Buyers anxious to snatch up deals on Florida condos may have to plunk down higher down payments and have the condominium complex scrutinized. Fannie Mae, one of the largest providers of U.S. mortgages, is requiring more cash upfront and taking over the condo review process from its lenders. Amy Bonitatibus, Fannie Mae spokeswoman, said that's because condos are at a higher risk of failure in this economy. ...more

February 5, 2009

An index that tracks signed contracts to purchase existing homes rebounded in December, as buyers snapped up properties at deep discounts, especially in the South and Midwest. ...more

February 4, 2009

Mortgage finance company Freddie Mac said it will allow some borrowers to rent their homes after losing them to foreclosure. ...more

January 31, 2009

Home prices in the Tampa Bay area continued to fall in November, posting a 20.9 percent decline, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index, released Tuesday. ...more

January 28, 2009

Home prices in the Tampa Bay area continued to fall in November, posting a 20.9 percent decline, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index, released this morning. ...more

January 27, 2009

Most congressional Democrats say the quickest way to save homeowners like Troy Butler of Saginaw, Mich., is to let them declare bankruptcy and allow judges to dictate new mortgage terms. ...more

January 25, 2009

In the wake of more dreaded news about layoffs, liquidations and store closings, the retail industry enjoyed a bump in sales last week. ...more

January 25, 2009

The weakening economy hit area builders extra hard at the end of 2008, when new home starts hit a record low. ...more

January 23, 2009

New-home construction plunged to an all-time low in December, capping the worst year for builders on records dating back to 1959. ...more

January 22, 2009

It may come as no surprise, but Floridians have lost even more confidence in the real estate market. ...more

January 22, 2009