Bloomberg: Sales of New Homes in the U.S. Probably Climbed to Highest in Nine Months

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-24/sales-of-new-homes-in-u-s-probably-increased-to-highest-in-nine-months.html

Sales of New Homes in the U.S. Probably Climbed to Highest in Nine Months
By Shobhana Chandra - 2012.02.23 09:01 PM

Purchases of new homes in the U.S. probably rose in January to a nine-month high, more evidence the housing market is improving, economists said before a report today.

WSJ: Europe Economies Contract

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204880404577224363238679298.html?mod=rss_economy

EUROPE NEWS
FEBRUARY 16, 2012
Europe Economies Contract
Germany, Others Saw Fourth-Quarter Decline but Drops Were Smaller Than Expected

By BRIAN BLACKSTONE

FRANKFURT—Economic activity fell across much of the debt-plagued euro zone in the final quarter of 2011, with contractions stretching from fragile Greece to mighty Germany.

Reuters: Foreclosure abuse rampant across U.S., experts say

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/17/us-usa-housing-defaults-idUSTRE81G04M20120217

Foreclosure abuse rampant across U.S., experts say
By Tim Reid
LOS ANGELES | Thu Feb 16, 2012 8:57pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A report this week showing rampant foreclosure abuse in San Francisco reflects similar levels of lender fraud and faulty documentation across the United States, say experts and officials who have done studies in other parts of the country.

Bloomberg: U.S. Stocks Rise on Economic Data

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-16/u-s-stock-futures-fall-as-moody-s-puts-bank-of-america-goldman-on-review.html


U.S. Stocks Rise on Economic Data
By Rita Nazareth - Feb 17, 2012 6:37 AM GMT+0900

U.S. stocks advanced, sending the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index near the highest level in about three years, amid better-than-estimated economic reports and optimism that Greece will receive a second bailout.

CNNMoney: Home buying: Most affordable in decades

http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/15/real_estate/housing_affordability/index.htm?iid=HP_River

Home buying: Most affordable in decades
By Les Christie @CNNMoney February 16, 2012: 10:05 AM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Buying a home is now more affordable than it has been in the last twenty years.

Bloomberg: Multifamily Buildings to Lead U.S. Construction Gains: Economy

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-13/multifamily-buildings-to-lead-u-s-construction-gains-this-year-economy.html

Related News: Economy · U.S. · Real Estate
Multifamily Buildings to Lead U.S. Construction Gains: Economy
By Bob Willis - 2012.02.13 07:46 AM

Construction of multifamily units will lead the U.S. building industry again this year, allowing housing to contribute to growth for the first time in seven years, according to economists Michelle Meyer and Celia Chen.

WSJ: OECD Hints at Developed-Economy Recovery

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204883304577220940888898860.html

ECONOMY FEBRUARY 13, 2012, 10:19 A.M. ET.
OECD Hints at Developed-Economy Recovery
By PAUL HANNON

LONDON—The world's developed economies may be set to emerge from several months of slowdown, led by the U.S. and Japan, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Distressed real estate fundraising could break new record

Distressed real estate fundraising could break new record

by Taina Rosa | Published February 10, 2012 at 2:04 PM

Related's latest fund drew a slew of institutions, including University of Michigan Board of Regents, which committed $35 million, the Texas County & District Retirement System, with $30 million of commitments, and Siguler Guff & Co. LP's Distressed Real Estate Opportunity Fund, with a $100 million-plus outlay, a source confirmed.

http://www.thedeal.com/content/real-estate/distressed-real-estate-fundraising-could-break-new-record.php

USA Today: Home builders and investors both see signs of a turn

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/story/2012-02-09/homebuilder-optimism/53032330/1

Home builders and investors both see signs of a turn
By Tim Mullaney, USA TODAY

Barb Jandric, the head of Minnesota's biggest real estate broker, hasn't seen the Minneapolis market boost sales without government aid in six years — until a narrow gain in 2011. Ryland Chief Executive Larry Nicholson hasn't seen a yearly profit since before the recession, but the home builder expects one this year, buoyed by a 31% increase in homes on order at year's end.

CNNMoney: Homes in foreclosure decline by 130,000

http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/08/real_estate/foreclosure_inventory/index.htm?iid=HP_River

Homes in foreclosure decline by 130,000
By Les Christie @CNNMoney February 8, 2012: 9:07 AM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Slowly, but surely, the foreclosure crisis seems to be abating.