Housing headlines dominates the news these days.  Spectacular price and sales of lots had given way to a falling real estate business.  There had been records of unsold homes, a plunge in housing affordability and flattening out of prices on a nationwide basis.
The big debate is whether housing will a) stabilize at a lower level; b) slide for an extended period; or c) sink fast and take the economy down with it. The length and strength of the housing boom, with its rapidly rising house prices, has enabled many owners to refinance their mortgages and take out a bigger loan, providing an additional ``spending accelerator.''

WASHINGTON (AFP)-- Real estate agents look for innovative marketing strategies to enhance sales with tumbling ones to a two year low. 

 “Staging” homes is quickly becoming the industry standard in a highly competitive real estate market.  More and more agents are hanging expensive works of art to allure a room. 

PRINCETON, NJ -- In July, new home sales cut down and were now at 22% from the same time a year ago.  This was according to the recent Commerce Department report.  The supply of unsold homes strike its highest point in November 1995 with the median price of a new home tumbled $3,800 to $230,000.  The National Association of Realtors reported that sales of previously owned homes went up high on record. 

A basic understanding of real estate and finance would put off fantasy headlines on pessimistic view on real estate. 

Much of the value of the stock market and other financial markets is “good will.” The only solid asset of some companies is the real estate they own. One good scandal, lawsuit, or moronic manager and that “non-real estate” value can go up in a puff of smoke. 

Applying for a mortgage can be a difficult experience.  Agreeing to take on the biggest debt is not enough.  One is confronted with piles of paperwork, flurries of flees and a tidal wave of terms.  That is, from amortization to title insurance.