Mortgage Settlement Windfall May Be Diverted in Some States

Homeowners who welcomed the recent "robosigning" settlement while thinking that it might offer them some relief on their "underwater" mortgages may see those funds diverted for other purposes in nearly half of the states involved. The $25 billion settlement over illegal foreclosures that was reached between state ... Continue Reading »

House of the Day: Milwaukee County's Biggest and Best

When we say that this $4.995 million house has it all, we're hardly exaggerating. The six-bedroom colonial is located on a breathtaking 35-acre estate in River Hills, Wis. On those 35 acres, you'll find a pond with a beach and pier, a pool with a custom granite diving board, a tennis court, an orchard with apple, pear ... Continue Reading »

Trifecta of Good News Boosts Real Estate Market

In what may go down as a banner day for the housing market, three pieces of good news out today point to the possibility of a recovery on multiple fronts. Homebuilder confidence hit a five-year high, while housing affordability -- an index based on the relationship between median home prices, median family incomes, and ... Continue Reading »

Buy Christopher Meloni's Place and He'll Throw in a Porsche

By Julie Zeveloff We had to read this ad from CarProperty.com twice before believing it, but former "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" star Christopher Meloni is apparently trying to sweeten the deal on his $12 million midtown Manhattan apartment by offering a brand new 2013 Porsche Panamera to the buyer. ... Continue Reading »

House of the Day: Billy Joel's Miami Mansion

In the spirit of, er, honesty, we have to lament that Billy Joel's Miami mansion, which just hit the market for $14.75 million, is a little much. When it comes to the opulent details, our favorite six-time-Grammy-winning "Piano Man" (pictured below) has clearly pulled out all the stops. The sheer amount of marble, ... Continue Reading »

Luxury Staircases That Step Up the Design Drama

You may take the stairs for health purposes, but what about staircases for aesthetic reasons? After all, staircases can make a big, bold statement upon entering a home. And, for movie buffs, significant scenes have been played out on staircases, including Scarlett O'Hara's grand entrances and exits and Rocky's triumph ... Continue Reading »

3 Bills Could Bring More Mortgage Relief

Three bills intended to increase homeowner refinancing were introduced this week by Democratic senators -- bills that HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said are "a win, win, win and something that we think can gain real bipartisan support very quickly and get passed." The bills, if passed, would complete President Barack ... Continue Reading »

House of the Day: $14.9 Million Buys You a Home Built for Jesus

We speak a lot about homes that are "divine" or "heavenly," but this one literally is. Built for Jesus Christ himself on his Second Coming, this exquisite mansion in Riverdale, N.Y., has hit the market for a kingly $14.988 million. A steal, really, considering it was designed to house the savior of all mankind! And ... Continue Reading »

Mortgage Rates Hit Lowest Point Ever, Again

WASHINGTON -- Average U.S. rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week. Cheap mortgage rates have made home-buying and refinancing more affordable than ever for those who can qualify. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the rate on the 30-year loan ticked down to 3.83 ... Continue Reading »

Open Houses of the Week: May 12-13

Though this weekend we're taking some time out to celebrate and honor the greatest women in our lives -- our mothers -- for many, the house hunt doesn't stop! Luckily, we've compiled a list of amazing open houses across the country that would make mom proud. As a bonus, some of these open houses will offer special treats ... Continue Reading »

Talk About House Porn! 'Deep Throat' Home for Sale

Fans went wild when the infamous "Home Alone" house hit the market, and a similar reaction arose when, years later, "The Hunger Games" town went up for sale. But we're suspecting that these same audiences won't be quite as excited at the news that the home featured in cult 1972 adult film, "Deep Throat," is the latest ... Continue Reading »

Florida Hangar Is Home To Full '40s-Themed Mini-Town

By Sarah Firshein Meet Danville, a 3,000-square-foot airplane hangar-turned-1940s mini-town on a 25-acre property in Geneva, Fla. Conceived by retired contractor Dan Shaw, the utterly over-the-top home amenity, if you will, contains O'Shaw's Irish Pub, a working bar with a "kegerator"; the Danville Inn, a two-bedroom ... Continue Reading »

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