Trott & Trott announced today that legislation changes in Michigan will now allow shorter time periods for the redemption of abandoned houses. The act was signed into law January 4 by Governor Jennifer Granholm and will immediately take effect.

Home foreclosures increased significantly in some states across the country in 2006, according to a report released by Default Research, Inc. Nevada showed the greatest increase for the year, climbing to 166 percent, and was immediately followed by Florida (143.

Fishers, Indiana- based Irwin Mortgage Corporation announced Wednesday that it has completed the sale of certain servicing platform assets to New Century Mortgage Corporation, a subsidiary of New Century Financial Corporation.

Stewart Title announced today its acquisition of Border Title Group of Laredo, Texas. The company will continue to operate as Border Title Group. Former owner and chief executive officer Evan Quiros will now serve as president, and all employees will retain their positions for the newly named Stewart Border Title, LLC.

The Homeownership Preservation Foundation and the Urban League of Philadelphia are teaming up to help educate African-American’s on foreclosure prevention. A press conference will be held in the Mayor’s Reception Room of City Hall at noon on January 9th to kick off the program.

LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc., announced Tuesday that Andrew S. Brownstein has been named senior vice president and international operations manager. In his new role, Brownstein will be responsible for LandAmerica’s operations outside the United States from his home office in Glen Allen, Virginia.

More than 300 foreclosed Detroit homes will be auctioned by Dallas-based Hudson & Marshall at 1 p.m. January 20-21 at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn, where buyers will be able to pursue bargain sale prices through the foreclosure auction.

Freddie Mac recently announced that they have turned a year-old pilot program into a permanent effort. Accompanied by the Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) of San Francisco and Atlanta, Freddie will use their counseling hotline on a permanent basis to reach borrowers on the verge of losing their homes.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino plans to file state legislation this month concerning rising home foreclosures in the City of Boston. The Homeownership Protection Act of 2007 will propose legislation that will assist homeowners get out of foreclosure trouble, require lenders to disclose accurate and thorough loan terms and costs, and inflict licensing and regulation to eliminate sales deception.

Omaha Properties announced last Thursday that it will join with several large lending institutions to help credit-challenged individuals buy a home. Those with lower credit scores (sub 600) will benefit from the program.