Foreclosures not limited to predatory lending as more homeowners are “underwater”. CHICAGO, IL - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- More homeowners across Chicago find themselves at risk of foreclosure as property values drop and families struggle with unemployment, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said today at a news conference to release National People’s Action’s 2009 Chicago Foreclosure Report.

March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- With the filing date for federal and state income taxes one month away, Montgomery County’s Community Action Board recommends that consumers avoid Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). These highly advertised loans can subject consumers to high interest rates, additional fees and repayment risks.

March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Bureau of Financial Institutions Superintendent Lloyd P. LaFountain, III announced this week that fourth quarter 2009 data submitted by Maine-chartered banks and credit unions shows a continuing increase in home foreclosures in Maine. In general, foreclosure activity at Maine banks and credit unions appears to be lower than in many other states and it does not pose a threat to the stability of Maine-chartered financial institutions.

Meriden, CT - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Connecticut Real Estate Investors Association, or CTREIA, is announcing its 2010 Team Coaching Program. This program begins on March 24, 2010, and will run for 6 months. This course is limited to 30 students, and those interested in participating are urged to fill out their application as soon as possible

NEWARK, NJ - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The ACLU-NJ announced a free speech victory yesterday for Newark's political candidates, who will now be able to extend their campaigns within the walls of Newark's public housing complexes.

March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Department has scheduled two public meetings to receive public input on barriers that residents encounter in obtaining decent affordable housing and choices of housing. These meetings are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by local agencies that receive HUD funding, to ensure that the Fair Housing Act is being fulfilled in the community. The results of this survey and analysis will be used develop strategies and actions to reduce and/or eliminate the identified barriers. Please attend; we welcome your input

Chicago, IL - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Mayor Richard M. Daley today introduced six ordinances supporting programs that ensure families have access to safe and secure housing and help growing businesses expand their operations. “Chicago’s strength relies on the health and stability of its neighborhoods,” Daley said. “These ordinances will help upgrade housing, enhance commercial growth and bring about positive change to the lives of local residents,

West Chicago, IL - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The 2010 Census will document the changes in our nation since the last decennial census in 2000, and tell us how we've evolved as a country. Because census data affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments, the census also will frame the future of our country for the next 10 years. It is vital that everyone in the United States be counted in 2010.

HOUSTON, TX - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) --On Tuesday, March 9th, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Houston District Council hosted a forum with Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker to gain her insights on the most pressing priorities for the City of Houston. The forum also provided an opportunity for more than 250 real estate professionals to report their own opinions about City priorities.

LĪHU'E, HI - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- In light of the fact that minor water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in American homes, the Department of Water (DOW) is promoting “Fix a Leak Week,” from March 15 to 21.

March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel and Conference Center, located in Mt. Pleasant, has earned Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) Steward certification from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).

March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel and Conference Center, located in Mt. Pleasant, has earned Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) Steward certification from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).

March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Potential homebuyers may qualify for $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to help buy a foreclosed single-family home, townhouse or condominium in the city of Phoenix

MIAMI, FL - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Attorney General Bill McCollum and the Florida Interagency Mortgage Task Force today hosted a community forum in Miami to discuss the housing crisis. The event was designed to present a comprehensive approach for dealing with housing-related issues and provide information and assistance to consumers. Participating agencies included state agencies, law enforcement and regulatory authorities

CAMPTON, KY - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Gov. Steve Beshear today presented $641,000 in Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds to the city of Campton and Wolfe County Fiscal Court for construction of a pedway connecting a nursing home and residential housing complexes to the downtown area.

Boston, MA - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Each year, thousands of people needlessly die or are injured in home fires. Tragically, many of them would be alive or unharmed today had their home been equipped with working smoke detectors.

Atlanta, GA - March 15, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- RESA Names, Kathy Nielsen, Owner & Founder of Georgia Interior Solutions, As One of the Top 5 Finalist for Professional Stager of the Year, 2010. The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), the trade association for the home staging industry, announces their top 5 finalists for Professional Stager of the Year.

VOORHEES, N.J. - March 11, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Voorhees Township Mayor Michael Mignogna today joined representatives of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) at the Community Center at Lions Lake, 101 Dutchtown Road, to announce that the township is the newest member of the Live Where You Work program.

Harrisburg, PA - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- As neighborhood deterioration continues to sweep through Pennsylvania’s urban areas, particularly in Philadelphia, a plan to fight blight proposed by Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia) was endorsed last week by Dan Kildee, a leading national expert on land banking.

New York, NY - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Office is warning the public to remain on the lookout for scams involving real estate and rental properties.

AUSTIN, TX - March 11, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has announced funding awards totaling $955,000 to three statewide organizations, four local or regional nonprofit agencies, and one South Texas county working to reduce the number of households living in poverty and helping them transition toward greater self-sufficiency.

Atlanta, GA - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Atlanta real estate continues to be a hot topic for current homeowners and potential buyers. Conflictingor incomplete information abounds about the local real estate market, homevalues, foreclosures and whether to buy or wait until the economy improves

Raleigh - March 11, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Attorney General Roy Cooper got consent judgments this week against two of the defendants in the Village of Penland real estate scheme, Richard Amelung and J. Kevin Foster

LOS ANGELES, CA - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Thousands of potential home buyers are expected to converge this weekend for the third annual Southern California Home Buyer’s Fair at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles. The Southern California Home Buyer’s Fair, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 13, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 14, features more than 50 educational “how-to” seminars designed to help home buyers navigate today’s real estate market with confidence and peace of mind. The event is free to the public, and the first 200 attendees each day will receive a free AMC Entertainment movie ticket (one ticket per person).

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) announced the introduction of H.R. 4805, the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Act, in partnership with Congressman Vernon Ehlers (R-MI). The bipartisan bill will adopt national standards under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for formaldehyde in composite wood products. The legislation would also protect the health of American families from the high use of this toxin in common, household items, including hundreds of everyday applications, ranging from paneling and flooring, to cabinets, doors, shelving, molding, and countertops.

Washington, DC - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Yesterday, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-14) introduced legislation that will promote neighborhood stabilization by incentivizing short sales as a preferable alternative to foreclosure

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) announced today that the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $8,742,938.22 in federal reimbursement grants. This investment, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will reimburse the sheriff’s office for utility costs for their temporary housing facilities incurred from July 2008 through August 2009. Storm surge and flooding from Hurricane Katrina caused such extensive damage to St. Bernard Parish that the sheriff’s office has been providing temporary housing facilities since the storm for essential law enforcement personnel as the community continues to rebuild

BATON ROUGE, LA - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, Governor Bobby Jindal announced the reappointment of Senator Dan “Blade” Morrish to the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Directors.

March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, during National Consumer Protection Week, Michigan's Automobile and Home Insurance Consumer Advocate Melvin Butch Hollowell announced he has been appointed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to the position of Consumer Liaison Representative. The NAIC has also listed Hollowell in its newly-created Consumer Expert Database

WASHINGTON, DC - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, made the following statement after the committee held a hearing to review proposals designed to create jobs by making buildings energy efficient. The committee heard testimony from Terrence Mierzwa with Consumers Energy, headquartered in Jackson as well as Larry Laseter with Masco Home Services located in Taylor. The committee considered three proposals, including two supported by Senator Stabenow, the Building Star Energy Efficiency Act and the Home Star Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program.