HomeStreet Bank customers can earn a cash bonus of up to $300 for opening a new checking account and using selected services. Customers will receive $100 for setting up a free direct deposit, $80 for using a Visa Check Card, $75 for using online bill payment, $25 for giving HomeStreet Bank their unused checks and debit card from their previous bank, and $20 for signing up to receive free e-statements. Click here for more information.

Fulton Bank customers who open a new checking account through 03.31.2012 will receive a free Amazon Kindle Fire. To qualify, customers must set up a direct deposit of $250 or more within 60 days of account opening, enroll in online banking with bill pay, and make three bill payments within 90 days of account opening. Click here for more information. 

Sovereign Bank increased the HELOC introductory period from 6 to 12 months. The bank is now offering their 2.24% introductory fixed-rate for the first 12 billing cycles on its FlexLock Home Equity Line of Credit. After the promotional period, the rate will adjust to as low as Prime + 0.74% (currently 3.99% APR) on minimum credit lines of $100,000. To obtain this introductory rate, customers must have an existing or open a new Sovereign checking account with automatic payment. Click here for more information.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced the first pilot transaction under the Real Estate-Owned (REO) Initiative, targeted to the hardest-hit metropolitan areas - Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and parts of Florida. Prequalified investors will be able to submit applications to demonstrate their financial capacity, experience, and specific plans for purchasing Fannie Mae-owned foreclosed properties with the requirement to rent the purchased properties for a specified number of years. Click here for more information.

Third Federal Savings & Loan is offering a promotional rate of 2.79% (3.01% APR) on a 10-year fixed-rate mortgage through 03.03.2012. This product is available in select Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida markets only. Click here for more information.

M&T’s new Mobile Banking for Business allows business clients to pay bills, complete account funds transfers, view account history transaction details, and check current balances from their mobile device. This free service has three options available including applications for the iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry, mobile text banking, and mobile web browser. Click here for more information.