AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/What's Hot on AOL Real Estate This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/01/16/whats-hot-on-aol-real-estate-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/01/16/whats-hot-on-aol-real-estate-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/01/16/whats-hot-on-aol-real-estate-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,,,,

The whole country might be under a cold snap, but we're still serving up red-hot real estate news! See what AOL Real Estate's readers were interested in this week:

1. Las Vegas Homes Bad Bet Until 2032
"Know when to hold 'em," indeed: All signs indicate that the Las Vegas housing market may not recover for decades. But at least one entrepreneur is turning those lemons into gold -- learn how when you read more.

2. Billy Joel Drops Beach House by $4M
Forget "movin' up" -- he'd happily settle for just "movin' out." Billy Joel's Hamptons beach house refuses to budge, even with a $4 million reduction. Check out the pics of his 6,000-square-foot liability when you read more.

3. Jack Black Buys Flea's House for $6 Million
School of Rock star Jack Black got one step closer to the rock'n'roll lifestyle recently when he inked a deal on the Los Feliz home of Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. Read more.

4. Google Founder Buys 193-Foot Yacht
The search is over for Google co-founder Larry Page, as he snaps up a gigantic luxury yacht. See how much one pays for a boat that spans 2/3 the length of a football field when you read more.

5. 'Selling New York' Broker Calms 'Skittish' Sellers
Though you'd think the free marketing would be a no-brainer, reality TV's Tom Postilio sometimes has to coerce homeowners into appearing on Selling New York. See how he sells the sellers when you read more.

6. Baltimore Ravens Star Scores in Real Estate
While Super Bowl champs often proclaim they're "going to Disney World," Ray Lewis is actually putting down roots in Disney's backyard with his multilocation real estate firm in Florida. Read more.

More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>AOL real estatebaltimore ravensbilly joelfleagooglejack blacklas vegas real estate markettop postsTopPostsLiz Hawthorne2011-01-16T06:01:00 00:00What's Hot on AOL Real Estate This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/01/09/whats-hot-on-aol-real-estate-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/01/09/whats-hot-on-aol-real-estate-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/01/09/whats-hot-on-aol-real-estate-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,,,,

With our top stories this week on topics like sinking home values and foreclosure sales, it seems like we may not have left the housing gloom behind in 2010. See what else our readers were into this week:

1. White House Real Estate Value Drops
Does it sometimes feel like you're the only one who got short-changed by the housing boom? You're not alone: Even 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue felt the sting, with the White House losing almost 25 percent of its boom value. Read more.

2. Bristol Palin Buys Ariz. Foreclosure
Bristol Palin is packing up her Dancing shoes and heading to sunny Arizona, where she snapped up a hot deal on a 5-bedroom foreclosure. See why the famous teen mom decided to settle in the Southwest when you read more.


3. Phoenix Real Estate Ready for Double Dip?
Long known for its amazing weather, Phoenix is attracting hoembuyers for a whole new reason these days: their record low home prices. But didn't the market bounce back with the homebuyer's credit? Well yes...and then no. Read more.

4. Homebuyer Tax Credit: How to Claim It
Before you go getting excited, the homebuyer tax credit
Find Local Homes for Sale
Browse through photos of millions of home listings on AOL Real Estate
See Homes for Sale
Search Foreclosures for Sale
hasn't been extended again -- if you didn't get in under last year's deadline, you're still out of luck. But if you did meet all of the qualifying dates, let us show you how to file your claim. Read more.

5. What a Real Estate Agent Can't Tell You
The same law that keeps landlords from screening tenants based on race, religion, and familial status keeps your real estate agent from thoroughly answering all of your questions. See what the Fair Housing Act says she can and can't reveal to you. Read more.

6. Housing Market 2011: A Spirited Dialogue
Listen in on the conversation as two of AOL Real Estate's experts discuss their thoughts about what 2011 holds in store for the real estate market. The he-said / he-said format makes sure you'll see both sides of every argument. Don't miss!

More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>aol real estateAolRealEstatebristol palinBristolPalinphoenix real estatePhoenixRealEstatepopular postsreal estate agentRealEstateAgentsarah palinSarahPalintop postswhite houseWhiteHouseLiz Hawthorne2011-01-09T09:24:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/12/11/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/12/11/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/12/11/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

Reese moves on, Dwayne moves up, Michael makes a move that leaves experts worried about his resale value. See what else was hot on HousingWatch this week:

1. Reese Witherspoon Buys New House for $7M
Reese Witherspoon and Steven Seagal now have one more thing in common besides a penchant for law-inspired movies (Above the Law and Legally Blonde - see what I did there?): the actress has purchased the actor's L.A. home for a cool $7 million. Read more.

2. Dwyane Wade's Slam-Dunk Home Deal
The 12-hour days that Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade and his real estate agent put in looking at more than 50 homes finally paid off, in a hot deal at 40% off of listing price (a savings of almost $7.5 million!) Read more.

3. Michael Jordan Estate in Florida Revealed
More news of ballers in the Sunshine State: Michael Jordan is mid-build on a mind-blowing 28,000-square-foot home on Florida's exclusive Jupiter Island. The only thing the megamansion is missing? A view of the water. See why when you read more.

4. 'Godfather' House on Sale in Staten Island
For the first time since the movies were released in the early 1970's (for the first time in 50 years, actually), the Staten Island mansion that housed The Godfather's Corleone clan is on the market. Read more.

5. Homebuyers: Afraid of Buying a House?
Finance-aphobia? Mortgage-itis? Whatever it is, it's spreading like a virus across the housing market: fear of buying a house. See why so many potential buyers are sitting nervously on the sidelines. Read more.

6. John Mayer Lists L.A. Crash Pad at a Loss
Pop star John Mayer is pulling up stakes in Pacific Pallisades, listing his 4-bedroom house at a half-million dollar loss. Poor guy will have to find a way to fit his 7 Grammy awards into his $2 million SoHo apartment. Read more.

More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>HousingWatchpopular poststop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-12-11T09:01:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/11/07/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/11/07/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/11/07/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

"The Donald" would be pleased to see his beloved name dominating our top posts this week. See what else was hot on HousingWatch:

1. Trump 'Apprentice' Snags Chicago Mansion
Reality TV star/real estate developer/husband to E!'s Juliana Depandi -- Bill Rancic can add another descriptor to his list: Chicago homeowner. Find out the details about their new pad when you read more.

2. Trump to California Estate: You're Fired!
Donald Trump's neighbors in swanky Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. are happy to see the tycoon pack up his golden suitcases and exit their boardroom, er, community. See why when you read more.
3. Jessica Alba's Proposal: Rent Her Home
In the market for a Balinese-inspired bungalow in Beverly Hills? Give Jessica Alba a call: The actress is looking to rent out her 3,000 square-foot home. Read more.

Real Estate
Essential How-To Guides on AOL Real Estate: Home Buying, Selling, Renting, Moving and Home Improvement
4. New York Senator's Home-Sale Challenge
Kirsten Gillibrand may have left the House for the Senate when predecessor Hilary Rodham Clinton was appointed secretary of state, but she's having a much harder time leaving her actual house. Read more.

5. Heidi Montag Plastic Surgeon's Estate Listed
Plastic surgeon to the stars, Frank Ryan, left behind a sprawling Malibu-area estate when he tragically died in a car accident this year. See what the property has to offer when you read more.

6. Credit Score: Why It's Constantly Changing
With new, more restrictive mortgage qualification measures in place, it's more important than ever to have a handle on your credit score. So what's the deal with that number sliding up and down depending on the day? Read more.

These AOL Real Estate guides can help, whether you're in the market to buy, rent or sell:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bill rancicdonald trumpHeidi Montagheidi montag plastic surgeryHousingWatchjessica albaThe ApprenticeLiz Hawthorne2010-11-07T21:08:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/30/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/30/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/30/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

With fewer people opting for default, a spike in home sales, and a federal investigation into the cause of the foreclosure crisis, it's looking like we may finally be on the road to recovery. See these stories and more, when you check out what was hot on HousingWatch this week:

1. Walking Away From Homes Losing Appeal?
While the "strategic default" trend may not have entirely run its course, it does seem like underwater homeowners are turning to default as a last resort these days. Read more.

2. Rent Too Damn High? How to Lower Yours
His carefully manicured facial hair may be over-the-top, but the message of New York's Jimmy McMillan, of the Rent is 2 Damn High Party, is firmly grounded in reality. Read more.
3. Foreclosure Mess Draws FBI's Interest
For anyone who thought that the lack of industry oversight that led to the recent
Search Millions of Home Listings
View photos of homes for sale and apartments for rent
See Homes for Sale on AOL Real Estate
See Rental Listings on RentedSpaces
foreclosure crisis was simply criminal, the FBI might agree. Read more.

4. Damon Dash's Funky Real Estate Drama
Record exec Damon Dash is singing the blues as his foreclosed-on Tribeca loft is listed by an enterprising flipper at a whopping 100 percent profit over Dash's original purchase price. Read more.

5. Home Sales Spike: Real Sign of Recovery?
The latest graphs show a recent spike in home sales: sign of recovery? Or yet more lingering effects of recent tax credits? Get to the bottom of it when you read more.

6. Buying Foreclosures: Do You Own the Title?
Foreclosure is not only a nightmare for the person who loses their home -- it can also become a disaster for the new owner if the bank handling the seizure doesn't cross all the T's. Read more.

These AOL Real Estate guides can help, whether you're in the market to buy or sell:

More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>damon dashHousingWatchjimmy mcmillanrent is too damn highwalking away from mortgagesLiz Hawthorne2010-10-30T08:06:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/25/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/25/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/25/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tennis aces, quarterbacks, supermodels, pop singers, country stars ... they're all on the move this week. See who's selling, who's buying, and which surprising celeb is actually (gulp) renting! It's all here on HousingWatch.

1. Roddick and Decker Fleeing $3.6M Spread
Tennis champ Andy Roddick has just put his Texas "starter home" (an impressive start, at almost 6,000 square feet) on the market. For just $3.6 million, you too can live the good life on Lake Austin. Read more.

2. Dixie Chick's New NYC Coop
Dixie Chick Natalie Maines and husband Adrian Pasdar of TV's "Heroes" have picked up a $4.5 million loft apartment in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood. Read more.
3. Jonas Brother K2 Bails on Texas Mansion
Now's your chance to live like a pop star: Kevin Jonas and wife Danielle are vacating their Westlake, Texas mansion. See what kind of high-end touches will be available to the new owner when you read more.
Essential How-To Guides on AOL Real Estate
Home Buying
Selling a Home
Renting and Moving
Home Improvement

4. Why Facebook's Billionaire Founder Rents
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was all over the news this week for reports of his surprising lifestyle choice: Turns out that the (paper) billionaire is a renter. Read more.

5. New Obama Housing Fix: $50K Bridge Loans
A new federal program aims to help struggling homeowners by offering a specially structured loan to help them catch up on back mortgage payments. See the details, and whether you qualify, when you read more.

6. Tom Brady and Gisele's Custom-Built Castle
The NFL quarterback and the supermodel are putting down roots in Los Angeles, with construction wrapping up on their custom-built über-mansion in the Brentwood neighborhood. Read more.

These AOL Real Estate guides can help, no matter whether you're looking to buy, rent or sell:

More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>andy roddickdixie chicksfacebookHousingWatchjonas brothersMark ZuckerbergLiz Hawthorne2010-10-25T15:49:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/17/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/17/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/17/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

You were riveted this week by the story of some bold house squatters and a karmic payback to Sandra Bullock's ex. Maybe we could get our top two stories together, and the displaced Earl family could simply move into Jesse James' vacant condo?... Nah.

See what else was hot on HousingWatch this week:

1. Evicted Family Breaks Into Foreclosed Home
One California family has decided to take their foreclosure lying down -- in their former home. The family of 11 busted the locks on the house they were evicted from earlier this year, and moved back in to squat in the house that recently sold for $800,000. Read more.

2. Sandra Bullock's Ex James in Can't-Sell Hell
Motorcycle customizer (and recent ex of Sandra Bullock) Jesse James is trying to unload his California condo with a staging style as cheap-looking as former lover Michelle McGee: loud and overly patterned. See the tragically tacky animal-print blankets serving as slipcovers when you read more.
3. Halt Foreclosures, Say States; White House Says Wait
All those hapless homeowners who cried foul when their properties were foreclosed on in the last year? Turns out they might have been onto something, and the attorneys general of as many as 40 states are finally doing something about it. But will their actions harm the still-fragile market recovery? Read more.

Search Homes for Sale
Browse through photos of millions of home listings or search foreclosure listings
4. Justin Timberlake Real Estate Deals Out of Sync
Pop star and "Social Network" actor Justin Timberlake wants to say "Bye bye bye" to his Tribeca loft because of privacy concerns, enough so that he's not even waiting around for a buyer for the $5.25 million property -- he's already spent more than that on new digs just a few minutes away. See where when you read more.

5. Harry Reid Fumes Over Foreclosure Scandal
Nevada Senator Harry Reid jumped into the foreclosure fray this week, calling for banks in his home state to put the brakes on foreclosures until regulations are tightened to ensure that borrowers aren't being wrongly evicted. Read more.

6. Apple Gives Homeowners Deal of a Lifetime
How do you make a $1,694,000 profit on a home sale? Hope that Apple moves in next door! See the unbelievable story of a North Carolina couple who struck while the iron was hot and cashed out of their one-acre property with enough dough to carry them into retirement. Now how 'bout them apples?! Read more.
For more on buying a home or selling one see these AOL Real Estate guides:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Applehousingwatchjustin timberlakepopular postssandra bullocktop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-10-17T07:37:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/04/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/04/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/04/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,

There was celeb housing news everywhere this week, with Larry the Cable Guy, Katy Perry, Meg Ryan and Rahm Emanuel all changing addresses. And then there was a notorious address that changed owners. Here's what was hot on HousingWatch this week:

1. New Amityville Horror: Yuppie Tourists
The new owners of the most infamous house in Amityville, N.Y. are already spooked about the upcoming Halloween holiday. See why when you read more.

2. Larry the Cable Guy Lists Florida Home for $1.55M
Are you looking to "git" a new house in the Orlando area? Consider putting an offer on Larry the Cable Guy's Sanford, Fla. pad for just $1.5 million. Read more.
3. Katy Perry and Russell Brand Buy $2.9M Tribeca Loft
Looks like Katy Perry is ready to give up her "California Gurl" status as she and fiancé Russell Brand put down roots in NYC. Read more.

Real Estate
Essential How-To-Guides on AOL Real Estate: Home Buying, Selling, Renting, Moving and Home Improvement
4. Meg Ryan Rents NYC Apartment in New Glass Building for $25G
Those who live in glass houses ... now include Meg Ryan, who just signed a lease on a unit in SoHo's tony 40 Mercer building. Read more.

5. 'Million Dollar's' Chad Rogers Buys 1st Home, in Cash
See why one of the stars of Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing" opted to dip below the show's price point when buying his own first house. Read more.

6. Rahm Emanuel Wants Chicago Tenant Out
At least one Chicagoan isn't welcoming native son Rahm Emanuel back to the Windy City for his mayoral run: the tenant renting Emanuel's North Side home. Read more.

 Still trying to decide which is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help you no matter whether you choose to buy or rent:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>HousingWatchpopular poststop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-10-04T13:44:00 00:00What's Hot on RentedSpaces This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/04/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/04/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/04/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/#commentsLearn how to score a deal on a new apartment, how to "break up" with a roommate, and what to do if your rental is foreclosed on. It's all here and more this week on RentedSpaces:

How to Negotiate Rent
You wouldn't think twice about haggling over a car or a house, so why not drive a hard bargain when you're shopping for rental digs? Find out how to up your odds of bagging a good deal when you read more.

I'm in Love With My Straight Roommate
The Apartment Guru helps a roommate decide whether to reveal his amorous feelings to his (currently) platonic roommate. Perhaps we should also refer him to our next article, below. Read more.

Roommate Agreements, and Breaking Up When Things Go Badly
You may not be hooking up (or hey, maybe you are), but your relationship with your roommate can be just as complicated as a romantic relationship -- and with a much trickier set of breakup rules. Read more.

Search Millions of Home Listings
View photos of homes for sale and apartments for rent
See Homes for Sale on AOL Real Estate
See Rental Listings on RentedSpaces
Foreclosure: What It Means for the Renter
With foreclosure rates at an all-time high this year, many renters are wondering what to do if their landlord's property is foreclosed on. See how you can protect yourself when you read more.

Tenants' Rights When Landlord Breaks Rental Agreement
Though laws vary widely from state to state, your rights as a tenant are protected by law. Learning your state's stance on things like repairs and maintenance can help prevent future headaches. Read more.

Still trying to decide which is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help you no matter whether you choose to buy or rent:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>popular postsrentedspacestop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-10-04T07:39:00 00:00What's Hot on RentedSpaces This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/27/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/27/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/27/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/#commentsA neighborhood revival around an art museum; a primer on small-kitchen entertaining; and a sweet story of a man determined to lend a helping hand: It was all here on RentedSpaces this week. See what else was hot.

North Miami's Superhot Art Scene Spurs Neighborhood
See how a museum has become the cultural pulse of an entire Florida neighborhood, thanks to the efforts of dedicated citizens and enterprising businesses. Read more.

Are You Paying Too Much for Your Rental?
Just because you technically can afford to rent that sweet apartment that just came on the market, doesn't mean that you should. See how to crunch numbers the smart way. Read more.

Ricki Lake's Rental Home Burns to the Ground
TV personality Ricki Lake's devastating house fire is just the latest reminder as to why you need to protect yourself with a renter's insurance policy. See why when you read more.

Search Millions of Home Listings
View photos of homes for sale and apartments for rent
See Homes for Sale on AOL Real Estate
See Rental Listings on RentedSpaces
Hometown Hero Dave Yochum Gives Bigs and Littles a Day at the Lake
See how one resident of a tony lakefront community near Charlotte, N.C. is making sure that low-income kids get a chance to enjoy a day on the water. Read more.

Living Large in Tiny Digs
Sometimes less really can be more: See why one renter-turned-homeowner opted to scale down (way down!) to live in just one-third of her 1,200-square-foot home. Read more.

Host a Big Dinner Party From a Tiny Kitchen
Don't let a small kitchen cramp your style of entertaining -- with a few tricks and some outside-the-box thinking, you can still host a crowd. Read more.

Still trying to decide which is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help you no matter whether you choose to buy or rent:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>popular postsrentedspacestop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-09-27T11:47:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/27/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/27/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/27/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

At a margin of 4 to1 over the second-most popular story, our readers were hot to know about a serial killer's former home this week. See what else HousingWatch readers were interested in:

1. Buyers Want Out of Serial Killer's Former Home
One Colorado family feels let down by the state's "buyer beware" policy after they unwittingly purchased a serial killer's former home. How would you feel? Read more.

2. Deadhead's Dream: Jerry Garcia's Last Home for Sale
Unlike the possibly haunted Colorado home at No. 1, the buyer of this property would likely welcome the ghost of a former resident: Grateful Dead front man Jerry Garcia. Read more.

Find Local Homes for Sale
Browse through photos of millions of home listings on AOL Real Estate
See Homes for Sale
Search Foreclosures for Sale
3. Hearst Estate in Beverly Hills Marked Down: Is It a Bargain at $95M?
Does a $70-million price cut on a Beverly Hills mansion catch your eye? What if that reduction leaves the price at a cool $95 million? Any takers? Anybody? Hello? Read more.

4. U.S. Soccer Star Thierry Henry Scores $15M Loft in SoHo
After rumors placing him in several (wrong) locations around NYC, French soccer star turned New York Red Bulls player Thierry Henry has finally put down local roots. See where when you read more.

5. Randy Quaid Arrested for Squatting at Former Home
Randy Quaid and wife Evi continue to spread their own special brand of crazy around Santa Barbara, Calif. with their latest arrest for squatting in one of their former homes. Read more.

6. Two Ohio Real Estate Agents Slain on the Job
With the recent unsolved deaths of two Ohio real estate agents, it's a good time to review the steps that all real estate professionals should take to protect themselves on the job. Read more.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>HousingWatchpopular poststop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-09-27T11:46:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/20/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/20/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/20/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

dakota housing marketSee the surprising news out of the Dakotas, check out the latest in housing scams, and read up on the state of the 30-year mortgage. It's all here -- and more -- on HousingWatch this week.

1. North, South Dakota Weathering Housing Crisis Better Than Most
Hold the hokey jokes and "Fargo" quotes -- it turns out that the Dakotas are way ahead the rest of the country when it comes to housing market stability. See what they're doing right. Read more.

2. Scammers Sell House While Owner Is Away
Check out the unbelievable tale of a man's house being sold right out from under him! Then read up on a few tips to keep the same sort of thing from happening to you. Read more.
3. 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage: Will We Become a Rental Nation?
With longer-term (i.e. smaller monthly payment) mortgages on the way out, homeownership may soon be out of reach for many Americans. See what upcoming changes might mean for you. Read more.

4. Credit Repair Scams Hurt Prospective Homebuyers
Just like your mama told you: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So be sure to read the fine print when a "credit repair" company offers to improve your credit score. Read more.

5. Ricky Martin Still Can't Flip Florida Estate
Turns out that sexy Latino Ricky Martin is a flop as a flipper. Even daring to hope for a 40 percent profit on a home sale these days is, well, living la vida loca. Read more.

6. Google Earth: Spying Housing-Code Scofflaws
No longer just a cool way to see what's behind your neighbor's fence (not to mention being the modern-day equivalent of looking up your own name in the phone book), Google Earth is now being used by housing code agencies. See how when you read more.

Still trying to decide which is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help you no matter whether you choose to buy or rent:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.



 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>HousingWatchpopular poststop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-09-20T11:11:00 00:00What's Hot on RentedSpaces This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/20/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/20/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/20/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

Whether you're saving up for your next apartment, saving toward retirement or even looking to save a little space, we have great advice for you. See what else was hot on RentedSpaces this week.

Declutter Your Rental on Give Your Stuff Away Day
There's still time this week to box up some spare stuff for the Sept. 25 "Give Your Stuff Away Day"! Don't miss the chance to kick some clutter to the curb (literally). Read more.

Preparing for a Tighter Rental Market
With so many people choosing to rent these days, the pool of available rental units has started to shrink. See how to best prepare yourself for jumping into the market. Read more.
Rental Brokers: How They Can Work for You
Don't think of a rental broker as just one extra person in the rental process -- they can help you protect your rights in a number of complicated situations. Read more.

Rent Your Way to Retirement With a 'Rental Mortgage'
Just because you're not saddled with a 30-year mortgage doesn't mean you shouldn't be planning for your future housing needs now. See an interesting financial planning idea when you read more.

Still trying to decide which is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help you no matter whether you choose to buy or rent:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>popular postsrentedspacestop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-09-20T08:05:00 00:00Rent Your Way to Retirement With a 'Rental Mortgage'http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/15/rent-your-way-to-retirement-with-a-rental-mortgage/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/15/rent-your-way-to-retirement-with-a-rental-mortgage/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/15/rent-your-way-to-retirement-with-a-rental-mortgage/#commentsFiled under: ,

Retired couple in rental homeRenting is too often considered a stepping stone for people busy saving up for that prototypical American dream: homeownership. But what if we looked at renting as a sound investment choice, rather than a runner-up prize? There's a new school of thought doing just that.

With the disillusionment brought by the recent housing crisis, more people are choosing to rent homes rather than sink money into what can be a risky investment. (How times have changed: When your grandparents scrimped and saved for their first home, the mortgage term "underwater" hadn't been coined.)

This new group of "lifetime renters" are breaking new ground in the housing sector, making the conscious choice as 20- and 30-somethings to ignore the advice of their parents and the National Association of Realtors and settle into a long-term rental.

But without the formal structure of a mortgage helping them bank money in the form of home equity, how can they make sure they're saving enough to cover housing costs through their golden years? The radical new idea for long-term housing is to establish a "rental mortgage" for yourself.

Search Apartments and Homes for Rent
See photos of apartments and homes for rent in your area on RentedSpaces
Who in their right mind would elect to saddle themselves with a mortgage payment when there's not even a house to be gained at the end of 30 years? With a little discipline, the idea of setting aside an amount of money each month equivalent to what you would be paying in a mortgage is smart strategy -- and though there may not be a house at the end of the road, each payment to yourself is 100 percent principal, and you earn and keep all of the interest.

But even though it's your money deposited into an account set up by you, rule No. 1 of the rental mortgage is that you do not touch the money until you turn 65. Treat it like your IRA or any other retirement account: Hands off!


How to Set Up a Rental Mortgage (from TheMint.com)
  • Use an online mortgage calculator like the one at AOL Real Estate to calculate what your mortgage payment would be, based on home prices in the area where you live (or the one where you'd like to retire).
  • In the "mortgage term" field, enter the number of years you have until retirement (or until you turn 65). For instance, if you're 30 years old now, put in 35 years.
  • When you calculate your mortgage payment, click on the "Show/recalculate amortization table" button, which will show what you would pay in principal and interest each month. For instance, a $200,000, 30-year mortgage with a 5 percent interest rate would have $240 going to principal in the first month. Each month, the payment amount allocated toward principal gets larger, while interest paid to the bank gets smaller.
  • You can save the full mortgage payment, or just the principal. By depositing the principal amounts into a savings account for the next 35 years, by the time you turn 65 you should have accumulated, in our example, $200,000 -- plus interest.

It's a radical new way of thinking about one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, but if recent history has taught us anything about the housing market, a new way of thinking is sometimes just what we need.

See more perks of renting vs. buying a home.

Not sure renting is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bankrate.comfinancial planningMint.comrental mortgagerenting vs. owningretirement planningLiz Hawthorne2010-09-15T17:01:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/13/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/13/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/13/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

WIth attractive financing on foreclosed homes, newly reduced prices by owners across the country, and a $150 million mansion hitting the market, it might just be the right time for you to buy! See what else was hot on HousingWatch this week.

1. Fannie Mae to Sell Foreclosed Homes With Subprime Lending Terms
Low-down-payment mortgage deals aren't necessarily a thing of the past: if you're willing to put a little sweat equity into an "as-is" foreclosed home, you might be able to score a bargain. Read more.

2. Sellers Cut Prices on 50% of Homes
With stats showing a spike in list price reductions, you'd think buyers would be moving in for the proverbial kill right now. So why isn't housing inventory moving more quickly? Read more.
Search Homes for Sale
Browse through photos of millions of home listings or search for rentals
3. Aaron Spelling's Mega-McMansion Listed for $150M -- a World Record?
If your current home only has two dedicated gift-wrapping rooms, it might be time to upgrade to Candy Spelling's California McMansion, which features three. See the other ridiculous details when you read more.

4. Ex-Rapper Vanilla Ice Flips Houses in Florida
Reinventing himself once again, the rapper formerly know as Robert Van Winkle is now flipping houses in South Florida. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, he'll be showcasing his skills as the start of his own show on the DIY Network. Read more.

5. Real Estate Magazine Publisher Teeters on the Brink
In the wake of many popular "shelter" magazines folding in the last few years, the original shelter mag is fighting to avoid bankruptcy. See what's in store for the free and ubiquitous Real Estate Book when you read more.

6. Tiger Woods' Former Mistress Buys NYC Condo With Settlement Money
The most famous fame-hungry of Tiger Woods' long list of mistresses has put some of her $10 million worth of hush-money to good use, picking up a NYC condo to use as an investment property. Read more.


Still trying to decide which is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help you no matter whether you choose to buy or rent:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>aaron spellingHousingWatchpopular poststiger woodstop postsvanilla iceLiz Hawthorne2010-09-13T08:37:00 00:00What's Hot on RentedSpaces This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/13/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/13/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/13/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,,

Whether you live off-campus, or in the White House, RentedSpaces had a little something for everyone this week. Read on to see what else was hot this week.

Off-Campus Rentals: Staying Safe in a College Town
Don't let the excitement of being back at college this fall distract you from making safety a priority. See our tips on keeping your stuff -- and yourself -- safe this year. Read more.

Obama's Oval Office: Redecorating for World's Most Famous Tenant
With the high-stakes midterm elections looming, it's no wonder President Obama was ready for a little distraction in the form of an Oval Office makeover. See what's new when you read more.

How to Get Out of the Lease for a Flea-Bitten, Water-Damaged Apartment
Our own Apartment Guru advises a frustrated Queens resident who found on her move-in day that her new apartment was far from move-in condition. Does the Guru give her hope? Read more.

Brighten Your Dim Apartment With Translucent Concrete
See-through, light-up concrete: it's not only a funky design element popping up in modern homes, it's also a surprisingly simply DIY project. Impress your friends with the first fiber-optic-laced candle holder on the block. Read more.


Still trying to decide which is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help you no matter whether you choose to buy or rent:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apartment guruoff-campus housingpopular postspresident obamarentedspacestop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-09-13T08:36:00 00:00Off-Campus Rentals: Staying Safe in a College Townhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/09/protect-your-property-near-a-college-campus/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/09/protect-your-property-near-a-college-campus/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/09/protect-your-property-near-a-college-campus/#commentsFiled under:

Bicycle theft near college campusLiving off-campus at college brings many perks: greater freedom, broader housing choices, and possibly even some money-saving, if you play your cards right. But being out from under the university's thumb means that you're also out from under their security, which isn't always a good thing.

Though tragically high-profile stories like 2007's massacre at Virginia Tech may grab the headlines, property crimes are far more common in the neighborhoods surrounding the nation's universities.

In fact, a recent nationwide study of the most dangerous neighborhoods for property crime zeroed in on the University of California, Berkeley's neighbor, Isla Vista, as having the highest property crime rate in the country, with an average of 1,019 crimes reported per 1,000 residents. That's better than 100 percent odds of getting robbed!
The list was so chockablock with university towns that the study's authors released a followup report of the top 15 college crime areas. Even at the bottom of that list, Saint Louis University, you stand a one in three chance of becoming a victim. Why? The article pins the blame on "a young, transient population who are often on their own for the first time, living in close quarters, and not securing their belongings."

Search Apartments and Homes for Rent
See photos of apartments and homes for rent in your area on RentedSpaces
So the bottom line is that whether you're a student or someone taking advantage of the glut of rental options typically found around college towns, you need to take steps to protect your property. Here are some simple tips:

1. Leave a light on to make it look like you're home. If you typically arrive home after dark, consider an inexpensive timer.

2. Keep items out of common spaces like porches and stairwells. Even with a lock, a bike stored outside is just begging to be snatched.

3. Lock doors and windows every time you leave. Every door, every window, every time.

4. Buy personal security gear if your area allows it. But remember that a simple coach's whistle can be an effective tool, too.

5. Use security floodlights to shed some light on dangerous areas of your property. Check with your landlord to see if he'll install them -- it might get him a break on his insurance.

For more ideas see How Renters Can Protect Against Crime.


Still trying to decide which is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help you no matter whether you choose to buy or rent:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>college town rentalscollege townshome securityhome security advicehome security tipsoff-campus housingLiz Hawthorne2010-09-09T16:04:00 00:00What's Hot on RentedSpaces This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/06/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/06/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/06/whats-hot-on-rentedspaces-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,,

Whether you're looking to downsize from a traditional house to a tree house, or from a mortgage to a rental payment, we had great ideas for you this week on RentedSpaces. See what else was hot:

1. Could a Tree House Solve Your Housing Dilemma?
All signs seem to indicate that the housing market is looking up, but these homes are taking that fact a little more literally. See what kind of cool dwellings are sprouting in treetops around the country -- and the world. Read more.

2. Interior Design Made Easier Than It Looks
A successful Miami design firm has just published a book in which they reveal a few of the secrets of a well-designed home. See how to incorporate their ideas in your own space. Read more.

3. From Homeowning to Renting: Where to Begin
With the recent housing market turmoil, many sellers are so relieved to have gotten out with their wallets intact that they're ready to try renting again. See why it's such an attractive idea for so many people. Read more.

Essential How-To Guides on AOL Real Estate
Home Buying
Selling a Home
Renting and Moving
Home Improvement
4. Back to School Program Protects Kids, Neighbors
With back-to-school time looming for many students, crosswalk safety is a top concern of parents and schools. See how concerned citizens around the country are making sure their communities are safe. Read more.

5. How to Make a Small Bedroom Feel Bigger
Sure, paint colors and good lighting can make a room seem bigger, but if you want to reclaim some actual space you may want to consider some of these cool foldaway furniture finds. Read more.
Still trying to decide which is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help you no matter whether you choose to buy or rent:
More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>buy vs rentInteriorDesignpopular postsrentedspacestop poststreehousesLiz Hawthorne2010-09-06T09:02:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/06/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/06/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/06/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

A serial killer's house finally sells, while a serial hit-maker's mansion sits on the market for a third year. Never a dull moment here on HousingWatch. See what else was hot this week:

1. Sacramento Serial Killer Home Sells: Sign of Market Improvement?
Macabre puns about "killer deals" notwithstanding, a California couple just snapped up a stigmatized Sacramento property for half of its previous sale price. Read more.

2. 'Real Housewife' Averts Foreclosure on O.C. Home
Once again, TV's "Real Housewives" series proves how just unlike the rest of us these privileged ladies really are, as one of the Orange County stars narrowly dodges a foreclosure. Read more.
3. Christina Aguilera Drops Hollywood Hills Home Price -- Again
The Grammy-winning songstress has again reduced the list price of her home, for an overall reduction of $2 million since the initial 2008 listing. Will $6 million be the sweet spot? Read more.

4. Home Values: Why You Should Stop Worrying About Yours
Happy news for homeowners: 5 great reasons why you should quit obsessing over your home's value, and instead just enjoy living in it. Will you be able to let go? Read more.

5. Tiger Woods Makes Some (Real Estate) Moves
In the wake of his very public divorce from Elin Nordegren, Tiger Woods is busy setting up various bachelor pads around the country. See where he's unpacking his golf clubs. Read more.

6. Condo Sales Drop: What You Should Know Before Buying One
Read the fine print before signing your name to that condo contract: Many condo associations have strict rules on renting out your unit, which could someday turn you into an "accidental landlord." Oops! Read more.


Still trying to decide which is right for you? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides to help you no matter whether you choose to buy or rent:

More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Christina AguileraHousingWatchpopular postsreal housewives of orange countyserial killerstiger woodstop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-09-06T08:24:00 00:00What's Hot on HousingWatch This Weekhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/30/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/30/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/30/whats-hot-on-housingwatch-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tyler Perry can afford to buy big ol' pink mansions no matter what interest rates are doing, but this week brought great news for the rest of us. Lower rates were hot news on HousingWatch this week. See what else our readers were interested in.

1. Tyler Perry Buys $40M Atlanta Mansion as $7.6M Teardown
Hollywood heavyweight Tyler Perry (shown at left) plans to keep his Atlanta roots firmly planted, with his recent purchase -- and planned demolition -- of a 30,000-square-foot pink mansion. Read more.

2. Foreclosures at All-Time High, Buyers Are Bargain Hunting
A glut of foreclosed properties combined with attractive mortgage rates is making many people consider buying these days. See if you're a good candidate to take advantage of the deals. Read more.
3. Refis Boom on Low Mortgage Rates
The lower interest rates available recently have made for some great refinance opportunities. But see whether it makes sense for you before you go calling up your broker. Read more.

4. 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages Hit New Low
Why has there been so much purchase and refi activity in the last couple of months? Nine straight weeks of interest rate decline, that's why! See if our experts expect the trend to continue. Read more.

5. Real Estate Fraud Rising: Kentucky Man Steals Dead Neighbor's Condo
In real estate, like all other facets of life, crime simply doesn't pay. A Kentucky man has learned that lesson the hard way, drawing a jail sentence and stiff fine for fraudulently renting out a dead man's property. Read more.

6. Gulf Coast Real Estate Still Mired in BP Spill
It seems like the only place the massive Gulf Oil spill is disappearing from is the headlines. The Gulf itself is still choked with oil, and the local real estate market is still reeling from the effects. When will it end? Read more.


Looking for insights on home selling or home buying? See these AOL Real Estate guides:


More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>HousingWatchpopular poststop postsLiz Hawthorne2010-08-30T09:07:00 00:00