Free Republic

Rents are rising again across the country, squeezing tenants who are already coping with high gasoline prices and improving returns to landlords after a deep five-year slump. The turnaround appears to be another sign that the boom in house prices and sales is finally slowing, as homes have become so expensive in many metropolitan areas that some people have decided to rent instead. A government report yesterday also offered new evidence that the housing boom could be reaching a peak. The median price of a newly built home fell to $203,800 in July from $219,500 in June, after having risen...

Remember the concept “Owning a piece of the American Dream?” That goal you had when you graduated from college to eventually own your own home? Well, some recently released statistics suggest that, although the percentage of homeowners in our nation is at an all-time high, the preponderance of interest-only and home equity loans is creating a society of baby boomers that might never actually achieve this dream. Maybe even more concerning is that these home “lessees” don’t seem to mind. As reported by The Sacramento Bee: http://www.sacbee.com/content/homes/re_news/story/12425263p-13281615c.html "‘Folks paying off their loans and owning their homes free and clear is...

Florida voters might unwittingly amend the state constitution to increase taxes on poor renters and force local governments to raise property tax rates. Most voters would be surprised at that result, but if a proposed amendment to double the homestead exemption gets on the ballot and wins majority support, that and worse will happen. The problem begins with deceptive wording. A summary of the amendment change promises it ``provides property tax relief to Florida home owners by increasing the homestead exemption on property assessments by an additional $25,000.'' Your tax bill would be lower only if tax rates stayed the...