Low appraisals that don't reflect rising markets are ruining deals

Economists have been getting increasingly bullish about the housing market.

Plenty of forces, from overly cautious lenders to inaccurate appraisals, are wrecking real estate deals right now. But one of the biggest roadblocks to getting a house sold these days is the disconnect between buyers and sellers.

Bank of America's (BAC) $11.6 billion settlement with Fannie Mae helps clear a path for lending growth, encouraging short sellers in real estate related plays, such as Zillow (Z) and Trulia (TRLA) to cover positions.Regulators also announced an $8.5 billion settlement with ten major banks and mortgage companies over wrongful foreclosure practices.

Wondering what to expect in NYC real estate in 2013? A dozen agents, lawyers, mortgage brokers, property managers, and appraisers tell us what they think the year will bring.  Here's what you need to know to swim with the sharks without becoming lunch:

The residential real estate industry has moved online — real estate-related searches on Google have grown more than 250 percent in the past four years, and 90 percent of house hunters now look online, according to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors.

After years of declining home values and a buyers’ market, 2013 could be the year of the seller. Though the situation varies by region, we’ve seen a glimmer of hope for sellers and the housing market in general over the past six months.

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