Staff Reporter
Three former officers of IndyMac Bank FSB's homebuilder division were found liable by a jury on Friday for more than $168 million for negligently lending to developers who were unlikely to repay millions of dollars in loans. Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer Dies at 104
Oscar Niemeyer, a towering patriarch of modern architecture who shaped the look of contemporary Brazil and whose inventive, curved designs left their mark on cities worldwide, died late on Wednesday. He was 104. French Chateau Renovation Ends in Demolition
Builders sent in to renovate an 18th century chateau in western France's Bordeaux wine region reduced it to rubble instead, according to the Russian owner of the property. After Sandy Homeowners Houseless Until the Insurance Money Kicks In (Commentary)
It took one day for Superstorm Sandy to destroy my house. So far, it's taken more than a month for insurance to help me get back in. Federal Clampdown Looming on Reverse Mortgages
The federal government is proposing to make big changes to its reverse mortgage program early next year that should make the loans safer for seniors who use them to tap home equity. White House to Seek $50 Billion in Sadny Relief
President Barack Obama plans to ask Congress for about $50 billion in emergency spending to help rebuild states pounded by Superstorm Sandy, the New York Times reported on Wednesday. Toll Brothers Results Indicate Steady Housing Recovery
Toll Brothers Inc, the largest luxury homebuilder in the United States, reported a higher quarterly profit and said new orders rose sharply, indicating that the U.S. housing market is well on its way to recovery. Home Prices Post Biggest Jump in Over Six Years
Home prices posted their biggest annual jump in more than six years in October in a sign the housing sector continues to recover, data analysis firm CoreLogic said on Tuesday. AIG Names New CEO for Mortgage Insurer United Guaranty
American International Group Inc shuffled the management of its mortgage insurance unit for the second time this year, naming a new chief executive for United Guaranty and moving the prior CEO to a senior underwriting position. On Twitter, Obama Puts Question Mark Over Mortgage Deduction
Taking to Twitter to press his case in "fiscal cliff" talks with Congress, President Barack Obama said on Monday that tax breaks benefiting middle class families such as the mortgage interest deduction could be at risk if rates for top earners do not rise. Credit Agencies Win Legal Victory on Mortgage Ratings
Major credit rating agencies won a fresh legal victory as a federal appeals court rejected a lawsuit by Ohio pension funds that sought to recoup millions of dollars of losses on risky mortgage debt they said were based on flawed, inflated ratings. FED To Hold Lenders'Feet to the Fire on Mortgages
Frustrated Federal Reserve policymakers on Monday sought an explanation from mortgage lenders as to why the benefits of lower interest rates were not filtering to home buyers as quickly as in the past even as investors benefited. New Home Sales Stagnant, Cast Shadow on Housing
New U.S. single-family home sales fell slightly in October and sales for the prior month were revised sharply lower, casting a faint shadow over one of the brighter spots in the U.S. economy. Rihanna’s Former Home on Sale Again
Sultry singer Rihanna's former Beverly Hills home is on sale again. Sultry singer Rihanna's former Beverly Hills home is on sale again. The R&B singer sold the property, located at 9152 Janice Pl Beverly Hills, for $4. Miami Beach Luring Investors Back
Miami Beach, which is a hot spot for tourists, is evidently an attractive proposition for real estate investors as well. Tech Firms Overtake Banks in European Office Rentals
Triton Court, a century-old old art deco building on London's Finsbury Square, is a good example of how the financial crisis is transforming demand for commercial property in Europe. Home Prices Rise for Eighth Month in September
Single-family home prices rose in September for an eighth straight month in a further sign that the housing market is on the mend, a closely watched survey showed on Tuesday. New Jersey Residents Want Shore Rebuilt with Strict Standards
The Jersey Shore, where hundreds of homes were swept away or damaged in Superstorm Sandy, should be rebuilt, but with new, stricter building codes to protect against future storms, a poll of New Jersey voters said on Tuesday. Manila Rising, So Are Rents as Confidence in Philippines Grows
Manila's changing skyline demonstrates a city coming up in the world. (Reuters) - Manila's changing skyline demonstrates a city coming up in the world. MBIA Shares Rise After Averting Default on Bonds
MBIA Inc on Monday said it had changed the terms of some of its debt to avoid what it called a possible default, sending its shares up more than 5 percent in afternoon trading. Buyers Consider Risks of Beachfront Homes After Sandy
Throughout the New York metro area, Superstorm Sandy left behind difficult decisions for prospective buyers and sellers of damaged homes on the market. Some buyers have decided to move forward but now must negotiate how repairs will be completed. Others are reneging and looking for escape clauses in their contracts. Top 5 Cities in the US for Real-Estate Investment
Tuscan, Arizona is one of the best places for real estate investment. Tuscan, Arizona is one of the best places for real estate investment. There are several opportunities for those interested in buying condominiums or town homes as investment. Joe and Tina Simpson’s Encino home listed for $3.9m
Parents of singers Jessica Simpson and Ashley Simpson have listed their Encino home in California for $3.995 million. Malibu's connection with Hollywood celebrities
Malibu, the beach city in Southern California has an interesting association with Hollywood stars. It is a place that many actors call home. There are many stars- home tours on offer, reports Malibu Times. “Hope” Residence listed for $45 million
The Palm Spring house of Bob Hope and his wife Dolores Hope may be up for sale shortly, according to Real Estalker. Costa Rica Ranked Best for Real Estate Buying in 2013
Costa Rica has been ranked as the best country for real estate investment in 2013, according to the International Real Estate Investments Magazine. James Franco Buys Mini-Compound in Silver Lake
James Franco, the actor who has appeared in acclaimed films like "Milk" and "127 Hours", has bought a duplex in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. Madonna’s Upper West Side Duplex up for Sale
Madonna has put her huge New York mansion for sale. The star has listed the place for $23,500,00, according to The Real Estalker. Regulators Warn Companies on Misleading Mortgage Advertising
Regulators have begun investigating 19 companies whose advertisements for mortgage products may mislead consumers, the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said on Monday. Lowe's Efforts to Cut Costs, Spur Sales Paying Off
Lowe's Cos Inc's reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Monday in a sign its efforts to cut costs and improve its selection of home improvement items are working.
EDITOR'S PICKS
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Gov. Gavin Newsom Expedites Temporary Housing For Residents In Areas Struck By LA Wildfires
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Pasadena Native Lost Her House To LA Wildfires One Day After Paying Off Her Mortgage: 'It's Gone'
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How The Mircale Malibu Mansion And Pacific Palisades Home Survived The Devastating LA Fires
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What Happens To Your Mortgage And Property Tax When You Lose Your Home In A Natural Disaster?
