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Fannie, Freddie to let some underwater homeowners walk away
David Lazarus Feb 1, 2013
Mortgage heavyweights Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced a bailout program for struggling homeowners who are current on their payments. If there's a pressing need to leave their property, they can just walk away.
Phoenix homeowner explains why he didn't just walk away
Peter O'Dowd Jan 28, 2013
A few years ago, 60 percent of Phoenix-area mortgages were underwater. Reporter Peter O'Dowd was one of those homeowners.
Is the real estate market really recovering?
David Lazarus Jan 25, 2013
The latest housing market numbers seem to show that home buying has bounced back, thanks to record low interest rates. But experts like Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin, say not so fast when it comes to buying a home.
It still pays to own a home
Chris Farrell Jan 25, 2013
Many young people say they have no interest in ever owning a home. So these days, more and more people are renting. But commentator Chris Farrell says buying is still a better option for all concerned.
Oakland landlords pay it forward
Charlie Mintz Jan 25, 2013
One of the reasons prices are going up in many U.S. neighborhoods is because investors are buying houses, sprucing them up and then renting them out. Landlords like these don't have a great image. But in Oakland, Calif., they can be an enormous force for change and good.
Housing revival gives home builders hope
Jeff Tyler Jan 15, 2013
Companies like Lennar have an incentive to start building again as the inventory of vacant houses falls. Conditions are good for consumers, with some hitches.
Public housing looks for outside investors
Jim Burress Jan 15, 2013
HUD cannot afford to fix its public housing, so the government wants to reclassify the properties as Section 8.
Housing market to gradually move up in 2013
Chris Farrell Jan 3, 2013
Marketplace Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell says there is one bright economic spot to look forward to in the coming year: the housing market.
Homeowners question association fees
Megan Verlee Dec 28, 2012
An estimated one-fifth of Americans pay fees to homeowners associations, or HOAs. Many of them wonder if they're getting their money's worth.
Recovery in new home sales a boost for the economy
Eve Troeh Dec 27, 2012
Many of the new homes being sold now were planned years ago. Finally demand has returned, in part because first-time buyers are being outbid by investors for bargain foreclosure sales.
