The state of Utah is no stranger to foreclosures, but the increasing amount of these properties has left some homeowners susceptible to foreclosure prevention schemes.

According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), most states saw an increase in existing-home sales during the third quarter this year, and prices are moderating in many metro areas.

In an effort to reduce questionable practices used by banks during the foreclosure process, Representative Dennis Murray, a Sandusky Democrat, has created the Ohio HB 323, a new legislation directly related to the processes in which banks obtain and sell foreclosed properties.

With one promotion ending, another is beginning. In an effort to help first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs, MaineHousing, an independent state agency offering residents funding for homes, created their Gift of Green program.

In the third quarter lending and investing initiative report, released Monday by Bank of America, the company's progress in driving economic recovery was outlined in 10 key areas.

Activity in the multifamily sector showed a marked improvement during the third quarter, according to the data released Tuesday by The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in its multifamily market index.

In addition to the extended tax credit, first-time homebuyers in Idaho have an added incentive to purchase a home. The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), a financial services and housing business organization providing funding for affordable housing in Idaho communities, recently introduced a down payment assistance program in conjunction with mortgage loans from IdaMortgage.

In a recent announcement, PrimeSource Mortgage, Inc. (PSMI), a subsidiary of PSM Holdings, Inc., said the company will open a new branch office in Missoula, Montana. This office will be lead by Christina Witt who is an experience mortgage broker with years of business experience in Montana.

In a recent announcement, New York City-based Paladin Strategic Partners (Paladin), an investment management firm, said the company has acquired a controlling interest in HomeSaver Mortgage Management, LLC (HomeSaver), an asset management company, also headquartered in New York City.

In an announcement made yesterday, MRG Document Technology, a Dallas, Texas based provider of mortgage technologies, has integrated its CompliancePlus data and document process with the Diamond enterprise-wide mortgage loan origination software (LOS) of ISGS, headquartered in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.