U.S. ranks sixth on list for home-price appreciation
Online consumer-direct lender to be acquired by Puerto Rico bank
Company reports 37% increase in number of brokerage offices
Joint venture buys 320 units
Realtors forecast 10.5% jump in existing-home values in 2005
Site served by rail
30-year fixed rate up at 5.48%; 10-year Treasury up at 4.43%
Van Davis had joined real estate discounter one year ago
Consumers, businesses can post for free or buy display ads
Move was widely expected
Scheme involved backdating documents for more favorable loan terms
Grows franchise operations in 5 states
HUD alleges that woman refused to rent to African-Americans
More than 460,000 square feet involved
Opinion
Perspective: State laws should curtail local power to take homes
