WASHINGTON - August 25, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today announced that he is approving a $10 million loan guarantee to the City of Charlotte to purchase 70 acres in the Double Oaks neighborhood.  This purchase will complete the site assembly of 98 acres in preparation for the eventual development of 108,000 square feet of retail space and 940 new apartments, condominiums and single-family homes. more »

Raleigh, NC - August 23, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — North Carolina will gain $263 million in affordable rental apartments as the result of federal tax credits approved last week by the Tax Reform Allocation Committee and loans from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. more »

GREENSBORO, NC - August 23, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Managers of apartment communities are invited to attend a free workshop on September 9 to learn how to better protect their properties from criminal activity. Hosted by the Greensboro Police Department, the “Crime Free Multi-Housing Program” helps teach managers how to use proven techniques, such as proper lighting, landscaping and security features, to help ensure the safety of their residents. more »

• Beware of so-called foreclosure rescue companies that contact you after the foreclosure has been filed in court and promise to help you in exchange for an up-front fee. It’s illegal to charge an up-front fee for foreclosure assistance services in North Carolina. more »

Raleigh, NC - August 18, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Raleigh - Gov. Mike Easley has signed into law legislation that he expects will reduce home foreclosure filings due to the sub-prime mortgage crisis during the next two years. The governor’s “Emergency Foreclosure Reduction Program” could keep more than 25,000 working families in their homes and paying their mortgages. more »

August 14, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — This year, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency joins with the North Carolina Housing Coalition and the Community Investment Corporation of the Carolinas for the first time to offer you the state’s most comprehensive housing conference ever — all focusing on what’s needed to take affordable housing to the next level. The conference will be October 16 and 17, 2008, at the Durham Marriott at the Civic Center. more »

The decision by the NC Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors on June 10, 2008, to approve a one-time assessment on all members was the culmination of months of consideration and debate, says 2008 President Wendell Bullard. more »

Raleigh, NC (RealEstateRama) July 18, 2008 - The General Assembly agreed to major initiatives to fight crime and gangs and help North Carolina homeowners facing foreclosure this session Attorney General Roy Cooper said today. more »

10 a.m. News Conference Immediately Followed by Roundtable Discussion

Durham, N.C. – Tony and Mary Garrett were facing foreclosure and the loss of their home thanks to a high-cost subprime loan.  With assistance by a nonprofit counseling agency and early intervention, the loan was modified and the couple’s home was saved.  more »

GREENSBORO, NC (June 20, 2008) – The City of Greensboro Field Operations Department has been awarded a Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant worth $18,000 from the NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance. The grant will be used to fund changes that will make the Greensboro Coliseum Complex a greener facility. Changes include recycling a greater variety and larger amount of materials, reducing the number of contaminated recyclables, and raising public awareness of recycling at the Coliseum. more »