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Earlier this year, I wrote about a Virginia eminent domain ballot question. That question passed yesterday with approximately 74% of the vote. Question 1 on the November 6, 2012 ballot in the state of Virginia was an amendment to its state Constitution restricting the power of eminent domain. It was passed by both houses of the VA

Loans involving properties in the path of Hurricane Sandy will certainly be delayed according to National Mortgage News. In addition to the obvious business interruption, many properties will need to be reappraised to determine if the Hurricane caused a decrease in property value. Given the volume of reappraisals, the loan process will be severely impacted. David Stevens, president

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance performed 173 examinations of mortgage licensees in 2011. According to National Mortgage News, these examinations concluded that 90 percent of the mortgage firms had some type of violation. The examinations showed a total 4,347 violations, or 25 per examination. The most common violations were deficiencies in loan

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance performed 173 examinations of mortgage licensees in 2011. According to National Mortgage News, these examinations concluded that 90 percent of the mortgage firms had some type of violation. The examinations showed a total 4,347 violations, or 25 per examination. The most common violations were deficiencies in loan

Appraisers have been the target of complaints since the fiscal crisis began in 2008. As a result, some lenders started requiring that appraisers provide as many as eight to 10 comparable transactions in their reports. Prior to the requirement, lenders generally required at least three comps on most residential appraisals. The National Association of Realtors

The Pennsylvania General Assembly is considering a bill which would permit governmental entities to sell its public parks. The concern expressed by many – including newspaper columnists and groups such as the League of Women Voters – is that government officials will improperly use this as a “quick fix” to solve fiscal problems. For example

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ bipartisan House Select Committee on Property Tax Reform held two days of hearings in Harrisburg to review local government property tax collection, reassessments and local tax structures. The committee is conducting a review of Pennsylvania’s local tax structure. According to an article in PA Law Weekly, State Representative Tom Quigley

Question 1 on the November 6, 2012 ballot in the state of Virginia is an amendment to its state Constitution restricting the power of eminent domain. It was passed by both houses of the VA legislature. It has significant eminent domain restrictions including prohibiting using the power of eminent domain for private enterprise, job creation

Market researcher RealtyTrac reports that fewer foreclosure processes were initiated in August 2012 than in August 2011. Foreclosures reached a 17-year high in August 2011. RealtyTrac said the number of homes entering foreclosure is projected to continue decreasing gradually.

Approximately 99,400 homes entered foreclosure in August. This was a 1 percent increase over July, but