Articles - 2009

Housing Prices and Interest Rates: Do the Math

Dec 30, 2009 - Historic records show that home prices don't drop when rates rise. The trend is quite the opposite, writes Marc Roth.

Home Inspection Warranties

It seems like a natural pairing. First the home inspector eyeballs the appliances, and then the home warranty company agrees to cover them. But it's not so simple in a business where honest advice is hard to find, and wariness about conflicts of interest is everywhere.

When Will Mortgage Rates Go Up?

Nov 13, 2009 - The tea-leaf indicators all point to a rise in interest rates-and therefore an increase in mortgage rates-by springtime. Over the last several months, I've written a lot about the current state of residential real estate, and the opportunities made available by the combination of lower housing prices and falling interest rates. As we approach the end of this year's residential real estate buying-and-selling season, this is a good time to start thinking about what might lie ahead.

Get Invited to the Party

RISMEDIA - Some things never change, including the notion of socializing for business reasons. These days, the only difference is much of this socializing is being done online, which has allowed social circles to grow.

How Much House Can You Afford?

Oct 12, 2009 - Yes, housing prices are down, but are you in a position to take advantage of them? Here's how to find out.

Housing Affordability Made Simple

Sep 16, 2009 - Buying a house is a huge decision. Here's a way to help determine how much you can afford and if now is the time to buy.

Are You Still Wondering Whether or Not You Need to Engage in Social Media?

If Facebook were a Country, it would be the 4th Largest between the U.S. and Indonesia.

How to Start Planning for Your Business 10, 20 or More Years Out

Aug 19, 2009 - While planning this far out may seem, well, far out, it is highly important to managing a sustainable business. Even if you're staying in the same town to the end, knowing how it will change over time is paramount to your success. You need to find the right ways to evolve and stay relevant.

Residential Real Estate Forecasters Wanted!

Aug 11, 2009 - I think prices are heading higher. Many readers disagree. Here's how to figure out who's right.

Now's the Time to Buy Your Dream House

Jul 20, 2009 - If you can afford it, home prices remain at an all-time low and selection an all-time high, writes Marc Roth.

Green Facts and Energy Savings Ideas

Start with Just a Bulb- Start with small changes that make a big difference in your own energy use and the pollution we generate on our planet. If every American home replaced their five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR label, we could save close to $8 billion each year in energy costs, and together we would prevent the greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars!

What Can A Half Century of Housing Inventory Data and Past Recessions Tell Us?

Feb 5, 2009 - Chris Kaucnik, Director of Marketing for Home Warranty of America, Inc. Like any other market, housing runs on supply and demand. Factors manipulate supply and demand like interest rates, employment, Wall Street, the Government, and consumer confidence to name a few. But do we always have to accept what inventory levels and demand are, or can we affect them too?

Opportunity of a Lifetime by HWA President, Marc Roth

Jan 6, 2009 - Opportunity of a Lifetime - By Marc Roth, HWA President - I believe with all my of my heart and intellect that we are smack dab in the middle of an opportunity of a lifetime. I don't care what business you are in, there is unprecedented opportunity for you right now, and if you don't act, you will look back several years from now with regret.

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