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Home Heating Oil
The recent drop in oil prices is welcome news, but homeowners still face dramatically higher heating bills this winter. We'll look at whether they should prepay and lock in prices now.
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When Will Mortgage Rates Go Up?
The tea-leaf indicators all point to a rise in interest rates—and therefore an increase in mortgage rates—by springtime
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Real Estate News
$25 Billion Mortgage Agreement Doesn't Let Lenders Off Hook
Lenders still face years of litigation and billions of dollars in liabilities after settling probe
Carlyle’s Sarkozy Sells House in Manhattan for $8.4 Million
A four-story home on Manhattan’s Upper East Side sells for 20 percent less than initially sought
Russians Target London Luxury Homes as Vote Looms for Putin
Political uncertainty prompts Russian investors to put their money into London property
Hamptons Home Prices Fall 13% as Buyers Seek Cheaper Deals
Homes priced below $1 million accounted for the majority of sales in New York's Hamptons in Q4
KB Home Offering Solar as Standard Feature on New Florida Houses
Solar-equipped homes in the Fisher Plantation development will start in the low $200,000s
Phoenix Housing Rises as Canada Buyers Seek 55% Desert Discount
The Phoenix housing market is starting to recover as demand grows and inventory shrinks
China Home Sales Rise at Slowest Pace in Three Years on Curbs
China’s property market may worsen this year as the government maintains its housing curbs
Housing to Give U.S. Economy Modest Push in ’12
Improved apartment development and a rebound in single-family house construction to fuel housing market
Foreclosures Worsen in New York, New Jersey as Arizona Improves
Home loans that were delinquent or in foreclosure fell in three states hit hard by the housing market collapse
Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Probably Dropped at Slower Rate
Rising builder confidence, a drop in unsold properties and a pickup in construction suggest stabilization in the housing market for 2012
London Luxury Home Prices Reach Record as Foreigners Compete
Prices of central London’s most expensive homes reached a record as foreign buyers dominate the city’s luxury residential market
In 2011, Rich Homebuyers Went Bargain Hunting
Luxury housing set new records in 2011 as the wealthy picked up deals on high-end real estate
London Luxury-Home Prices Gain as Buyers Extend Hunt for Safety
High-end home values surged an average 12.6 percent in 2010 according to London-based Knight Frank
Vienna Ranks No. 1 in Quality of Life
Despite Europe's economic woes, its quality of life still ranks highest, trailed by those of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, according to a new survey
Virginia Town is Best Place in the U.S. to Raise a Kid
With good schools, low crime, an affordable lifestyle and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the backyard, Blacksburg, Va., is No. 1
The Mortgage of the Future
Easy-to-get, overly complicated home loans inflated a bubble that popped disastrously. Though we're still in the middle of the crisis, it's time to devise a safer housing finance system so this won't happen again
‘Underwater’ Homeowners Increase to 28.6%, Zillow Reports
The increase is due to bank's slowing foreclosures as state attorneys general probe mishandling of documents
London Luxury-Home Prices Gain as Purchasers Seek Haven
Prime central-London prices have advanced 38 percent since the market's last slump in March 2009
America's Best- and Worst-Performing Housing Markets
Since President Obama entered office in February 2009, the U.S. housing market has continued to strugglebut across the country there are still pockets where home prices have risen
Home Short Sales Rise in ‘Dramatic Shift’ That May Boost Prices
Increasingly, banks are willing to sell a property for less than the mortgage balance to avoid foreclosing
Epic Home Deals Await the Creditworthy
Bargains abound and rates are at record lows—for those who qualify
Housing Desert Leads Biggest U.S. Homeownership Drop Since 1930s
Maricopa County, which added one of every 40 housing units built between 2000 and 2010 in the U.S., had the biggest drop in homeownership
Manhattan Apartment Sales Gain as Economy Fuels 'Bipolar' Market
Purchases of condos and co-ops rose 17 percent from a year earlier to 3,106, the highest volume since the third quarter of 2007
Home Prices in U.S. Cities Fell 4.1% in Year Ended July
The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values in 20 cities fell 4.1 percent from July 2010
Which Is America's Best City?
Based on metrics like school performance, green space, and cultural amenities, Raleigh, N.C., ranks No. 1 in Businessweek.coms first Best Cities ranking
Mortgage Debacle Costs Banks $66 Billion as Suits Sap Profit
The costs have eclipsed predictions that lenders would suffer only minor damage from "mortgage mess"
U.S. Homeowners 'Underwater' on Loans Drop as Foreclosures Mount
New data shows that about 10.88 million homes, or 22.5 percent of those with a mortgage, were "underwater" as of June 30
Want to Refinance? Get in Line
Having cut staff, lenders can't cope with demand sparked by low rates
Wealthy Use Auctions to Sell U.S. Mansions After Price Cuts Fail
Looking to unload a seven-figure-plus house? If your broker can't do it, an auctioneer might
New-Home Sales in U.S. Drop to Lowest Level in Five Months
Purchases fell 0.7 percent to a 298,000 annual pace after a 300,000 rate in June that was slower than previously estimated
U.S. Mortgage Rates Tumble to Lowest in More Than 50 Years
The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan dropped to 4.15 percent in the week ended today from 4.32 percent, according to Freddie Mac
Housing Starts in U.S. Decrease as Construction Stagnates
Cadillac and Toyota scored highest in American Customer Satisfaction Index's annual ranking of automakers; BMW falls
Ocean City, Md.: America's Most Affordable Fun City
Ocean City comes in first in a nationwide ranking of Zip Codes with the best nightlife and the most affordable housing
Workplace Discrimination Charges at Record High
Last year employment discrimination charges reached a record high, and early indications suggest 2011 could be a new record-setter
Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Fell 4.5% in Year Ended May
Foreclosures, weak demand will keep prices from rising this year, discouraging new-home construction and delaying a rebound in housin
Electric Bill Seem Higher Than Usual? Well, It Is
Renewable energy, coal, and natural gas prices are pushing residential electricity prices higher in 2011 despite faltering economy
Housing Starts in U.S. Rose in June to a Five-Month High
Work began on 629,000 houses at an annual pace, up 15 percent from May and the highest level in five months
Chelsea Condos Get Magic Glass Walls; Behemoth Rises in Midtown
A new crop of high rises invade Manhattan; many of them are unimaginative and overbearing
Overseas Cities Where the Dollar Goes Further for Expats, Tourists
Karachi maintains its rank as the world's cheapest city to live well for the second year in a row, according to a recent survey
Real Estate Forecast: Home Prices Limp into 2012
In the second half of 2011, U.S. home prices will continue decreasing in general, with certain markets experiencing growth. Do you live in a likely gainer?
Luxury’s Not Enough for Elite London Homebuyers to Top Neighbors
As prices in London's high-end housing market climb,wealthy buyers are not satisfied with mere luxury
North Miami's Condo Catastrophe
Even by the standards of the housing bust, Biscayne Landing is a spectacular mess
Twenty U.S. Metros on the Brink of Recovery
Just as economic conditions in some American metropolitan areas rebound to near-prerecession levels, the recovery is slowing
America's Economically Strongest Metro Areas
In many metros across the country, home values are on the rise. Find out which areas have seen the biggest increase
Home Prices in U.S. Cities Fell 4% in April from Year Ago
The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values in 20 cities posted its biggest drop since November 2009
Sales of U.S. New Homes Fall for First Time in Three Months
Sales dropped 2.1 percent to a 319,000 annual pace last month, according to a new report from the Commerce Department
Foreclosure Accord May Offer Writedown Choice, Olens Says
States may get to choose individually in a possible nationwide foreclosure settlement with U.S. banks how to use any mone
Want to Live Cheaply? Head to Texas
Low housing, transportation, and retail prices make Harlingen, Tex., the country's cheapest place
Which City in the World Has $24 Movie Tickets?
Americans might complain about the high cost of living, but overseas the U.S. dollar is even weaker. Find out where it buys the least
As World Millionaires Multiply, Singapore Holds Its Lead
Overall, global wealth grew fastest in the Asia Pacific region last year. North America came in second
Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Decrease to Eight-Year Low
Housing remains mired in a slump as a backlog of foreclosures keeps market depressed
S&P/Case-Shiller Index March 2011
The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices dropped to an eight-year low
London Luxury-Home Price Gains Accelerate on Foreign Demand
Values of high-end residential property increased 1.4 percent from April as overseas buyers shrunk supply
Midwest Tops in Affordability and Life Quality
Seeking an affordable, livable place in the U.S.? Look around the Midwest
Americans Dream of Bigger Homes but Reality Is More Cramped
Years of accessible financing spurred home buyers to buy big, but in the new reality lower costs increasingly take priority over square footage
U.S. Housing Starts Unexpectantly Decrease
Work began on 523,000 houses in April, down 11 percent from the prior month and less than forecast
U.S. Mortgage Rates Fall to Five-Month Low
The average rate for a 30-year loan dropped to 4.63 percent, according to Freddie Mac
Miami Renters Feel the Heat
As income growth stagnates, rising housing costs strain renters around the country. Miami renters have it the worst
Memphis Suburb Is Fastest-Growing City in U.S.
Since 1990, the population of Olive Branch, Miss., has grown 838 percent, to more than 33,000—but even there, oversupply and foreclosures remain an issue
Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Decreased 3.3% From Year Ago
The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values in 20 cities fell 3.3 percent from February 2010
February U.S. Home Prices Drop
The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices dropped by the most in more than a year
Wealthy Leaving Las Vegas Mansions as Foreclosure Pain Spreads
A growing number of high-end homes are selling at a loss or facing repossession by lenders in Las Vegas
Hamptons Home Sales Fall Most Since 2009 as Snow Impedes Buyers
The slump probably had more to do with poor weather keeping Manhattan buyers away from the market than a plunge in demand
Americans Shun Cheapest Homes in 40 Years as Ownership Fades
Owning a home strikes may U.S. consumers as risky, even though properties are priced at the most affordable rates in a generation
U.S. Foreclosure Settlement Muddies Outlook for Mortgage Relief
New foreclosure-abuse settlements may make it harder to force banks to reduce loan balances for more troubled U.S. homeowners
Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Fell 3.1% From Year Earlier
According to the S&P/Case-Shiller index residential real estate prices dropped in January by the most in more than a year
Property Taxes Reach the Breaking Point
Local governments are raising property taxes to plug budget gaps as home values fall—and voters are getting sick of it
Mortgage Rates on Fixed 30-Year U.S. Loans Decrease to 4.76%
U.S. mortgage rates fell to the lowest in almost two months
Paris Home Prices Surge as City Shrugs off Financial Crisis
Residential values increased by almost 18 percent in 2010 after a 4 percent decline a year earlier
Landlords Raising Rents as Demand Outpaces Supply
Apartment rents will continue to go up nationwide as people wait to buy homes
U.S. Home Sales Accelerate as Prices Decline Amid Rebound
The third decline in home prices is spurring sales as bargain hunters rush to buy before rates rise
Where the Richest People Live
Every city in the U.S. has blocks where the greatest concentrations of wealthy people reside. Do you know the location in your community?
America's Most Expensive Blocks
Mortgage Rates on Fixed 30-Year U.S. Loans Drop
The average rate for 30-year fixed loans declined to 4.95 percent in the week ended today from 5 percent
Home Prices in U.S. Decline 4% on Foreclosures
The drop was the 13th consecutive year-over-year retreat and the largest since 2009’s third quarter
January U.S. Housing Starts Rise More Than Forecast
Housing starts climbed 15 percent to a 596,000 annual rate, the most this year according to Commerce Department figures
Option ARM Time Bomb Blows Early, Easing Damage to U.S. Housing
Thousands of option ARMs meant to reset in 2011 never did as many homeowners were already in default
You Don't Need Millions to Own a Tropical Home
From the Caribbean to Hawaii, great deals can be found on affordable island homes
Mortgage Rates for U.S. Loans Rise to 10-Month High
The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan rose to 5.05 percent for a nine-month high
New-Home Recovery Seen as Post-Super Bowl Selling Season Starts
Homebuilders and economists predict a post-Super Bowl housing bounce as Americans turn their attention from football to house hunting
Is Your City Extreme?
Hottest or coldest, richest or poorest, extreme communities present challenges and opportunities to government and business
Construction Spending in U.S. Unexpectedly Fell to Decade Low
The 2.5 percent drop was the biggest since July and brought the value of all projects down to the lowest level since July 2000
Hamptons Average Home Price Jumps as $5 Million Market Rebounds
Hamptons homes sold for an average of $1.9 million in the quarter, compared with $1.59 million a year earlier
Home Prices in U.S. Declined 1.6% From Year Earlier
In November the S&P/Case-Shiller index of home values in 20 cities saw the biggest 12-month decrease since December 2009
In America's Richest Small Towns: Big Sales Stall
Home values are down in many of the country's most exclusive small towns. Sagaponack is again the most expensive in U.S.
December Sales of U.S. Existing Homes Jump to 7-Month High
Purchases of existing house increased 12 percent to a 5.28 million annual rate, the most since May and exceeding economists' estimates
Manhattan Apartment Leasing Triples, Rent Concessions Decline
Median rents increased, new leases rose, inventory shrank and time on the market fell
Foreclosures May Be Undone by State Ruling on Mortgage Transfer
Massachusett's highest court is poised to rule on whether foreclosures in the state should be undone
How I Missed the 'Housing Recovery' of 2010: Caroline Baum
What housing recovery? If there is, or was, one, it is nowhere to be found in the data.
Manhattanites Move to Luxury Rentals as Cost Falls Versus Buying
More people are leasing the most expensive apartments as rents fall and sale prices climb from last year's post-financial crisis lows
Builders in U.S. Sold Fewer New Homes Than Forecast in November
The U.S. housing market continues to flouder in the face of near-10 percent unemployment
Foreclosures in Most U.S. States Bypass Judges, Easing Way for Evictions
More than two-thirds of foreclosures occur in the 27 states where there's no mandatory court supervision
America's Best, Affordable Places to Raise Kids
Welcome to Businessweek.com's fifth annual survey of the best towns, villages, and small cities to raise your children. Is your community among them?
Pending Sales of U.S. Existing Homes Rise by Record
The index of pending home resales jumped a record 10 percent after dropping 1.8 percent in September
Distressed Homes in U.S. Sell at Biggest Discount in Five Years
In the third quarter U.S. homes in foreclosure sold for about 32 percent less tha non-distressed properties
Home Prices in U.S. Cities Rose Less Than Forecast
The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values climbed 0.6 percent from September 2009, the smallest gain since January
Exclusive Suburbs Are Poised to Cost More
Property tax increases and rising transportation expenses are likely to make suburban living more expensive, especially in America's high-income communities
Mortgage Modifications Aren't Stopping Foreclosures
Programs designed to keep owners in their homes are being upended by lost paperwork and procedural errors
Home Prices Fall in Half of U.S. Cities, Realtors Say
A new report finds in third quarter the median price of a single-family home dropped in 76 of 155 metropolitan areas
Property Sales Get 'Cash for Clunkers' Boost in Tax Uncertainty
Shades of "Cash for Clunkers" as the prospect of higher taxes if Bush-era tax cuts expire in January spurs owners to put more real estate on the market
Commercial Real Estate's Uneven Rebound
Commercial real estate deals can be found around the U.S., but only a handful of markets interest big investors
For Jobseekers Starting Over, Mobility is the Key
Many metro areas have jobs for jobseekers willing to put up with the expense and hassle of relocating
Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Rose Less Than Forecast in August
The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values increased 1.7 percent from August 2009, the smallest year-over-year gain since February
Hamptons Home Prices Fall as Buyers Seek Lower-Priced Retreats
Median home prices in the summer resort area that sold in the quarter fell to $696,000 from $810,000 a year earlier
Mortgage Mess: Shredding the Dream
The foreclosure crisis isn't just about lost documents. It's about trust—and a clash over who gets stuck with $1.1 trillion in losses
Housing Starts Rise to Five-Month High in Sign of Stabilization
Housing starts rose to a 610,000 annual rate, the most since April and up 0.3 percent from a revised 608,000 rate in August
Mortgage Rate on 30-Year Loan Falls to Record 4.19%
A six-month decline in mortgages spurs refinancing but does little to increase property demand
Scotland's Priciest Home for Sale Gets Cheaper After Second Cut
The 85-room Yester House, an 18th-century mansion 23 miles east of Edinburgh, cuts price from 12 million pounds to 8 million
The Money's in Manhattan. Manhattan, Kansas
Personal income shrank in some of the country's wealthiest areas, while government and military employment drove income gains in smaller metros
The Foreclosure Mess Could Last for Years
Paperwork problems will generate a wave of lawsuits and investigations
U.S. Office Rent Decline Slowed in Third Quarter, Reis Says
Landlords may be able to boost rents in the fourth quarter as economy recovers
Housing Bargains for Billionaires
Across the U.S., sellers are slashing luxury apartment prices by millions as they undergo a reality check
Faulty Foreclosures May Prolong the Slump
Probes of whether lenders followed the rules could halt seizures, and that could keep the real estate market from finding its bottom
Home Prices in U.S. Cooled After Tax Credit Expired
The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values increased 3.2 percent from July 2009, the smallest year-over-year gain since March
Sales of U.S. Existing Homes Rises From Record Low
Housing remains depressed as sales of existing homes inched up to the second-lowest level on record
Housing Starts in U.S. Increased More Than Forecast in August
Builders broke ground on almost 600,000 homes, the most since April, beating forecast by almost 9 percent
U.S. Home Seizures Reach Record for Third Time in Five Months
Bank repossessions climbed 25 percent from a year earlier while foreclosures fell 5 percent
Bankrupt Projects Are Springing Back to Life
Bargain prices lure homebuilders to revive unfinished developments
Pending Sales of Existing Homes Unexpectedly Rise
Pending sales of existing homes unexpectedly rose in July, a sign the market may be stabilizing after the expiration of homebuyer tax credit
Still Rising: Spec Houses Worth $20 Million
In Palm Beach, the Hamptons, Aspen, and Greenwich, luxury home builders keep developing megamansions—and hoping for buyers
Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Rise More Than Forecast
The Case-Shiller index for June shows home prices were stabilizing before plunging in July when tax credit ended
Sales of U.S. Existing Homes Drop More Than Forecast
Sales of existing homes slump amidst continued economic woes and absence of federal tax credit
London's Rich Enlist New Breed of Broker in Search for Homes
Buying agents help high net worth buyers navigate London's tricky property market
Shrinking Societies: The Other Population Crisis
The earth's population is growing at an alarming rate, but in some countries the lack of growth is the biggest problem
'Buy and Bail' Homeowners Get Past Fannie, Freddie Loan Hurdles
More and more Americans are looking to buy a new home even as they default on their old one
Housing Markets That Will Be Strongest by 2014
Home prices should begin an uneven rebound next year, says a forecast compiled for Businessweek.com by Fiserv and Moody's Economy.com
Young People Are Filling Vacant Apartments
An improving job market is encouraging more 20- to 29-year-olds—a key demographic for landlords—to move out on their own
Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Rose More Than Forecast
Home prices in 20 U.S. cities rose more than forecast in May from a year earlier as a government tax credit temporarily underpinned sales
Louisiana Has the Most Sedentary Lifestyle
When it comes to kicking back, the Pelican State reigns supreme
Purchases of U.S. Existing Homes Fell in June
Sales of previously owned homes fell in June for the a second month, hurt by removal of federal tax credit
Housing Starts in U.S. Decrease More Than Forecast
Housing starts fell in June to the lowest level since October as sales slump after expiration of tax incentive
U.S. Home Seizures Rise 38% to Record as Banks Process Backlog
A record 269,962 homes were seized from delinquent owners in Q2 as lenders set a pace to claim more than 1 million properties by year end
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What’s Your Problem?
IN YOUR FACE: PURSUE YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL DREAM
Reader Bobbie Goheen Writes:
"Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Evaluate and adjust your assumptions monthly until your business is up and out of the red."
Tell Us: Best Advice for a Startup in Today's Economy?
Featured Special Report
Auto Bailout: Crunch Time for Detroit
General Motors: 60 Days to Show Results
Obama's auto team gives Chrysler 30 days to line up a merger partner. Both companies still could be forced into bankruptcy
