Losing the house

Bank owned house at 60 Swain Ave. in Meriden December 16, 2009. MERIDEN - Foreclosures are increasing around the country this year, and the area has been no exception to the trend.

Ames landlords dispute rental housing code

By Jennifer Meyer Staff Writer Teresa Garman owned “low-cost housing that’s been well kept up” for 30 years, but troubles with the city of Ames’ year-old rental housing code are forcing her to say, “I want out.”

Homeowners feel stress of life 'underwater'

A broad swath of homeowners — those not headed for the worst-case scenario of foreclosure — are nonetheless grappling with the impact of lost home equity.

Unemployment’s impact more than just financial -- Mental pain, loss of self-esteem

The impact of losing a job can be traumatic enough but remaining unemployed, especially for longer than six months, can cause more than financial troubles, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey of workers who’ve lost their jobs during the Great Recession.

Some banks, homeowners choose short sale option

Another thing about foreclosures: "It's a very expensive process," said Champaign real estate lawyer Ward McDonald. Which is why some banks and homeowners have been considering short sales as an alternative. read more