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.
Three theories exist regarding who has legal title to a mortgaged property
Under the title theory title to the security interest rests with the mortgagee. Most states, however, follow the lien theory under which the legal title remains with the mortgagor unless there is foreclosure. Finally, the intermediate theory applies the lien theory until there is a default on the mortgage whereupon the title theory applies.
Newsroom
News about real estate cases in New Orleans and nationwide:
Definition:
A mortgage with payments that remain the same throughout the life of the loan because the interest rate and other terms are fixed and do not change.
Earnest money
Definition:
Money put down by a potential buyer to show that he or she is serious about purchasing the home; it becomes part of the down payment if the offer is accepted, is returned if the offer is rejected, or is forfeited if the buyer pulls out of the deal.
HUD1 Statement
Definition:
Also known as the "settlement sheet," it itemizes all closing costs; must be given to the borrower at or before closing.
If you live in the following cities and need an real estate attorney you should contact
our Real Estate Attorney as soon as possible:
Abbeville
Alexandria
Baker
Bastrop
Baton Rouge
Bogalusa
Bossier City
Breaux Bridge
Chalmette
Covington
Crowley
Denham Springs
Deridder
Gonzales
Gretna
Hammond
Harvey
Houma
Kenner
La Place
Lafayette
Lake Charles
Leesville
Mandeville
Marrero
Metairie
Monroe
Morgan City
Natchitoches
New Iberia
New Orleans
Opelousas
Pineville
Prairieville
Ruston
Shreveport
Slidell
Sulphur
Thibodaux
Ville Platte
West Monroe
Westwego
Zachary
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 New Orleans Real Estate Lawyers.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?