Builders getting creative to help homebuyers
Homebuilders are always trying to sell their homes, but these days they have an extra incentive — beating the clock. Link to the original Article
In housing market, ‘hints of a bottom’
The ongoing slide in home prices seems to be nudging some buyers back into the market. But a broad recovery still faces headwinds of rising unemployment, tighter credit and a huge inventory of unsold homes. Link to the original Article
Communities Become Home Buyers to Fight Decay
Several big cities are using tax dollars and private funds to buy and refurbish foreclosed properties to help declining neighborhoods survive. Link to the original Article
Home prices drop by a record amount
The widely-watched Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller U.S. home price index fell by the sharpest rate ever in the second quarter, new data show. Link to the original Article
Existing-home sales rose 3.1 percent in July
A trade group for real estate agents says sales of existing homes rose 3.1 percent in July as buyers snapped up deeply discounted properties. Link to the original Article
Mortgage Relief Programs Aren’t Helping Much
Up until now, state efforts to help distressed homeowners refinance have had negligible results. A new federal bill may give them additional tools. Link to the original Article
The best U.S. cities for earning a living
Though Houston has plenty of fat cats, this is not a story about America’s Most Overweight Cities. Link to the original Article
What You Need to Know Before You Rent
There are always thousands of apartments available for rent in New York City. The tough part is finding the one that is right for you at a price you can afford. Link to the original Article
Book review: "Houseonomics: Why Owning a Home Is Still a Great Investment," by Gary N. Smith and Margaret H. Smith
Owning instead of renting, even in the current climate, pays a financial dividend, the authors explain. …
Merrill Lynch agrees to $7 billion settlement
Federal regulators say Merrill Lynch & Co. will buy back up to $7 billion in auction-rate securities over its role in selling the risky bonds to retail investors. Link to the original Article