With only a few weeks left until the first-time homebuyer tax credit expires, the Senate voted yesterday to extend and expand it through April 2010. On Thursday, the House voted 403-12 in favor of the bill. It could go to President Obama's desk for his signature as early as Friday. »

Surveys show that staging pays off. A recent Homegain.com survey showed the average return on investment for people staging a home is 342 percent. »

From rental inspections to point-of-sale ordinances, local issues played a key role in getting REALTOR®-friendly candidates elected in municipal elections this week. »

Beginning this week, I'm going to try Twitter. Are you as excited as I am? »

As REALTORS®, many of you donate your time throughout the year. Local associations and boards made a concerted effort to volunteer during REALTORS® Reach Out Month. »

Repossessions by lenders are increasing in all but two states. Federal government efforts such as the Making Homes Affordable program have been slow to work and have led to delays in lender actions, causing further backlogs. »

Kat Barry, recently named one of REALTOR® magazine’s 30 under 30, managed to maintain a steady sales level after moving across the country twice. Barry now lives in Pittsburgh and has made several appearances on HGTV’s "My House Is Worth What?" She says marketing your talents and achievements is key to being a successful... »

Local elections never seem quite as hot as a presidential election and they never get as much press but voting on Tuesday, Nov. 3 is crucial to REALTORS®. Local officials cover a multitude of issues that REALTORS® deal with every day. »

The PAR Legal Hotline regularly fields calls from REALTORS® asking what needs to be done to meet the disclosure requirements of the Sellers Disclosure Law. Under the law the seller is responsible for disclosing any known material defects affecting the property. Likewise, if a relocation company owns the property, it’s the relo company’s responsibility... »

With more than 32 years in the real estate/appraisal business, Melanie McLane, a REALTOR® and appraiser, has seen a fair share of changes in the industry. »