Obama's immigration overhaul order draws mixed reactions from industry

Some said the measure will welcome millions of potential ‘legal’ laborers, while others claimed it falls short of permanent change.

By Sharon O'Malley • Dec. 9, 2014

Shea Homes is subject of Seattle's largest-ever class-action lawsuit

The big builder’s ongoing battle involves 1,500 Trilogy Redmond Ridge homeowners.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 26, 2014

Visa deal could prompt more Chinese to buy homes in U.S.

Longer stays mean the children of foreign nationals can be educated here.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

OSHA investigates 3 construction firms in 'tape measure' killing

A 58-year-old man who died when the object fell 50 stories and landed on his head was not wearing a hard hat.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

Search underway for construction crew that dumped concrete into sewer

The city of Seattle intends to bill the culprit for the $350,000 repair once it learns who did it.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 13, 2014

Legalized marijuana: The newest frontier for Realtors, property managers?

How long until builders start marketing bonus rooms designed for growing cannabis?

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 11, 2014

Census: Vets more likely to own homes than civilians

A VA program that forgives the down payment on expensive homes is set to expire in December.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 10, 2014

OSHA considers new standards for electrical safety on job sites

Public may comment and offer information until late December.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 6, 2014

Federal judge rejects 'unintentional bias' housing claims

The Supreme Court is set to rule on a similar case in June, which likely will settle the contentious matter.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 5, 2014

Construction coalition fights OSHA over crane operator rules

The group contends that multiple certifications are unnecessary.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 30, 2014

Toll Brothers founder calls plan to ease down payment requirement 'dumb'

Execs from Pulte and Ryland said the new rules could spur home buying.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 27, 2014

Mortgage down payments could drop as low as 3%

New federal rules are expected to make it easier for homeowners to qualify for loans.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 23, 2014

NC considers laws to stop construction companies from misclassifying employees

Claiming workers are ‘independent contractors’ shorts state and federal tax coffers, a recent investigation revealed.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 20, 2014

It's getting more expensive to build affordable houses

Neighborhood opposition and city requirements can escalate expenditures.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 17, 2014

Colorado city says 'no' to construction-defects law

A measure in Lakewood, CO, gives builders the right to repair problems before legal action is allowed.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 15, 2014

Builders put Florida beach house on wrong lot

Keystone Homes is negotiating with property owners with the hope the home can stay where it is.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 14, 2014

Elderly homeowners sue Shea Homes for third time over water intrusion

Their complaint alleges the home builder knew about the problems but did not reveal them.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 12, 2014

Boston's mayor proposes 1% property tax increase to help build affordable housing

Developers will pick up part of the tab by paying higher fines and fees.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 10, 2014

Construction lawyers are busy as industry activity increases

Attorneys are handling more cases involving defects, warranties, and change orders.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 9, 2014

Seattle City Council limits developers from building apartments smaller than 220 square feet

Micro-apartments appeal to the young, low-income college grads who are flocking to the city.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 9, 2014

Former Fed chair can't refinance his rowhouse

Ben Bernanke calls tight credit standards ‘excessive.’

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 7, 2014

Does the end of foreclosure financing program signal a healthier market?

Fannie Mae’s HomePath made quick loans with low down payments to buyers of REO properties.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 6, 2014

U.S. Supreme Court to hear housing bias case

The issue at hand is ‘disparate impact,’ which has led to fines for unintentional discrimination.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 2, 2014

Home prices could tick upward, if Realtor predictions pan out

Less optimistic than home builders, NAR members look to 3.5% growth over the next year.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 1, 2014

Housing finance experts hope new AG will ease mortgage lending requirements

Analysts doubt Eric Holder’s replacement will stop forced buybacks and government lawsuits against banks.

By Sharon O'Malley • Sept. 27, 2014