Housing – City Prosper

Housing complaints increase, but fewer charges are filed

Jeff M. — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:54:33 +0000

USA Today reports, “The federal government is filing fewer housing discrimination charges even as consumer complaints against landlords, real estate agents and mortgage brokers have risen steadily.”

Source: Housing complaints increase, but fewer charges are filed

Shelter From the Storm

Jeff M. — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:43:15 +0000

Philadelphia Weekly reports, “The foreclosure crisis hits home for kids, says one Dobbins freshman who’s seen it close up.”

Source: Shelter From the Storm

$15 Million Expansion of Philly Housing Trust Fund Gains Preliminary Approval

Jeff M. — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:16:33 +0000

The Housing Alliance of Penn. reports, “According to an announcement this week by the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC), Philadelphia City Council’s Committee of the Whole has voted unanimously to expand the Philadelphia Housing Trust Fund by $3 million per year over the next five years.”

Source: $15 Million Expansion of Philly Housing Trust Fund Gains Preliminary Approval

City housing market: brisk decline continues

Jeff M. — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:03:20 +0000

HallWatch.org reports, “Philadelphia home values and home sales continued to slide briskly downward this past winter. According to the latest analysis by Wharton economist Kevin Gillen, the typical Philadelphia home fell in value last quarter by an average of 2.7% after accounting for quality and season.”

Source: City housing market: brisk decline continues

House Passes Expanded Mortgage Bill

Jeff M. — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:43:40 +0000

KnowledgePlex.org reports, “The House passed a bill last week aimed at slowing the pace of foreclosures and stimulating the real estate market. But the measure is broader than the Senate’s version, and the White House has threatened to veto it, so the legislation’s prospects are murky.”

Source: House Passes Expanded Mortgage Bill

Defying Bush, House Passes Broad Housing Bill

Jeff M. — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:44:17 +0000

The New York Times reports, “House Democrats defied a veto threat from President Bush on Thursday as they approved a broad housing bill that would provide up to $300 billion in federally insured loans to refinance the mortgages of debt-strapped homeowners.”

Source: Defying Bush, House Passes Broad Housing Bill

Harried homeowners seek out help

Jeff M. — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:12:55 +0000

The Inquirer reports, “Though foreclosure filings in the Philadelphia region are down so far this year, the faltering economy is pushing many homeowners right to the brink.”

Source: Harried homeowners seek out help

Bush Advisers Oppose Housing Measure, and Vow a Veto

Jeff M. — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:59:24 +0000

The New York Times reports, “On the eve of a House floor debate on a plan to help homeowners in danger of foreclosure, the Bush administration said on Tuesday that it opposed the measure and that White House advisers would urge the president to veto it.”

Source: Bush Advisers Oppose Housing Measure, and Vow a Veto

Congress weighs housing rescue package set for vote today

Jeff M. — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:56:12 +0000

USA Today reports, “A broad housing rescue package aimed at preventing foreclosures would have the government step in to insure up to $300 billion in new mortgages for struggling homeowners.”

Source: Congress weighs housing rescue package set for vote today

PHA meets federal rules for wheelchair accessibility

Jeff M. — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:17:50 +0000

The Daily News reports, “The Philadelphia Housing Authority now meets federal wheelchair accessibility requirements, according to an independent analysis released yesterday.”

Source: PHA meets federal rules for wheelchair accessibility