News
Going on Vacation? Suspend Services While Away to Save
By Paola Singer/The Wall Street Journal - The Problem: Not wanting to pay for unused monthly services while you're on vacation.The Solution: Many cable, cell phone and Internet companies of
Valley Housing Market is Still Good
Betty Beard/Arizona Republic - Despite competition from a huge number of homes for sale in the Phoenix area, real estate expert Jay Butler told Tempe business leaders Thursday that prices remain above the national average.
Mortgage Fraud Bill OK'd
Jessica Coomes/The Arizona Republic - To clamp down on the bad mortgage deals that inflate Valley home prices, state lawmakers gave their final approval Monday to a bill that would make mortgage fraud a felony.
Experts: Sluggish rebound to boost prices, hurt jobs
Sarah Murray/Arizona Republic - Arizona's lagging housing market likely won't recover until next year and will continue to hinder job growth until it rebounds, state economists said this week. Although houses continue to sell, inflated prices and stockpiled inventory will cramp the industry a while longer.
Using Real Estate to Build Your Retirement Portfolio
By Marla Brill
From MarketWatch
Four years ago, Vincent McCord was approached by a developer about investing in the construction of a Las Vegas shopping center. He liked the project and wanted to diversify his portfolio beyond stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Mortgage Fraud Up in State
Misty Williams
Tribune
Reports of Arizona mortgage fraud spiked last year — mirroring a nationwide trend, as lenders scrutinized deals more closely and falling home prices unmasked shams.
Home Prices Down 2.2 Percent in Metropolitan Phoenix
Catherine Reagor
The Arizona Republic
Metropolitan Phoenix home prices have dipped 2.2 percent in the past year, compared to a 1.8 percent drop nationally. The Valley isn't alone that decline. The National Association of Realtors new figures how 62 metro areas across the country saw home prices fall between the first quarters of 2006 and 2007.
Managing Your Money to Keep the Debt Monkey off Your Back
Jaclyne Badal
The Wall Street Journal Online
When it comes to borrowing money, caution is coming into vogue.
Economists Foresee Sluggish 2007 Growth
Associated Press
WASHINGTON - Weighed down by a housing slump, the economy in 2007 will log its most sluggish growth in five years. But that showing should not cause businesses to really clamp down on hiring, economic forecasters say.
