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Real Estate News from HBI
Welcome to the U.S. Housing News, brought to you by the Home Buying Institute. This website offers timely information on a wide variety of home-buying topics. It is intended for first-time home buyers. You can view today's real estate news and learn more about our mission below.
FTC Reaches Settlement on Skechers ‘Shape-Ups’ Shoes: Let the Refunds Begin
May 16, 2012
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced today it is has taken action against the shoe company Skechers for using deceptive advertising practices. The FTC claims that Skechers used false and misleading marketing claims to sell its ‘Shape-ups’... [full story]
Identity Theft Protection Services – A Needless Expense?
May 15, 2012
Last week I heard Rush Limbaugh on the radio promoting identity-theft protection services. To be clear, I don’t normally listen to Rush Limbaugh. I was a captive listener in the back of an airport shuttle. But I digress. Specifically, he was plugging... [full story]
Is a Battle Brewing Over Bank Overdraft Fees?
May 9, 2012
Since February of this year, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been investigating the procedures used by banks when charging overdraft fees on checking accounts. They have also welcomed comments from consumers, particularly those who... [full story]
NAHB Wants to Protect Homeowners From Illegal Wood, via the Lacey Act
May 8, 2012
Pop quiz for homeowners. Where did the wood come from that was used to frame your house? Was it the byproduct of illegal logging? If so, your property could be seized right out from under you. In theory, anyway. But it’s hard to imagine a real-world... [full story]
Recent Cheers for the Housing Market – A Media Trend
May 7, 2012
It’s an interesting time in the media world right now, from a housing perspective. Many journalists, bloggers and publishers have jumped onto the bandwagon of housing market recovery. They point to a slight uptick in sales and claim that the worst... [full story]
Short Sales, Wells Fargo, and Mixed Views on the Future of the Housing Market
May 3, 2012
We may see a sharp rise in the number of short sales over the coming months. Some economists feel the housing market is looking up, while one notable economist anticipates another 20% drop in home prices. Wells Fargo has solidified its position as the... [full story]
Credit Card Debt: The #1 Deal Breaker for Mortgage Loans?
April 23, 2012
Home buyers with a lot of credit card debt may find that a mortgage loan is out of reach, even if they make enough money to afford the payments. Based on our ongoing surveys of mortgage lenders in the United States, we are seeing a rise in the number... [full story]
