Economic and Housing Outlooks Brighten According t...

RISMEDIA, December 28, 2010—Improvements in consumer spending and consumer confidence, increased demand for goods and services, and falling unemployment claims are all positive factors for a brighter outlook as we move into 2011, according to the December 2010 Economic Outlook released today by Fannie Mae’s (OTC Bulletin Board: FNMA) Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group. Downside risks still exist, however,...

Housing Outlook 2011...

The lowest mortgage interest rates in almost 60 years, plus affordable homes in cities where buyers had been priced out for years, should be turning the housing market around. But the market also labors under some heavy burdens: a glut of foreclosures that are dragging down home prices, high unemployment and tight credit. Sales fell off a cliff after the home-buyer tax credit expired. And “foreclosure-gate”...

First Time Home Buyers Think Owning Their Own Home...

NEW ORLEANS – Despite the housing crash, most American homebuyers still think they are making a smart financial move. But recent homebuyers have become a tad more conservative in what they buy and how long they plan to stay in their new homes. “Not surprising, the median price is down a little bit and so is the median size of homes purchased,” said Paul Bishop, research vice president for the National...

Sophisticated Game Room & Bar That’s Al...

As a designer, how do you create an Irish pub and game room without turning it into a cliché? In this case, you simply follow the lead of your client and pair it with a smart design sensibility. This bar was made literally from nothing. “In this home, there was a two-and-a-half-story living room that the client never liked. It felt cold, too open, and uninviting. To make this space, we gave the living room nine-foot...

Dallas New Year’s Eve Events...

4th Annual Big D NYE 2011 – American Airlines Center/Victory Plaza Can’t make it to Times Square for New Year’s Eve 2010-11? Don’t fret. We know how to party as well in Big D as well as they do in the Big Apple, and our weather’s (usually) better. Festive Dallasites will throng at the 75-acre Victory Park (adjacent to American Airlines Center) for the fourth annual family-friendly Big D NYE, on...

Housing Remains Highly Affordable for Seventh Cons...

RISMEDIA, November 22, 2010—Housing affordability remained near its highest level nationwide for the seventh consecutive quarter as interest rates dipped below 5% for the first time since the series was first compiled nearly two decades ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI). The HOI indicated that 72.1% of all new and existing homes sold in the third quarter...

Elegant Simple Recipes for the Holiday Season...

There is certainly something alluring about an evening party composed of small bites—but this styleof party has an underlying practical purpose, too. Far from the fuss of elaborate holiday parties and anxiety-inducing multicourse meals, a party centered on appetizers is designed with stress-free entertaining in mind. And yet for all its simplicity, such a party maintains its allure with slim flutes of champagne cocktails...

Preparing Your Home for Sale in 2011...

Currently, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, there are approximately 41,706 homes on the market. In the first quarter of 2010, there were approximately 58,300 homes listed for sale in DFW. Many people wait until the first of the year to list their home for sale. However, in doing this, your competition will be higher. Sellers need to make sure their home will be able to stand out and shine. Use some downtime during the...

Holiday Events in Frisco This Weekend – Dece...

There’s plenty of family fun this weekend at Christmas in the Square in Frisco, Texas! Santa Claus will be available for kids to make sure he hears their last minute Christmas wishes! Carriage rides are available in the square for $6 per person, so everyone can sit back, relax, and enjoy the gorgeous light displays! Trackless train rides will also be featured for $2 per person. There will also be train displays...

November 2010 Real Estate Transactions for Univers...

The number of home sales in November 2010 increased slightly from November 2009- from 22 to 25 homes sold. The median sales price also increased from $999,500 to $1,050,000 in November 2010. Homes priced under $500,000 were on the market longer in November 2010 compared to November 2009. However, homes over $500,000 were on the market for fewer days before selling in November 2010. Homes priced under $500,000 were able to...