In an area with little land to build new houses, residents are fighting the megahome McMansions that balloon to the edges of their…

Where open-house signs are forbidden
When real-estate agent Alan Horowitz put up an open- house sign along a sidewalk here recently, he didn’t exactly get a buyer. He got a ticket…

Agent commissions inching upward
Tougher times selling homes across the nation may be spurring a surprise side effect on real-estate commissions: For the first time in years…

Be wary of offers by builder
So much of the fun in buying a newly built home comes from being able to choose the upgrades. Usually, though, there’s a condition: The…

Housing Starts Decreased in May, But Building Permits Swung Higher
The number of new dwellings begun in the U.S. fell 2.1%, the first decline in four months. The permit increase was larger than expected and is seen as a promising sign for future construction.

Can FHA step in to fill subprime’s shoes?
Note: This is Part 5 of a five-part series on the subprime mortgage market. Previous articles in this series emphasized the subprime market…

How I Sold My House In Just Six Days
It took weeks of preparation and some money, but columnist Jane Hodges managed to secure a buyer for her place before moving into her new one.

3-year rate extension could rescue homes
Note: This is Part 4 of a five-part series on the subprime mortgage market. The federal government is under enormous pressure to “do something”…

Numbers from foreclosure statistics company questioned
As governments and lenders ponder bailouts for homeowners facing foreclosure, a major supplier of foreclosure statistics has come under…

Tips on finding real-estate agent that fits you best
A reader writes: “I am curious whether there is an unbiased rating system for real-estate agents. My wife and I are looking for a diligent real-estate…”