The chief culprit for lenders' reluctance to originate mortgages today is an uncertain political and regulatory environment, experts said at the Midyear Legislative Meetings yesterday.

REALTORS(R) got a taste of the upcoming Rally to Protect the American Dream when NAR President Moe Veissi kicked off the NAR Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo yesterday.

REALTORS(R) heading up to Capitol Hill this week will be telling their members of Congress not to let real estate issues get caught up in election-year politics.

Policies against placing restrictions on land owners' ability to use and transfer property can lead to confusion about conservation easements.

In an effort to curb foreclosures, Bank of America is trying to get some of its home owners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments a quicker incentive to move.

"Firming home values, improving employment, and low mortgage rates" are driving optimism in the new-home market, according to the latest index of builder sentiment.