Pikes Peak: Rock solid economic stability, an article from the Colorado Springs Business Journal, reports that according to Colorado Springs Realtor Wayne Jennings, an unobstructed view of Pikes Peak adds substantial value to any house.  He said, “I would say that you’re probably looking at a 15 percent differential. Of course, not all views are equal.”  Jennings estimated that 20% of local residences have good views of the peak.  As of 2006 there were 103,000 owner-occupied single-family dwellings in the Springs, according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.  Implying that 21,500 homes benefit from that 15% price differential.  University of Colorado at Colorado Springs economist Fred Crowley said, “Our location beneath Pikes Peak is why we see the kind of accolades that we get — best place to live, healthiest city and all the rest.”
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=19828

Turning Brown to Green: Building New Life into Older Properties, an article from RealtyTimes.com, reports that to help revitalize former industrial and commercial sites and turn them from problem properties to productive community use, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded to communities in 43 states more than $74 million in brownfields grants.  EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said, "By revitalizing and restoring neighborhoods nationwide, EPA's Brownfields Program is proving that being a little green is doing a lot of good.  These grants will help convert even more environmental eyesores back into sources of community pride."  The EPA awarded more than 1,000 assessment grants totaling approximately $262 million, 200 revolving loan fund grants totaling more than $200 million, and 325 cleanup grants totaling approximately $65 million.  In addition to industrial and commercial redevelopment, brownfields approaches have included the conversion of industrial waterfronts to river-front parks, landfills to golf courses, rail corridors to recreational trails, and gas stations to housing.  Johnson added, "Through brownfields job training grants, EPA is literally putting both people and property back to work.  By teaching people the skills to revitalize their own neighborhoods; EPA is improving lives and livelihoods in communities across the nation."

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080428_newlife.htm

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

For Habitat homeowners, a life-changing moment
http://www.gazette.com/articles/new_35744___article.html/life_lowe.html

Good credit can't protect borrowers from bad loans
http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/24/real_estate/good_credit_bad_loans/index.htm?postversion=2008042809

First-Time Home Buyers' Few Options
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120915184015345527.html?mod=RealEstateMain_1

Realty Viewpoint: Realtor.com Offers Freshest Catch Of Listings
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080428_realtyviewpoint.htm

Building a Referral-Based Clientele
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080428_buildreferral.htm