U.S. Economy Ready to Rebound as Housing Slump Ebbs - 2007-01-08
The homebuilding industry is about to stop dragging down the U.S. economy and later this year may begin t to help it. The housing demand that is beginning to come back to life may be unleashing faster growth. While housing won't add much to the growth before the end of 2007, it's becoming less of an obstacle as price cuts, incentives and lower mortgage rates attract more buyers into the market.
Read the full story at Bloomberg

Speculators helped fuel Florida housing boom - 2007-01-08
In 2005, this once-sleepy retirement haven on Florida's west coast had arguably the most robust housing market in the country. Builders held lotteries to determine who could buy homes in new gated communities. In the older neighborhoods, buyers were snapping up modest ranch houses and cottages soon after they were listed for sale. The median home price surged between 2000 and 2005, to approximately $482,400.
Read the full story at Daily Report