Builders call for stimulus, an article from The Gazette, reports that Colorado Springs-area home construction remained low last month, and some local builders say a second federal economic stimulus package might be needed to target the nation's sagging housing industry.  According to figures released by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, single-family building permits in El Paso County, one of the area's more reliable numbers to measure home construction, totaled 134 in April, down roughly 48% from the same month last year.  Mark Watson, president and co-owner of New Generation Homes in Fountain said foreclosed properties pose stiff competition for resale and new-home markets.  When foreclosed homes come back on the market, they often sell at a discount, he said.  He added, "The sooner that inventory dries up, the demand for new homes will go up."
http://www.gazette.com/articles/builders_35935___article.html/call_stimulus.html

Home-Insurance Credits, an article from The Wall Street Journal Online, reports that many Americans are looking for ways to save money and examining your home-insurance paperwork could pay off.  Raising the deductible isn't the only way to reduce premium costs.  Discounts in the form of credits are also available for many homeowners.  Pete Spicer, vice president and new product manager for Chubb Group of Insurance Companies said, "Credits can really add up and become substantial."  Availability and eligibility for credits will vary by carrier.  One type of home-insurance credit is security protection credit.  With a functioning security system, many carriers offer a credit that is dependent on the type of system.  According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners can get at least 5% off their bill for a smoke detector, burglar alarm or dead-bolt locks.  The institute also reports that if a homeowner adds a sophisticated sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that rings the police, fire department or another monitoring station, they may be eligible for a premium reduction of as much as 15% or 20%.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120984727933265245.html?mod=RealEstateMain_1

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

Selling is selling at any level. The only difference is you.
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=19848

Small gain forecast for Springs tourism
http://www.gazette.com/articles/forecast_35934___article.html/gain_small.html

CC pursues properties owned by nonprofit
http://www.gazette.com/articles/nonprofit_35933___article.html/owned_properties.html

Realty Viewpoint: Why Buy Now? Media Is Wrong About Housing Slump
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080505_realtyviewpoint.htm

New Report Guides Apartment/Multifamily Developers on Energy-Efficiency Standards
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080505_newreport.htm

Five Ways to Capitalize on Your Affiliated Businesses
http://rismedia.com/wp/2008-05-02/five-ways-to-capitalize-on-your-affiliated-businesses/