Increase in All-Cash Home Purchases

According to a recent report in Real Estate Economy Watch, nearly one out of three home sales in December 2011 went to buyers who paid all cash, adding credence to the belief that investors are key to the recovering real estate market.

The report was based on the findings from the Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance HousingPulse Tracking Survey, which surveys approximately 2,500 real estate agents nationwide each month. According to the survey, in December, the overall proportion of cash buyers in the housing market surged to a record 33.2 percent, up from 29.6 percent a year earlier, and 74 percent of investors used all cash to buy homes. Investors accounted for 22.8 percent of home purchases in December 2011, up from 22.2 percent a month earlier.

Success Strategies: 4 Quick Ways to Be More Productive

If being connected 24/7 was supposed to make our lives easier, the business world didn’t get the memo. Most American professionals just can’t shake the end-of-the-day feeling that they didn’t get enough done. So day after day, they find themselves responding to work e-mail on their smartphones right up until their head hits the pillow. Sound familiar? There is good news, says Jason Womack: By implementing a few small changes, you can get more done in less time—which not only staves off burnout, but leaves more time for doing what you love.

RE/MAX Alliance Welcomes Walnut Realty Inc Agents

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Spice Up Your Home This Winter with These Mini Projects

The holidays are over and hopefully your home is free from holiday decoration and debris. With temperatures dropping outdoors, now is the perfect time to pick up some mini projects to brighten the inside of your home and create a new feel for the new year.

Explore your crafting side: If you're snowed in with nothing to do, pick up that arts and crafts project you've been procrastinating on forever. Make a collage for your bedroom or living room, or maybe paint an old lamp or vase. Artistic expression gives your home a unique look and provides you with a fun activity that will also be quite productive.

Mortgage Rates Continue Trend of Record-Breaking Lows

Freddie Mac recently released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey®, showing mortgage rates easing to new all-time record lows for all products covered in the survey helping to keep homebuyer affordability high. The average for the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been below 4.00 percent for six consecutive weeks.

The survey concluded that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.89 percent, with an average 0.7 point for the week ending January 12, 2012, down from last week when it averaged 3.91 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.71 percent.

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 3.16 percent with an average 0.8 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.23 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.08 percent.