Julie A. Lancia has been the principal of ALX Group Inc., in North Providence, since it opened 12 years ago. “The ALX Group was started as a vehicle for me to start creating some different interior spaces, creating different pieces of furniture or cabinetry to fulfill the need that I had to create,” Lancia said. more

How hot is hot when it comes to housing markets across the country right now? Crazy hot: Some houses sell within days, sometimes within hours, of listing. Then there are the growing numbers that sell even before they formally hit the market – sold through a controversial technique known as “pocket listings.” more

With full-fledged sellers’ markets underway in dozens of metropolitan areas around the country, new research has found curious statistical patterns emerging: Even in cities where listings get multiple offers within days or hours, significant numbers of homes are sitting on the market for six months, 12 months or more with no takers. more

A federal appeals court has sided with lenders challenging an injunction in Rhode Island’s improper foreclosure case, remanding the case back to U.S. District Court for further review. more

BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick last week announced a new housing compact that creates a goal of providing 10,000 mortgage loans to first-time homebuyers over the next five years. more

A settlement between the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and a Texas homebuilder is drawing renewed attention to a controversial issue that was prominent during the years preceding the housing bubble: kickbacks in home real estate transactions. Put another way, do you know where your money is really going when you pay thousands of dollars in loan fees and closing charges? Is your realty broker or builder getting an extra piece of the action through side deals with lenders or title agencies – all at your expense through higher charges? more