Selecting an attorney for legal cases is a very important decision. Please enter your information below to receive a Free Consultation from an attorney in your area:
Real
Estate News
New CFA Analysis of Real Estate Cartel Explains How It Can Set Prices
WASHINGTON - June 19 - This morning, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) released a report showing how many traditional real estate brokers, and their associations, successfully stifle competition, what reforms are needed to protect home buyers and sellers, and how these consumers can protect themselves. “Many traditional real estate brokerage firms, and their organizations, function as a cartel that tries to set prices and restrict service options,” said Stephen Brobeck, CFA’s Executive Director. “But consumers can take steps to lower 6-7% commissions without jeopardizing the sale or purchase of a home,” he added.
According to the report, the desire of traditional brokers to maintain 6-7% commissions and the opportunity for a “double-dip” – one broker collecting the entire commission – lies behind almost all of their anti-competitive actions. In nearly all areas of the country, traditional brokers have tried to charge commissions of either 6% or 7%, although many sellers of higherpriced homes have been able to negotiate reductions of one percentage point or even more.
“The preoccupation of many traditional brokers with maintaining their compensation largely explains not only their opposition to discount and fee-only brokers but also their defense of seller-paid commissions, advocacy of anti-rebate and minimum service laws, and efforts to maintain control of multiple listing services,” said Brobeck. The report is based on information from dozens of real estate professionals and from hundreds of articles in journals, real estate publications, and the general press.
Equity skimming is a type of scam
In this type of scam, a "buyer" approaches you, offering to get you out of financial trouble by promising to pay off your mortgage or give you a sum of money when the property is sold. The "buyer" may suggest that you move out quickly and deed the property to him or her. The "buyer" then collects rent for a time, does not make any mortgage payments, and allows the lender to foreclose.
Newsroom
News about real estate cases in Indiana and nationwide:
Definition:
Part of the appraisal of a property from which only a portion of that property is acquired for the planned project. This type of acquisition is often referred to as a "partial acquisition."
HUD
Definition:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; established in 1965, HUD works to create a decent home and suitable living environment for all Americans; it does this by addressing housing needs, improving and developing American communities, and enforcing fair housing laws.
Certificate of title
Definition:
A document provided by a qualified source (such as a title company) that shows the property legally belongs to the current owner; before the title is transferred at closing, it should be clear and free of all liens or other claims.
If you live in the following cities and need an real estate attorney you should contact
our Real Estate Attorney as soon as possible:
Bloomington
Brownsburg
Carmel
Columbus
Connersville
Crawfordsville
Crown Point
East Chicago
Elkhart
Evansville
Fishers
Fort Wayne
Franklin
Goshen
Granger
Greenfield
Greenwood
Hobart
Huntington
Indianapolis
Jeffersonville
Kokomo
La Porte
Lafayette
Logansport
Marion
Martinsville
Merrillville
Michigan City
Mishawaka
Muncie
New Albany
New Castle
Newburgh
Noblesville
Peru
Plainfield
Portage
Richmond
Seymour
Shelbyville
South Bend
Terre Haute
Valparaiso
Vincennes
West Lafayette
Legal Disclaimers All attorney listings are a paid attorney advertisement, and do not in any way constitute a referral or endorsement by an approved or authorized lawyer referral service. The information provided on Real Estate Attorney Indiana.com is not intended to be real estate advice, but merely conveys
general information related to real estate issues commonly encountered.
Local Professional? Generate new business today
Call 866-227-9356 or contact a sales rep
Did You Know?