by Dale Rogers

Bernanke, in the recent past, had been urging in a passive way for the two heavy weights to lighten their portfolios. Now, it is more pointed with a strong message to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to focus more on affordable housing and less risky loans. The Option ARMs where massive foreclosures are occurring are stressing the portfolio. Many families have sought bankruptcy protection to get a handle on their run away finances. Recently, Freddie Mac indicated they would wean the purchase of specific subprime loans with challenged credit.

When you apply for a home mortgage, you may think that the lender will hold and service your loan until you pay it off or you sell your house. That's often not the case. In today's market, loans and the rights to service them often are bought and sold.

A home may be one of the most expensive purchases you ever make, so it's important to know who is handling your payments and that your mortgage account is properly credited. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants you to know what a mortgage servicer does and what your rights are.

By Cary Losson

Few would deny that real estate is a solid investment. It provides an attractive combination of stability, reliable cash flow, preservation of principal and capital appreciation. However, many investment property owners nearing retirement find themselves in a quandary. They are equity rich, but cash poor, with increases in the value of their property far outpacing income growth. They also are often tied down by the day-to-day issues of property management and, particularly in cities like San Francisco, California, shackled to the constraints of rent (and eviction) control. In fact, San Francisco is home to some of the lowest cash return on equity in the state's real estate marketplace, which is somewhat counter-intuitive given California's ever-booming property market.