Mortgage rates rise slightly but stay below 5%

Rates rose for the 2nd week in a row, with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaging 4.94% this week, says Freddie Mac. Read more.

Foreclosure interest wanes as defaults continue their rise

In May, 55% of adults expressed an interest in buying a foreclosed home; in a similar Nov. survey, that group dropped to 43%. Read more.

Standoff ends: State Farm to remain in Fla.

Fla. officials say the insurer will stay, no more than 125K policies will be dropped, and rates will rise no more than 14.8%. Read more.

Homebuyers need a good credit score even with 20% down

Five years ago, banks loved 20% downpayment loans; starting this week, credit scores must also be at least 620. Read more.

Where’s the refund?

Perhaps best to claim credit on 2009 return; if homebuyers amend an ‘08 return, they could wait up to four months. Read more.

Mortgage rates still below 5 percent

The average fixed rate on 30-year mortgages was 4.81%, up from a record-low 4.71% last week. Read more.

Foreclosure filings fall 8% in November

About one in every 417 homes received a foreclosure-related notice, but it was still the fourth straight monthly decline. Read more.

Fla. Legislature clears way for rail systems

By changing commuting costs, new rail service could impact a home’s value based on its distance from a rail station. Read more.

Bank of America to critics: Mortgage relief tops industry efforts

Fla.’s largest bank says it has done more to help at-risk homeowners under the fed program than any other U.S. lender. Read more.

Buyer tax credit effective but not available

Owners of homes purchased after Nov. 6 cannot file for the $8K tax credit yet because the IRS has not updated the form. Read more.