![[Blueprint]](/images/sm_20070122-whitehouse2.gif)
Residential property news and information
Builders Look for Housing To Recover in 2007
Home buyers have been backing out of sales contracts and forfeiting their down payments. Yet, cancellation rates should steady in the first quarter and taper off later in 2007, the chief executive of one of the nation's largest home builders says. More »
Tips for Buying a Home South of the Border
The number of Americans living permanently in Mexico has nearly doubled the past decade. For those contemplating such a move, June Fletcher offers advice on what to avoid -- such as high-pressure salespeople and buying without title insurance -- and pointers on Mexican fees and taxes that could send your house purchase over budget. More »
The Year of Listing Patiently; Sales Are Slow for Pricey Homes
Last year proved to be a tough one to sell a house and the high end of the market wasn't immune. A look back at those featured in 'House of the Week' finds that only 30% have sold -- and most at steep discounts. More »
Sales of New and Existing Homes Will Continue Their Slide in 2007
Existing-home sales will fall 8.1% this year while new-home sales will drop 7.1%, Fannie Mae says. The declines are largely due to investors pulling out of the housing market, the mortgage-finance company says. More »
Rising Candle Use in Homes Fuels Safety Concerns
The growing popularity of scented and decorative candles as a chic and inexpensive design element is prompting warnings about the potential danger of these products. More »
![[corkery1]](/images/sm_20070118-corkery1.jpg)
Greenwich Developers Try Mega Mansions -- on Spec
Antares Investment Partners is planning to construct several sprawling estates in this Connecticut town -- before lining up buyers. It's a risky move at a time when U.S. home builders are scaling back. More »
![[hodges2]](/images/sm_20070118-hodges2.jpg)
When a Flip Flops, Investors Look to a Lease-Option Plan
An Oregon couple purchased a brand-new bungalow as an investment and are marketing it for-sale-by-owner. Potential buyers have been scarce, however, so the homeowners are also offering it through a rent-to-buy deal. More »
Tools for Real-Estate Investors And Slumping Condo Prices
In this week's survey of news from across the Web we take a look at new online tools for home buyers; a down-and-out neighborhood in San Antonio, Texas, where sales are taking off; a look at the condo market; and mobile-home owners in Florida who are sitting pretty after selling their oceanfront community to a developer. More »
How to Cut Your Property Taxes; IRAs for Home Purchases
As many as 60% of homes are assessed for too much and about 33% of property-tax appeals succeed. We offer tips on how to lower your load. Plus, whether an IRA can be used to pay off a mortgage. More »
New Jersey Estate Tops '06 List Of Most-Expensive Homes Sold
An English-style, Alpine, N.J., residence with guest cottages a pool and tennis courts was the most expensive residential property sold in the U.S. last year, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing says. More »