A classic Italian villa in Long Beach

Mature Cypresses line the driveway of a classic Italian villa
in a gated community in Long Beach. An arched entrance opens to
soaring ceilings hand-painted by artisans. Wall murals inspired by
different periods of art history, original plaster crown moldings
and floor-to-ceiling doors with arched tops continue throughout the
main living spaces.

A classic Italian villa in Long Beach

Mature Cypresses line the driveway of a classic Italian villa
in a gated community in Long Beach. An arched entrance opens to
soaring ceilings hand-painted by artisans. Wall murals inspired by
different periods of art history, original plaster crown moldings
and floor-to-ceiling doors with arched tops continue throughout the
main living spaces.

A Manhattan apartment for $165,000 -- a month

This luxury residence in New York's famed Plaza Hotel once
hosted foreign royalty, American presidents and some of the world's
wealthiest people. Now you can live there for a mere $1.98 million
a year in rent.

Home prices in largest U.S. cities fall in October from September

The SP/Case-Shiller index shows home prices dropped in
19 of 20 cities in October, dashing hopes that the sluggish housing
market was headed for an upturn.Home prices in the nation's largest
cities fell in October for the second straight month, suggesting
that prices will head down further next year and dashing hopes that
the sluggish housing market was headed for an upturn.

Homeowners want to change association board's meeting time

How can owners get the board to change the meeting time?
Also: An association dislikes the way its management company
handles its money.Question: Our monthly homeowner association board
meetings are Wednesdays at 4 p.m., when most owners are at work.
This ensures a low turnout. Of 200 owners, maybe two can attend.
How can owners get the board to change the meeting time?

Foreclosure sales still pummeling home prices

Nearly five years into the crisis, just how badly are
foreclosures still hurting the housing market?

SEC charges former execs of Fannie, Freddie

The Securities and Exchange Commission charged six former
executives of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with securities fraud on
Friday for misrepresenting their holdings of high-risk mortgage
loans.

Put conditions in writing when letting tenant alter property

Taking steps such as having the tenants and landlord sign an
agreement regarding the proposed work, and getting the proper
permits for the job, can avert disputes and headaches down the
road.Question: I own a second home that I rent to a couple. They
have lived there for eight months. Recently, the wife told me they
would like to install a 220-volt electrical outlet in the garage so
that they can use a heavy-duty washer/dryer combo. I trust them,
but I still want to check whether I am required to allow them to
make this alteration and, if so, what my rights are if something
goes wrong.

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott's new reality

The couple sell their Encino home, which was featured in
their reality show, 'Tori Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood,' and
buy a new home in Malibu.From all appearances, Tori Spelling and
Dean McDermott have had a hectic year, juggling multiple television
shows and real estate transactions. Most recently, they sold their
Encino home for $2.5 million.

Bank of mom and dad: How these kids afforded a home

With the economy in turmoil and mortgage money tight, it's
not easy to buy a home these days, especially for young adults.
Many are getting helping hands from their parents.