Rigged Home Values? – KB Home Lawsuits Expand

Home appraisals are an essential part of the home buying process. An independent appraisal is a safeguard for both the purchaser and the lender – it is an unbiased look at the value of a property. What happens, though, when you corrupt the process? What...

No ‘Home Sweet Home’ for KB Home Customers

Former KB Home CEO Bruce Karatz and Martha Stewart don't seem like they have much in common aside from company's partnership that features Martha inspired designs in various KB Home communities. Unfortunately for Bruce - he may share more in common...

The Real Estate Industry’s Fine Art of Deception

I'm no art expert, but in my limited understanding of Impressionism , the painter traditionally uses short, broken brush strokes to create intensely vivid portraits that are beautiful standing from 20 feet away. From a closer vantage point, that same...

The Countrywide Blacklist

It is hard to conceive that a French philosopher from the 17th century could have an impact on our current housing crisis, but as luck would have it, Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu may have played a roll. More precisely...

Atoning for Economic Sins

Yesterday was the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur . For observant Jews, it is a very solemn day - one dedicated to repentance and atonement. During Yom Kippur, tradition holds that Jews amend their behavior and seek forgiveness for wrongs done against fellow...

Sub-prime Lending: Homeowners v. Countrywide

Home-ownership is part of the American dream but after hearing from some upset Countrywide borrowers, many say it is turning into more of a nightmare. We have been hearing from many Washington state residents that used Countrywide, and they are telling...