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| Austin Black II |
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The land use and transportation policies of the 20th century are destined to change dramatically. They enabled sprawl -- the unbridled expansion of American cities that has engendered enormous unforeseen economic, social, environmental and aesthetic costs.
Everybody knows how severe and painful the global financial breakdown has been, with banks unwilling to lend even to other banks. But what about mortgages and real estate? Can you still get a home loan with less than 20 percent or 30 percent down? Or with a credit score below 720?
Given the economic battering we're withstanding, anyone of sound mind is thinking twice before buying as much as a cheap sweater, not to mention expensive home improvements.
Property and casualty insurers are hoping a new facility coming to South Carolina will do for home building what a similar testing facility in Virginia has done for car safety.
American homes often have lovely front entrances that homeowners never use.
Real estate agent Sharon Zunkley has taken some unusual steps this year to sell houses.
The federal government may start guaranteeing home mortgages to persuade lenders to ease the monthly financial burden on struggling homeowners, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Sheila C. Bair said yesterday.
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