National speaker addresses investors

Lou Brown of Street Smart Systems will address the Southeast Tennessee Real Estate Investors Association on Oct. 20.

The event will be from 5:30-9 p.m. at Finley Stadium. For more information, visit www.truewealthuniversity.com or call 894-6259. The cost is $10 or $15 per couple, or $12 a person or $18 per couple the day of the event.

Mr. Brown has been a real estate investor since 1977 and has been featured in national media. He also will speak at a Street Smart Secrets event on Nov. 1 in Athens, Tenn., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $29 per person before the event or $49 the day of the event.

Pending home sales up 7 percent

Pending home sales activity surged as buyers took advantage of low home prices and affordable interest rates, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in August, jumped 7.4 percent to 93.4 from an upwardly revised reading of 87 in July. The index is 8.8 percent higher than August 2007 when it stood at 85.8. The index is at the highest level since June 2007 when it stood at 101.4.

Session focuses on IRA investment

On Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m., Real Estate U will host a free workshop on how to salvage your 401(k), put it into a Self-Directed IRA and purchase real estate. Mike Todd of Entrust will conduct the session. RSVP by calling 826-8040. The event will be at Real Estate U, 419 N. Market St.

Title firms focus on 1031 exchanges

On Oct. 23, River City Title LLC, Revival Cos. LLC and Chattanooga Title Associates LP will hold a free program on Section 1031 exchanges.

The event is at 6:30 p.m. at Revival, 401 Forest Ave. in the North Shore. RSVP by calling (888) 225-5744. Wine and cheese will be served.