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Flower & Garden Show in Seattle coming up

February 3, 2012

The Seattle Times: Flower & Garden Show in Seattle coming up

The 2012 Northwest Flower & Garden Show is Feb. 8-12 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.

This year’s theme is “A Floral Symphony … Gardens Take Note.” The event features display gardens, how-to advice from experts, shopping for accessories and gifts, and family-oriented activities.

Admission prices at the door are $20 for adults, $5 for youth 12 to 17 years old, and free for children 11 and under. For advance, discounted tickets, and for more information, go to www.gardenshow.com.

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Obama proposes broader housing refinance plan

February 1, 2012

Obama proposes broader housing refinance plan

President Barack Obama called on Congress Wednesday to make it easier for millions of additional homeowners to refinance their mortgages at lower interest rates even if they owe more than their homes are worth. He conceded that his administration’s housing plans have not lived up to their promise.

Calling the housing problem “massive in size and in scope,” Obama detailed a proposal he outlined in his State of the Union speech last week, tackling an issue of vital concern in states key to his re-election.

“This housing crisis struck right at the heart of what it means to be middle class in America: our homes,” Obama said, speaking at a northern Virginia community center.

Obama’s proposal would give homeowners with privately held mortgages a shot at record low rates, for an annual savings of about $3,000 for the average borrower.

Read More on KomoNews.com…

Are you a struggling homeowner? Check out our Avoiding Foreclosure section for resources and tips.

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Are Homeowners Glad They Own?

January 31, 2012

Are Homeowners Glad They Own?

It might come as a surprise but a whopping 72 percent of surveyed homeowners nationwide are satisfied with owning a home. The other 28 percent, not so. They say they’re dissatisfied and that’s likely due to the devaluation of their homes.

But surprisingly, of those who were satisfied with owning a home, only 24 percent said it was because of home appreciation. The majority, 76 percent, had many other reasons they were happy to own their own home including the one that proves the American Dream is alive and well: pride of homeownership. Following closely behind were the freedom to control their home improvements and upgrades. All this according to HomeGain’s 2012 National Home Ownership Satisfaction Survey.

Read More on Realty Times…

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Tacoma Home and Garden Show This Week!

January 25, 2012

Tacoma Home and Garden Show This Week!
January 25–29, 2012

“Washington State’s largest combined home and garden event introduces visitors to a huge range of products and services by over 1,000 exhibits–providing a “one-stop” shopping and information-gathering experience for show goers.

Jump start all your home projects at the Tacoma Home & Garden Show® at the Tacoma Dome.

Get help finishing an existing project or start a new one!”

Visit the Tacoma Home and Garden Show website for more information and coupons!

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A timeout called forbearance for the jobless with mortgages

January 23, 2012

A timeout called forbearance for the jobless with mortgages

If you or someone you know has lost a job and are in danger of falling behind on mortgage payments, here’s some potentially important news for you: The two largest players in home mortgages, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are revising their policies on forbearance when unemployment interferes with your ability to stay current on your loan.

Forbearance means that a lender or mortgage-servicing company will either suspend — cut to zero — or reduce required monthly payments for a specific period of time. On loans they own or have securitized, Fannie and Freddie are now directing servicers to forbear when a borrower can show the loss of a job.

Read More on The Seattle Times.com…

Are you a struggling homeowner? Check out our Avoiding Foreclosure section for resources and tips.

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