Nevada Ave. renewal, a story from KOAA.com, reports that several local business owners have approached Councilman Jerry Heimlicher for help cleaning up their neighborhood.  Heimlicher said, “They're not asking for money, just support.”  They are now holding monthly meetings to figure out how to address the problems, including decreasing crime in the area.  “We're going to make it so uncomfortable to break the law in this part of town that they'll either clean it up or get out,” he said.  A plan will be developed soon involving residents, businesses, developers and city and county leaders.  Then they will apply for Urban Renewal designation and Enterprise Zone status.  Heimlicher added, “This is not an effort for us to bulldoze all of these businesses and put up new businesses.  This is an effort to support these businesses with the right kind of law enforcement and the right kind of idea for a grand plan.”
http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x1602041719

Slow to Respond? 3 Good Reasons to Act Fast on Internet Leads, an article from RISMedia.com, reports that when it comes to converting Internet leads, speed matters.  One reason to act quickly on an Internet lead is because Internet buyers demand instant gratification.  When buyers complete a form to get more information, they want that information now.  Another reason to take care of an Internet lead right away is that Internet leads are not exclusive.  On average, Internet real estate buyers visit five sites and fill out three request forms.  According to a report by the California Association of Realtors, 90% of buyers end up doing business with the first person who responds.  The first company to respond is much more likely to win the client.  Finally, Internet leads have lower conversion rates than traditional leads.  By responding right away to an Internet lead, the agent can develop a relationship with the client before they have an opportunity to make additional inquiries from another company.
http://rismedia.com/wp/2008-04-29/slow-to-respond-3-good-reasons-to-act-fast-on-internet-leads/

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

Mortgage applications drop to 2008 low
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2008-04-30-mortgage-apps_N.htm

Room to Rise? In Hotels, Operators Have an Edge Over Owners
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120950200271853909.html?mod=RealEstateMain_1

New Homes: Top 10 Energy-Efficient Remodeling Projects for 2008
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080430_newhomes.htm

Success On Purpose
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080430_successpurpose.htm