Weekly Real Estate News Roundup

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World's Most Expensive Addresses

Cooling a House in Hot Water
Cooling a house in hot weather can be achieved by having vents high on the warm side (south side) and low on the cool side (north side).

A Virginia Based Builder in Trouble
Unable to maintain sufficient interest reserves on $94 million in debt, beleaguered Virginia-based Comstock Homebuilding Cos. has stopped making scheduled interest or principal payments on the debt and has hired Brad Foster of FTI Consulting as an interim chief restructuring officer.

Ignore the Headlines: Housing Starts Declined in June
I didn't post on this yesterday, as I assumed -- wrongly it turns out -- that everyone would understand how new building codes in NYC effective July 1 skewed the new Home Starts to the upside.

I'd Like to Power Our Home with Solar and Take Us Off Grid. Can You Help?
Question: In the near future, we are planning to renovate, remodel and expand our older home. At that time I would like to install PV cells to power our home and take us off grid.

Dulles Rail may Finally be in Virginia Future
Rail to Dulles is dependent upon federal funding, which was lost earlier as controversy erupted over a tunnel in Tyson’s Corner.

An IndyMac Borrower Speaks
I got a call from an Indymac borrower who asked that his name not be used. He and his wife bought a three bedroom townhouse in the Los Angeles suburb of Chatsworth for $525,000 in March 2006.

How Mortgage Applications Can Ding Your Credit Score

90% of Israeli Homes Have Solar Water Heaters
I recently noted that Hawaii has enacted a law that requires all new homes to install solar water heaters.

Home Auctions Surge 47% Since 2003
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Despite the soft real estate market, Beazer Homes USA Inc. recently sold 26 beachfront condos on the Jersey Shore in 75 minutes.

DIY Solar Heater Collectors
Wouldn't you love to heat your home with free energy from the sun? There are simple, inexpensive, do-it-yourself solar projects that can reduce your heating bills.

Home Prices are Low but Getting a Mortgage is Tough
For first-time buyers, sinking home prices should be a good thing, making homes that once seemed out-of-reach more affordable. The trouble is: Potential home buyers face stricter standards and higher costs in securing a mortgage.

States Battle Mortgage Foreclosure Threat Chart
Frustrated by the slow pace of federal relief, states around the country are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into their own programs to stem the rising tide of home foreclosures.

Need a Mortgage Now? Brings Lots of Cash
Are you ready to buy a house in this crazy market? Better bring a boatload of money to the closing.

Best Places to Live

Who's Watching Your Credit Score?
Thinking of refinancing your house, buying a car or signing up for a new credit card?

FROM AROUND THE REGION: DC/MD/VA

DC Releases Details 3-D Data on Google
The public can now access detailed views of domes, crevices and corners of every building in D.C.

Report Compares BRAC Sites
Fort Belvoir's preparation for the incoming throngs of defense department workers in 2011 is almost in full swing, and this week's public release of an environmental assessment puts the Army one step closer to making a decision on where the final piece of the puzzle will be placed.

Companies Going Green

McLean is No. 8
CNN.com has listed McLean as No. 8 on a list of the "Top 25 top earning towns" in America.

Board to Vote Allowing Rental Units in Homes
WASHINGTON (Map, News) -   The Arlington County Board is scheduled to vote tomorrow on a zoning proposal that would allow rental units in single-family homes.

Eisenhower East Designs
Remember that colorful Master Plan of Eisenhower East we showed you a few weeks ago?

'Pent Up Demand' Signals Housing Rebound F.C.
The City of Falls Church and its inside-the-beltway neighbors will not suffer the continued slide in real estate values that some officials suggest could leave Fairfax County with a stunning, overall 10 percent decline in taxable assessments next year.

Comments

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