May 2013 – Single-family median price hits $450,000 for first time in 5 years, up 23 percent

April 2013 – Detached home prices up 15 percent in 1st quarter 2013; attached home prices up 25 percent

March 2013 – Single-family prices up 18 percent from February; condos, townhouses see bigger price hike

February 2013 – Local single-family prices up 12 percent from January a year ago; homes selling faster

January 2013 – Resale home prices rose 8 percent for all of 2012; sales up 12 percent

Guests: SDAR 2013 President Linda Lee

San Diego Housing Market Update As “The Trusted Voice of San Diego Real Estate,” the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® presents The Scoop – monthly housing market update including a snapshot of recent sales stats and trends to help you navigate the market.

http://www.sdar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37&Itemid=343

Tips to avoid loan modification, mortgage relief scams

The DRE recently issued a new Consumer Alert, providing tips to help consumers avoid falling victim to loan modification and mortgage relief scams. The typical scam involves the promise of a loan modification or other mortgage or foreclosure relief in exchange for an upfront fee. However, once the fee is paid, little or nothing is done to help the homeowner.

Tips offered in the Alert include:

• Never pay an upfront fee for loan modification services.
• Watch for promises of guaranteed success
• Be on the look out for testimonials that sound too good to be true
• Verify licenses and disciplinary records of those offering the services
• Perform Internet searches
• Contact a HUD-approved counseling agency