Real Estate News – July 19, 2011 - Jeffrey O'Brien Today

An upward bounce in a popular remodeling index shows that homeowners are going ahead with remodeling projects despite the dismal real estate market (via ConsumerReports.org): http://bit.ly/pwTaQi

The Federal Trade Commission announced on Friday that it would no longer enforce against real estate professionals most of a new rule in the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (known as MARS). This had been a roadblock for practitioners trying to assist consumers in short-sale transactions (via REALTORMag): http://bit.ly/nBhgrN

A bill introduced in the Senate aims to remove barriers for underwater home owners looking to refinance. “The Helping Responsible Homeowners Act” would order Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to waive fees and remove barriers that are keeping underwater borrowers from refinancing to lower mortgage rates (via REALTORMag): http://bit.ly/pFlnjJ

Dispute over paint pits Va. Beach resident against HOA (via hamptonroads.com): http://bit.ly/nANPes

Home building spikes in June after dismal spring (via USAToday.com): http://usat.ly/o8QysW

How banks are assaulting the housing market (via ChicagoTribune.com): http://trib.in/qu3taO

Resident’s commercial truck an issue for HOA (via mydesert.com): http://bit.ly/qyCQBo