Purchases of new U.S. homes unexpectedly decreased in December, a temporary blemish as the industry wrapped up its best year since 2009 to emerge as a bright spot for the economy. more

BOSTON – A total of $4 million in HomeCorps grants were awarded to 18 organizations across Massachusetts to help address the foreclosure crisis, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced last week. According to a news release, the grant funding will assist homeowners and renters impacted by the foreclosure crisis, revitalize distressed and blighted neighborhoods, and guard against future financial harm. more

Thousands of condo-unit owners and buyers around the country could soon be in line for some welcome news on mortgage financing: Though officials are mum on specifics, the Federal Housing Administration is readying changes to its controversial condominium rules that have rendered large numbers of units ineligible for low down-payment, insured mortgages. more

You may have seen headlines last week about the Federal Housing Administration needing a taxpayer “bailout” by the Treasury and wondered: Uh oh. Is the FHA heading down the fiscal drain like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which have required billions in federal assistance just to stay in business? more

The housing rebound is broadening to other parts of the U.S. economy and will likely lend impetus to growth through 2013 and beyond. more

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants you to see the full appraisal report on the house you’re buying or refinancing as early in the mortgage process as possible, and without your having to ask the lender for it. more

Builders broke ground in January on the most U.S. single-family homes in more than four years and permits for future construction rose, an indication the industry’s momentum carried over into 2013. more

If you have a pressing need to raise some cash, here’s some good news: Rising home values are encouraging lenders to revive a product that imploded during the housing bust years – second mortgages. more

U.S. banks that have been earning record profits from home loans are adding or transferring thousands of staff to catch up with demand for refinancing after shortages blocked homeowners from getting lower rates. more

Do you ever get the feeling that your credit score doesn’t adequately portray your true risk as an applicant for a home mortgage? more