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Backyard deck a perfect DIY project

By Paul Bianchina, Thursday, July 17, 2008.

Building a deck remains one of those perennial favorite projects. A well-built deck definitely adds to the enjoyment of your home, while also adding resale value. With a few carpentry skills and tools, the construction of a basic -- or even not so basic -- deck is something that's well within the reach of most do-it-yourselfers. And there's something about that combination of fresh air and fresh sawdust that's irresistible!  more...

Are architects becoming lazy?

By Arrol Gellner, Thursday, July 17, 2008.

In 19th century America, the only way an architect could view historic architecture was to go see it firsthand (usually on another continent), or else find engravings of it in books. Because architects of the era were much less likely to travel than their modern counterparts, engravings ended up being their usual reference.  more...

Agents, change your driving habits Premium Content

By Bernice Ross, Thursday, July 17, 2008.

Many real estate professionals drive 20,000 or more miles per year. With gasoline prices over $5 per gallon in some areas, today's column looks at what you can do to reduce your gasoline bill.

General tips
The folks at Edmunds.com decided to test which gasoline-saving tips really work. They conducted their tests under real-world conditions. Here are the six tips that they say will make a real difference in your gasoline mileage.  more...

Fannie, Freddie problems not pushing rates up Premium Content

By Matt Carter, Thursday, July 17, 2008.

Fears that the government will be forced to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may actually be helping drive mortgage rates down, an effect that could be dampened as investors rush back into the stock market this week.  more...

Single-family starts slow to 1991 pace Premium Content

By Inman News, Thursday, July 17, 2008.

Starts rise from May to June but fall 27% year-over-year  more...

Mortgage insurers brace for defaults on 2007 loans

By Inman News, Thursday, July 17, 2008.

The problems in the private mortgage insurance industry may get worse before they get better, analysts at Fitch Ratings say, with loans insured in 2007 showing "significantly higher levels" of first-year delinquencies than the 2006 and 2005 "vintages."  more...

Real Estate Connect NYC 2009

Jan 7, 2009 – Jan 9, 2009 • New York Marriott Marquis Times Square, New York


January 7 - 9, 2009

Global Connect

In challenging times, find out where the market is going in 2009. Register today...  more...

L.A. among most walkable major cities? Premium Content

By Matt Carter, Thursday, July 17, 2008.
Los Angeles skyline

The cliché about Los Angeles is that you can't get anywhere without a car. But a computer algorithm that doesn't deal in clichés has identified the cultural capital of the Left Coast as one of the 10 most walkable major U.S. cities -- beating out hipster locales like Austin, Texas, and Charlotte, N.C.  more...

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$3,000 deposit should've been red flag

By Janet Portman, Thursday, July 17, 2008.

Q: My daughter will be a college senior next year and plans to live off campus. Most of the rental properties near the college are expensive and owned by landlords who are reportedly very unscrupulous; they supposedly do not take good care of their rental properties or handle tenant complaints fairly. My daughter wants to live in one of those properties (a large rental house that's big enough for her and seven other girls from her sorority).  more...