Bank repossessions surged past 100,000 for the first time in September, according to a report by foreclosure data site RealtyTrac. The site tracks properties that receive foreclosure filings: default notices, scheduled auctions, and bank repossessions.

"Lenders foreclosed on a record number of properties in September and in the third quarter, taking a bite out of the backlog of distressed properties where the foreclosure process was delayed by foreclosure prevention efforts over the past 20 months," said James J. Saccacio, RealtyTrac's CEO, in a statement.All rights reserved. This content may not be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, in part or in whole, without written permission of Inman News.Use of this content without permission is a violation of federal copyright law.Bank repossessions surged past 100,000 for the first time in September, according to a report by foreclosure data site RealtyTrac. [Read the full article]

Q: The rental property I'm thinking of living in has offered me an alternative to a security deposit. I pay for a bond, whose premium is less than a full security deposit, but even if I leave owing no rent and no damage, I don't get the money back! Isn't this a violation of the security deposit law? --Jake W.A: Your landlord has signed up for a new alternative to the tried-and-true practice of requiring a refundable deposit from renters. As you know, classic deposits are just that -- money that's returned to the tenants as long as they leave the rental undamaged and have paid all of their rent.But not all innovations are improvements. And from the tenant's perspective, it's not hard to see what's wrong with this new model: You never get your money (the price of the bond) back, even if you've paid all your rent and leave the place as spotless as an operating theater. [Read the full article]

A: This question comes up only a fraction of the times it ought to, but is a very smart question. The answer is not so simple; it depends on the particular facts of your situation and your transaction.In the vast majority of cases, the fee paid to the buyer's broker or buyer's agent is whatever share of commission the listing office is offering. When a seller and listing agent negotiate a listing agreement, they negotiate two payment terms.First, they agree on the total percentage of the purchase price that will be paid to the listing broker as the commission. Then, they include what portion of that commission will be shared with a cooperating, or buyer's, broker. [Read the full article]

There is a new Web-based tool, phone app or social network being introduced every day. First there is excitement, and then the flurry of articles on how to use it for business and how it will change business and the world.I like to try as many things as I can but I have a hard time deciding what the next big thing is. Is Google Voice the next big thing?You can choose one phone number that is attached to you, and it checks up to six numbers to connect you with the caller. It has voicemail and custom voicemail, and I think it may heat a cup of coffee, too, but I haven't figured out that feature yet.Google Voice is popular and cutting-edge, but I am not using it. I have only one phone number and it is for my cell phone. I am unwilling to get more phone numbers, as that could make me too easy to find.All rights reserved. This article may not be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, in part or in whole, without written permission of Inman News. [Read the full article]