Vertical Neighborhoods a Solution to Sprawl New high-rise developments feature residential units, retail space, and scores of amenities, aiming to ensure that occupants are in the middle of the action.Read more >

Buyers Splurge Where It Counts: Kitchen, Bath The housing market slowdown hasn’t curbed America’s appetite for upscale kitchen and bath amenities, says the American Institute of Architects.Read more >

Neighbors Seek Lower Prices for Solar Equipment Home owners in California communities are banding together to negotiate discounts on solar energy equipment, which can cost as much as $34,000.Read more >

Zero-Down Mortgages Get Harder to Find Countrywide joins companies such as General Electric’s WMC Mortgage and Washington Mutual in requiring that loan applicants have at least a 5-percent stake in their homes.Read more >

7 Ways to Get Rid of Pet OdorsNo one wants a smelly house, especially prospective buyers. To identify the source of an offensive odor, and then eliminate it, follow these helpful pointers.Read more >