Fannie Mae, one of the big government-backed mortgage financers, is trying to jump-start the flagging real estate market. It's lowering downpayment requirements for neighborhoods where home prices were falling. John Dimsdale reports.
New housing starts were up last month thanks to the construction of new apartments. But a drop in single-family homes might be a stronger indication of what's going on, according to economists. Alisa Roth has more.
Even rich folks are feeling the economic slowdown — there's foreclosures in the tony Hamptons, too. Commentator David Frum says the asset boom early this decade benefited a relative few, but the bust could hurt us all.
April's Consumer Price Index rose less than the month before, defying expectations. Food price increases were balanced off by car costs. Housing prices are down from a year ago. Alisa Roth reports.
The Congressional Budget Office predicts the housing bill Congress is drafting will help only a small portion of homeowners heading to mortgage default. Commentator Richard Reich explains why Congress must broaden that bill.
Congress looks at global warming from a new angle today — green buildings. Proponents say even modest changes to building codes can cut greenhouse gases significantly. Some argue green homes use 32 percent less electricity. Sam Eaton has more.
Recent severe weather across the U.S. reminds us to be prepared for the worst. Candysse Miller shows Tess what she'd need to know to about her possessions to file an insurance claim.
In World War II, scores of cultural landmarks in Germany were destroyed, including former royal palaces. Some were rebuilt quickly, while others are only now being revived as Germans look to connect with their past. Brett Neely reports.
Mortgage rates in some markets came down today, with banks offering certain jumbo loans at a little above 6% — a lot cheaper than last week. Banks are loosening up on lending again because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have a new strategy. Jill Barshay reports.
