Mortgage rates rise at largest banks
Pacific Business News (Honolulu) Friday, December 28, 2007 - 1:01 PM HAST

"Mortgage rates at Hawaii's largest banks nudged upward this week after dipping below 5.75 percent at most of the major lenders last week..." <- Read Full Story.

Bush bill...

Bush signs bill to aid homeowners facing foreclosure
Associated Press/The Honolulu Advertiser

"WASHINGTON — President Bush on Thursday signed a measure to provide financial relief for financially strapped homeowners facing foreclosure or in bankruptcy..." <-Read full story.

Hawaii's Foreclosure Ranking...

Hawaii foreclosures rank 44th in country
Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

"Hawaii had 113 foreclosure filings in November, an increase of 53 percent over the 74 filings in November 2006..." <- Read full story.

Hawaii's Foreclosure Ranking...

Hawaii improves its home-foreclosure ranking
By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer

"Hawai'i improved one spot on a national home-foreclosure ranking in November, though foreclosure activity was still higher than it was in the same month last year..." <-Read full story.

Oahu's Leasehold Home Properties in the Spotlight...

Leasehold owners face tough decision
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL Honolulu Star-Bulletin

"Leasehold owners are wrestling with what to do with their properties as expiration dates on their homes draw near..." <-Read Full Story

I have personally been involved in many transactions on several of the properties on the list of leasehold properties due to expire soon. Only time will tell what the out come will be. -Rick

12/18/07 Editorial
Let leasehold problem die a market-force death
Honolulu Star-Bulletin Editorial Opinion
"THE ISSUE
Leases of about 1,500 condos and apartments are set to expire in the next decade..."

Real Estate Complaints Rise...

Gripes against Hawaii real estate agents rise
By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer
"Complaints filed with the state against Hawai'i real estate agents in the last fiscal year rose to a six-year high, while the number of fines issued was the highest in at least a decade..." <- Read full story.

With the real estate market on a cooling off or down trend, more complaints will arise as consumers tend to be dissatisfied with their purchases. -Rick

Avoid Fraud...

Go to youtube.com/user/AvoidFraud and watch a video that Freddie Mac (Major Lender) has posted. Remember not to be afraid to ask your bank for help if you need it! <-Click

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac don't look good...

Fannie, Freddie chiefs see tough 2008
By MARCY GORDON
AP Business Writer

"WASHINGTON (AP) -- The chief executives of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on Tuesday warned their ailing mortgage-finance companies will suffer further in 2008 due to a weakening housing market and rising home-loan defaults..." <-Read Full Report.

Feds cut interest rates......

Fed cuts key interest rate for third time in 3 months
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER
Associated Press Economics Writer


"WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate by one-quarter of a percentage point Tuesday, trying to keep the country out of recession..." <-Read Full Report.

This could mean that you might see a rise in the mortgage rates. It will affect how and where people invest their money. -Rick

Oahu Home Resales Down...

Oahu home resales drop 22%
Pacific Business News (Honolulu) Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 10:50 AM HAST

"Oahu's single-family home resale market experienced its largest decline in volume this year during the latest three-month period..." <-Read Full Story.

Hawaii Kai B&B...

B&Bs on Hawaii Kai zoning panel agenda tonight
Advertiser Staff Updated at 7:15 a.m., Monday, December 10, 2007
"The Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board's Planning and Zoning Committee will discuss bed-and-breakfast homes in residential areas, beach access and the historic significance and preservation of the wetland areas at Hawea Heiau near the Oahu Club from 5:30 to 7 tonight at the Hawai'i Kai Public Library..." <--Read full report.

Hawaii Foreclosures...

Hawaii foreclosures up, but still few
Pacific Business News (Honolulu)
"Foreclosure filings in Hawaii in October are up 102 percent from 2006, but the actual number of filings is still small, up from 65 filings to 131..." <-Read Full Story.

University of Hawaii Releases a Global Economic Study...

University of Hawai'i Economic Research Organization
UHERO Global Economic Forecast:
Faltering American Economy Will Cause Global Slowing <-Read Report
November 30, 2007
Byron Gangnes

This is a very interesting report on the World's Economy... - Rick