Real Estate

For the past few months, reports have repeatedly affirmed that the economy is slowly improving. However, as one recent study highlights, some areas are recovering much faster than others.

Regulators might ban origination fees that vary with the size of the loan, known as "origination points." They also might limit the use of "discount points" that are supposed to result in lower interest rates.

Mortgage giant Fannie Mae says it made $2.7 billion in the first quarter, the first time it has had a net income gain since it was taken over by the government during the 2008 financial crisis.

Home prices dropped in February in most major U.S. cities for a sixth straight month, a sign that modest sales gains haven't been enough to boost prices, according to the S&P;/Case-Shiller Index.

What if they built a consumer economy and nobody came? That's the conundrum China is facing after constructing far more housing and retail space than its population can support. Check out these images from some of its massive -- and eerily empty -- shopping centers.

Here's some counter-intuitive news: People are buying more home products to fill their smaller abodes. Home furnishings store sales are expected to rise in April, May and June to $23.2 billion, up nearly 8% from a year ago.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now own some 200,000 foreclosed-upon homes, and they're spending $500 million a year on upkeep. That's a lot of lawn mowing. If only there were a cheaper way to get it done -- a way that benefited Americans. Here's an idea ...