Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Are you complying with the Red Flags Rule?

Are you complying with the Red Flags Rule?


The Red Flags Rule requires many businesses and organizations to implement a written Identity Theft Prevention Program designed to detect the warning signs — or "red flags" — of identity theft in their day-to-day operations. Are you covered by the Red Flags Rule?

Monday, December 20, 2010

IRS Announces 2011 Standard Mileage Rates

IRS Announces 2011 Standard Mileage Rates

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2011 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2011, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

51 cents per mile for business miles driven
19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

Read more...

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The NEW Worldwide ERC® Summary Appraisal Report and Relocation Appraisal Guide

The NEW Worldwide ERC® Summary Appraisal Report and Relocation Appraisal Guide

The Worldwide ERC® Summary Appraisal Report and Relocation Appraisal Guide have been completely revised and updated to meet the evolving needs of relocation appraisers and their clients. The Guide covers concepts in relocation appraising and offers step-by-step instructions on how to complete the new seven-page report as well as, tips and samples of completed reports.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Real Estate Outlook: Modest Recovery
by Kenneth R. Harney
August 16, 2010
www.realtytimes.com

The Federal Reserve's board of governors gave their current economic forecast a label last week: The label is "modest" - and it's an important word to keep it in mind.

Yes, we're still in recovery mode, the Fed governors said, but it's a slow slog, and on any given day the news can sound discouraging.

Yes, the gross domestic product, or GDP, is still growing, and many corporations are sitting on big wads of cash, which is good.

But those same companies are not yet confident enough in the pace of the economic recovery to start hiring again … and that's not good.

It all adds up, according to the Fed, to a mixed picture of where we are on the long pathway out of the Great Recession. More...

Monday, July 12, 2010

Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline Extended

Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline Extended
By Carla Hill
July 5, 2010
www.realtytimes.com

The home buyer tax credit now has an extended closing deadline, thanks to Congress. The new deadline is set for September 30, 2010. This new legislation, bill H.R. 5623, will allow for thousands of home buyers to take advantage of the $8,000 and $6,500 tax credits that saw their previous deadline pass on June 30th.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has been encouraging of its passage. "We know that up to 180,000 home buyers eligible for the tax credit are rejoicing this morning. And we all thank both houses of Congress for their work to ensure passage of both bills," said NAR president Vicki Cox Golder.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Worldwide ERC® Announces New CEO; Peggy Smith Brings “Keen Understanding” of Mobility Industry

Worldwide ERC® Announces New CEO; Peggy Smith Brings “Keen Understanding” of Mobility Industry
For Immediate Release - April 26, 2010
By Anita Brienza
www.worldwideerc.org

Arlington, VA, USA - Worldwide ERC®, the workforce mobility association, announced today that Peggy Smith, SCRP, GMS has been named as its new chief executive officer, effective May 15, 2010. Smith comes to Worldwide ERC® from software giant Microsoft Corporation, where she was Director, Global Mobility, with responsibility for more than 5,000 annual global moves.

Mike Washbourn, 2010 Worldwide ERC® President and Chairman of the Search Committee which presented Smith as the CEO candidate to the association’s Board of Directors for their evaluation and approval, noted that "Peggy has served in the top tiers of leadership in Worldwide ERC®, including President and Chairman, and on numerous committees and task forces for the association. She has a keen understanding of the economic environment that impacts our business, a recognized sensitivity to and deep knowledge of a broad range of mobility issues, and the ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships: the perfect blend of skills, experience and vision for our organization and our members."

Federal Reserve keeps federal funds rate unchanged

Federal Reserve keeps federal funds rate unchanged
By Neil Irwin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 29, 2010
www.washingtonpost.com

Federal Reserve leaders left their target interest rate near zero on Tuesday and restated their intention to keep rates very low for an "extended period" Wednesday, even as they modestly upgraded their assessment of the economy.

"Economic activity has continued to strengthen," the Federal Open Market Committee said in a statement after a two-day policymaking meeting, and "the labor market is beginning to improve." That represents a slight improvement from the assessment issued after the leaders' last policy meeting, in mid-March, when they said only that the job market was "stabilizing."

Fed leaders left the federal funds rate in a range of zero percent to 0.25 percent, where it has been since December 2008, and said conditions are likely to justify leaving it at "exceptionally low" levels for "an extended period."

Monday, March 8, 2010

FHA Announces Policy Changes to Address Risk and Strengthen Finances

FHA Announces Policy Changes to Address Risk and Strengthen Finances
January 22, 2010
www.rismedia.com

RISMEDIA, January 22, 2010—Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner David Stevens announced a set of policy changes to strengthen the FHA’s capital reserves, while enabling the agency to continue to fulfill its mission to provide access to homeownership for underserved communities. The changes are the latest in a series that Stevens has enacted in order to better position the FHA to manage its risk while continuing to support the nation’s housing market recovery.

The FHA will propose to take the following steps: increase the mortgage insurance premium (MIP); update the combination of FICO scores and down payments for new borrowers; reduce seller concessions from 6% to 3%; and implement a series of significant measures aimed at increasing lender enforcement. U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan previewed the changes in December of last year, noting that the FHA would announce additional details before the end of January.