...which states pack the biggest property tax punch and what should residents keep in mind when it comes to meeting and ultimately minimizing their obligations? In search of answers, we analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia in terms of real estate and vehicle property taxes. We also consulted a panel of leading property tax experts for insights both practical and political.
http://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-highest-and-lowest-property-taxes/11585/
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Nat'l Real Estate Post:
An ex FDIC heavy weight says that the Government has treated the GSE’s illegally and wants it fixed. We say – FINALLY!
http://thenationalrealestatepost.com/fannie-and-freddie-get-a-new-fan/?
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Shared by James Harrison, taken by Trey Radcliff. The "Egg" in Beijing.

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The December 2014 international trade deficit increased 17.1 percent from November, to $46.6 billion. Exports decreased 0.8 percent to $194.9 billion, and imports increased 2.2 percent to $241.4 billion.

For the full year 2014, the trade deficit grew 6 percent to $505b. Exports rose 2.9 percent, to $2.3 trillion, and imports increased 3.4 percent, to $2.9 trillion. Bureau of Economics and Statistics

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Nat'l Real Estate Post:
HUD is thinking about lowering their credit standards to get more buyers in the market.
http://thenationalrealestatepost.com/fha-alternative-credit-scoring-coming-soon/?
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Shared and taken by Norbert Metz. Corsica

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Mortgage applications for new home purchases increased by 17% relative to the previous month, the MarchMortgage Bankers Association’s Builder Application Survey said. -- Brena Swanson in HousingWire
http://www.housingwire.com/articles/33508-mba-new-home-purchases-jump-17-in-march
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Cash sales made up 38.9% of total home sales in January 2015, down from 41.4% in January 2014, and from the peak of 46.5% in January 2011, according to CoreLogic (CLGX). -- Trey Garrison in HousingWire
http://www.housingwire.com/articles/33507-cash-home-sales-share-drops-to-389-in-january-2015
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Shared by Mirjana Jensensek, Holy Toledo! (Spain)

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Buying cheaper than renting in 3 of 4 housing markets

RealtyTrac: Other factors keeping renters on the sidelines

Trey Garrison in HousingWire

“As wage growth continues to stagnate, those consumers choosing to rent will see more and more of their net wages being devoted to increased housing costs in the future,” Mahon added.

http://www.housingwire.com/articles/33502-buying-cheaper-than-renting-in-3-of-4-housing-markets

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Failing oil prices will dampen growth in areas where the local economies are heavily based on the production of oil, HouseCanary said in the study. On the other hand, there are many areas that will see economic stimulation from low oil prices, which will fuel demand and housing price growth, the study showed. -- Ben Lane in HousingWire

http://www.housingwire.com/articles/33504-how-will-todays-low-oil-prices-affect-home-values

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Shared by James Harrison, taken by Patricia Pomerleau. Balloons over Myanmar