Reuters - Pending sales of existing U.S. homes rose sharply in August, for a seventh consecutive month of gains, reaching the highest since March 2007, data from a real estate trade group showed on Thursday

AP - A key House lawmaker wants to make credit rating agencies — widely criticized for failing to give investors adequate warning of the risks in subprime mortgage securities that triggered the financial crisis — collectively liable for inaccuracies.

Reuters - The number of home foreclosures in process and delinquent mortgages rose during the second quarter, while home retention actions also rose, U.S. bank regulators said on Wednesday.

Reuters - U.S.

AP - A bipartisan push is under way in the Senate to spend more money to stop mortgage scams.

Time.com - Viewpoint: the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers is set to expire soon.Many people want Congress to extend it, but there are strong reasons not to

CQPolitics.com - The revelation that Countrywide Financial recorded phone conversations as part of a specialized “VIP” mortgage loan program has added another twist to a Republican-led inquiry on Capitol Hill.

AP - A 28-year-old Sacramento man who led authorities on an international manhunt has been returned to California to face federal charges in an alleged mortgage fraud scheme.

Reuters - New orders for long-lasting U.S. manufactured goods fell in August and sales of new homes rose below expectations, government data showed on Friday, fanning fears that recovery from recession would be anemic.

AP - Orders for durable goods like aircraft and electronics fell unexpectedly in August, while sales of new homes rose less than expected. The weak reports renewed concerns about whether the economy can sustain a recovery with consumer spending held back by job losses, tight credit and falling home values