First signs of foreclosure crisis loomed in '05 - Memphis Commercial Appeal

During the very year the local housing market peaked, when new home sales totaled more than $900 million in Shelby County alone, Meribeth LaBarreare noticed the first signs of trouble. "Around 2005, we started seeing these loans that were too good to ..., more 
and Bargain hunters drawn to home glut for sale or rent - Memphis Commercial Appeal  Alfred Clark figured the weathered, boarded-up bungalow next door to his home probably wouldn't sell for much. But only $4,000? "Oh, man. I would've bought it. That's a pretty good deal," said Clark, 53, after being told the sales price of the ..., more 
and Fire fears have city taking control of empty buildings $700,000 grant ... - Eagle-Tribune  HAVERHILL — It was exactly what firefighters and city leaders feared with vacant buildings, potential firetraps, dotting Haverhill's inner-city neighborhoods. An abandoned building in a closely packed neighborhood ignited, sending out smoke, sparks ..., more