DC Real Estate Weekly: The state of housing

LOCAL

DC experiences lowest for-sale inventories since 2005
DC Urban Turf

Only 1 in 20 (5.6%) active listings are under foreclosure, a significant decrease from the 11.2% foreclosed market share in December 2010. The 327 new foreclosure listings entering the market in December was 58.5% lower than the same period last year.

Metro's Green Line where it's at, study says
Washington Examiner

A new study that says Metro's Green Line is the District's leading economic development corridor is set to be released Thursday at the Capitol Riverfront's annual meeting.

When a homeowner becomes a landlord
Washington Times

Some homeowners are taking advantage of competitive rental rates and low mortgage rates to improve their finances.

How the government can improve the housing market in 2012
Washington Post

As we ponder the many ways we can improve ourselves in this new year, Post columnist Harvey Jacobs writes three resolutions that the government can carry out to overhaul the moribund real estate industry in 2012.

EYA opens new community in Fairfax, VA
DC Mud

Mosaic District is a 31-acre mixed-use urban renewal project at the site of the former Merrifield Multiplex Cinema at Gallows Road and Lee Highway in Fairfax. 

The Shaw Library is located on the Green line, the District's leading economic development corridor.

NATIONAL

Tim Tebow leads poll for most desired neighbors
MSNBC

However they feel about his quarterbacking skills and eponymous post-touchdown crouch, many Americans think the Denver Broncos' Tim Tebow would make a pretty good neighbor. 

A good rental history can help borrowers
The New York Times

If you’re planning to buy a home for the first time later this year, your chances of qualifying for a mortgage might be better if you’ve had a history of paying the rent on time.

Fed up with the depressed state of housing
Wall Street Journal

With the economic rebound still mediocre at best, the Fed is charging into the housing debate. But in doing so, it runs the risk of politicizing itself, while also sending mixed signals to banks still trying to find their post-crisis feet.

Government set to sell foreclosures in bulk
CNBC

The Obama administration, in conjunction with federal regulators and led by the overseer of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, is very close to announcing a pilot program to sell government-owned foreclosures in bulk to investors as rentals, according to administration officials.

Can anyone safe Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
CNN Money

It has been more than three years since then Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson fired his famous metaphorical bazooka and the federal government seized control of mortgage agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Sadly, Fannie and Freddie are still a cause for worry and a source of national embarrassment.

Beige Book shows economy is expanding in most parts of the country
Housing Wire

The Beige Book, which gathers anecdotal evidence of economic conditions in the dozen Fed districts nationwide, showed seven districts reported modest growth, while four noted moderate growth and one indicated flat to slight improvements over the period.