(AP Photo) While Congress was pushing through the nation’s toughest financial regulatory reform bill in decades last week, nine men were charged with nearly 100 counts of scamming more than $2 million from up-front fees charged to families across the nation. Though the watchdog component of the new bill, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will have an ability to develop and... 

NEW YORK – Fitch Ratings on Monday said late payments on high-risk residential mortgages known as ‘Alt-A’ loans fell last month for the first time in four years as more borrowers caught up on their payments and modified their loans. Fitch said delinquencies on so-called ‘Alt-A’ residential mortgage-backed securities declined to 34.1 percent in April from 34.4 percent... 

LOS ANGELES – Home prices rose in nearly 60 percent of U.S. cities in the first quarter of this year, as the housing market started to stabilize thanks to billions of dollars in federal spending. The median sales price for previously occupied homes rose in 91 out of 152 metropolitan areas tracked in the January-March quarter versus a year ago, the National Association of Realtors said Tuesday.... 

COHASSET, Mass. – For decades, “The Oaks” was the oceanside playground of the Barrons and the Bancrofts, heirs to the Dow Jones and Wall Street Journal fortunes. On Wednesday, the 20,000-square-foot mansion with 45 rooms and surrounding properties will go on sale with an asking price of $55 million. The listing, which includes a marina, restaurant and the Cohasset Harbor Inn, is... 

Candy Spelling, widow of the giant Television Aaron has listed Manor, Los Angeles largest, and arguably the richest, house for sale at $ 150 million, excluding the price of all homes listed in other countries. Just down the street, the owner of a classic mansion sprawling marble demand for 125 million dollars, making it the second most expensive home in America. Yet another home for sale is in the... 

WASHINGTON – The number of owners stall of the main administration Obama response plan mortgage is becoming more and is now almost equal to the number who received relief permanent. The Treasury Department report on Monday is the latest evidence of problems 75 billion dollars of government program. Although officials insist the program is to help the housing market turn around, critics say it... 

LOS ANGELES – U. S. homebuilders are growing more optimistic about their fortunes, with many expecting improved sales and customer traffic in coming months despite the end of homebuyer tax incentives. The National Association of Home Builders said Monday its housing market index, which tracks industry confidence, rose three points this month to 22, the highest reading since August 2007. Readings... 

WASHINGTON – Construction of homes surged in April to the highest level in 18 months, fueled by buyers capitalizing on an expiring tax credit. Permits for new construction sank, signaling the rebound could fade. Low mortgage rates and two tax credits up to $8,000 for new buyers and $6,500 for current owners who buy and move into another home have boosted home sales this year. To receive... 

WASHINGTON – The mortgage crisis is dragging on the economic recovery as more homeowners fall behind on their payments. Analysts expect improvement soon, but the number of homeowners in default or at risk of foreclosure will have a lingering effect on the broader economy. More than 10 percent of homeowners with a mortgage had missed at least one payment in the January-March period, the... 

The delinquency rate hit a record of 10.06% in the first quarter, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The seasonally adjusted rate accounts for all mortgages on properties that have up to four units and that are at least one payment late. The rate has been inching steadily toward this record, having ticked up almost a full point since a year go. The report contained a sliver of good news,...