers to change or scrap plans for new…

Business

What’s behind lag in mortgage modifications?

WASHINGTON — Only about 31,000 homeowners received permanent loan modifications this fall under the Obama administration’s mortgage relief…

Business

Sale of foreclosed houses explained

Question: I have read your columns for years but especially the last two weeks. My best friend’s house…

Business

Real estate notebook

Mortgages

Business

Mortgage rates creeping back up

NEW YORK — Homeowners who delayed locking in super-low mortgage rates — think close to 4 percent for…

Business

Government throws a lifeline to upside-down home sellers

The Treasury Department unveiled sweeping rules last week to help financially troubled homeowners who need to sell but…

Business

Fresh attack on foreclosures

WASHINGTON — Faced with sluggish progress in its foreclosure-prevention effort, the Obama administration will spend the coming weeks…

Business

Here’s how home foreclosure sales really work

Question: Thank you for your Nov. 29th article, “Advice if you’re trying to swoop in on a foreclosure…

Business

Snohomish County home sales up; prices fall

Snohomish County home sales were strong in November, but that didn’t stop prices from continuing to fall.

Business

Ins and outs of selling a rental

Question: We know that the tax laws allow homeowners to sell their house and keep the profits tax-free,…

Business

Real Estate Notebook

Rates on fixed mortgages edged up again this week after hitting their lowest level in decades last month.

Business

Buying foreign property has special tax implications

It’s the time of year when families dream about skiing and wonderful places for holiday reunions.

Business

Gov’t increases pressure on mortgage industry

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration said today it will crack down on mortgage companies that are failing to…

Business

Mortgage rates fall to record-low level

McLEAN, Va. — Average rates for 30-year fixed mortgages fell this week, matching a record low set last…

Business

Realtors’ world is changing rapidly, thanks to technology

One of the main concerns that an agent-broker panel voiced at the recent National Association of Realtors convention…

Business

For home sellers willing to go solo, online services offer assistance

LOS ANGELES — Selling a home without a real estate agent can save thousands of dollars in commission…

Business

New formula has fewer ‘under water’

A major provider of mortgage data said Tuesday that the percentage of “underwater” homeowners — people who owe…

Local News

Everett building rules may be loosened

EVERETT — City leaders are mulling allowing separate mother- in-law apartments and other changes to city code that…

Business

October home sales rise 10.1 percent from September

WASHINGTON — Home sales surged for the second month in a row in October, climbing to the highest…

Business

Real estate woes differ depending on market

Question: I read your article last week regarding the direction of home values. I think we could be…