Home Prices Climb in California

California's median home price rose 11.2% in February from a year earlier, a sign that the housing market could be stabilizing.

Lenders Shun Odd Homes

A mortgage mess is brewing in homes made of earth, tires, concrete and trash, as banks become pickier in deciding whether and how much to lend.

• Photos: 'This Odd House' | Video

• Do Appraisal Rules Hold Back Housing?

Nabbing a Mortgage Before Rates Rise

Is it time to rush out and buy a house before mortgage rates go up? Rates are expected to rise at least modestly during the rest of this year—but the rise could be much steeper.

Hilton's CEO Sells in L.A.

Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta has sold his L.A. home for $18 million,. Plus, Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot cut the price on his Atlanta home, and late author Sheila Lukins's Manhattan apartment of has gone into contract.

• Photos: Tour Blank's home, Lukins's apartment

Home Buyers Check Out Apps

Just in time for the spring house-hunting season, smart-phone applications that provide information to home buyers are proliferating.

• Developments: Can Your iPhone Tell You Which House to Buy?

Bank Sorry for Taking Parrot

Bank of America apologized after its local contractor entered the home of a mortgage borrower when she was away, cut off utilities, padlocked the door and confiscated her pet parrot, Luke.

• Developments: Bird's Eye View of Foreclosure

Broker Troubles

A New Jersey apartment hunter wants to know why her broker takes so long to return calls and whether or not using an agent is even necessary.

Keeping Warm and Green

Ecologically focused homes for cold temperatures in Colorado, New york, and Massachusetts.

• Photos: Green Living

A Farm in the Heart of San Francisco

Pocket-size farms have sprung up in cities around the Bay Area in recent years, part of a movement to bring consumers closer to the sources of food they buy.

Attack of the Rotten Tomatoes

Rookie mistakes and a cruel growing season had some new gardeners wanting to throw in the trowel. But experienced gardeners say early spring is the perfect time to correct last year's problems.

• Video: A Cabbage Patch for City Hall

• How to Start a Vegetable Garden
• Readers React: 'Better at the farmer's market'

Government Could Cut Seconds First

Why hasn't the government pushed harder to include second mortgages in its anti-foreclosure efforts?

Home-Saving Moves Afoot

Pressure is growing on U.S. banks to ease terms for distressed homeowners on home-equity loans and other second-lien mortgages.

• Rep. Frank's letter to four biggest U.S. banks

Homeowners Hold Ground Against Rising Property Taxes

Aerosmith's Kramer Sells Home

Should I Become a Landlord?

First Mistake: Putting Myself in Charge

Paging Rapunzel

Bidder on Foreclosed Las Vegas Homes Dies

Borrowers Miss Out on Billions in Savings

Builders Get Work From Banks

When It's OK to Walk Away From Your Home

Baby, It's Iconic Outside

Software Billionaire Lists Ranch

Buying 'As Is'

Less Red Ink at Freddie in '09

Design for U.S. London Embassy Chosen

Bubble Fears Rise in Hong Kong