Colorado one step closer to tenant's bill of rights, a story from 9news.com, reports that Colorado currently has no standing "tenant's bill of rights" and on Tuesday, Colorado legislators took one step closer to changing that status.  House Bill 1356 was approved and will now head to Governor Bill Ritter for approval or veto.  Sen. Betty Boyd (D-Lakewood), co-sponsor of the bill said, "There needs to be some kind of accountability so that the landlords at least are treating their tenants with some level of decency."  The bill calls on landlords to provide basic necessities such as heat, running water and electricity.  If approved by the governor, tenants would also have legal avenues to break their leases if conditions jeopardize their "health, life or safety."  Guidelines are set up by the bill that require tenants to notify their landlords and respective local governments in writing about the conditions.  If the landlord fails to handle the issues in a timely manner, tenants will have legal options to end their lease or have the problems fixed.
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=91281

NAR Joins in Call to Stabilize Markets, an article from Realtor Magazine Online, reports that in a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the National Association of Realtors urged Congress to make the FHA and conforming loan limit increases permanent as part of the 2008 Housing Stimulus bill, which is expected to be marked up this week.  The Homeowner Opportunity Act makes permanent the increase to FHA and conforming loan limits for high-cost areas.  The bill will be considered as an amendment to the larger housing stimulus bill.  NAR President Dick Gaylord said, “By making the loan limit increases to FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac permanent the mortgage market will achieve an immediate increase in liquidity.  This increased liquidity should help drive down mortgage costs and create stability in the mortgage market."  According to Gaylord, higher loan limits are critical to ensure that homeowners and those who aspire to own a home are given the same safe alternatives for mortgages regardless of where they live.  He said, “It is simply a matter of equity for American families who live in high-cost communities."
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2008050601

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

Investment strategies during a volatile market
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=19841

Housing-rescue bill: 'Something for everyone'
http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/07/news/economy/frank_omnibus_housing_bill/index.htm?postversion=2008050703

Before the Flood, Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insured
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121000054375967711.html?mod=RealEstateMain_1

MBA Weekly U.S. Mortgage Applications Bounce Up 15.6%
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/572008_Mortgage_Applications.asp