New research shows the recent jump in the rate of homeownership was tied largely to loose lending. In short, after three decades of stability, the national rate of homeownership suddenly began rising in the mid-1990s, going from 64% in 1994 to 69% in 2004. But new research published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta concludes that the bulk of the increase was caused by looser mortgage-lending practices rather than demographic factors such as more households of home-buying age.

That raises an important question: How much of the growth in homeownership is sustainable now that (more…)

Contents in the October 30, 2007 Tuesday Barter Report, published by BarterNews magazine, (more…)

Even if the economy is saying “Boo” to consumers, retailers aren’t expecting it to interfere with a little holiday like Halloween: The National Retail Federation is predicting total Halloween spending to reach $5.07 billion, which means the average person will (more…)

In past issues of BarterNews we have pointed out the many ways of using one’s assets to build greater wealth. One’s celebrity status is an example. And Rapper Sean “P.Diddy” Combs who has signed a partnership with spirit maker Diageo PLC to promote the company’s Ciroc Vodka in the U.S., is using (bartering) the power of (more…)

n today’s ever-expanding, complex world one of the best business moves you can make is to have a trusted, skilled attorney in your corner, one you can call on when needed. And while attorney’s may appear to be expensive, in the long run they are not when (more…)

From the desk of Bob Meyer…10/23/07

IRS Reports Over $73 Billion In Like-Kind Exchanges

According to the IRS, 338,500 tax-deferred “1031 exchanges” took place in 2004, the most recent reporting period statistics. The use of these exchanges has surged as investors (primarily real estate) have searched for (more…)

Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett is currently over in Asia, having visited China and now South Korea. He is impressed with the dynamic enterprise (he is seeing) in that part of the world. Speaking in South Korea he offered his thinking on a variety of topics. Here are his thoughts on a (more…)

This week’s Tuesday Barter Report, published by BarterNews magazine (more…)

Here are comments from companies out in the trenches—the impartial real world—that you and I deal in, day in and day out. The marketplace always tells a story, here is the feed back we (BarterNews) have recently (more…)

1031 Exchange Commissions

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are working to finalize an exemption which may allow real estate brokers/agents to be compensated in the form of an advisory fee for referring clients to (more…)