Federal Reserve still concerned about housing recovery

Chairwoman Yellen notes that mortgage rates have finally begun to fall, dropping .36 percent since last July.

California’s drought prompts tougher water use rules

Restrictions on spraying and even water fountain use could lead to fines up to $500.

Google moves to advance new standard for home device networks

The Internet giant is the latest company to turn its efforts to integrating smart home gadgets.

Sustainability

Coastal Flooding Increasing Along East Coast of U.S.

A sharp rise in flooding the last 40 years seems to correlate with an 8-inch average rise in sea levels over the past century.

Vermont passes law to promote use of heat pumps

Provisions of the law include an incentive program to lower the cost of the most efficient cold climate heat pumps.

NIST zero-energy test house generates more energy than it uses

Even after a difficult winter, the NZE home has managed to save $4,373 over the last year.

Justice Department, HUD crack down on lending discrimination against pregnant women

Both agencies have begun fining lenders and insurers over the last several years.

Mortgage bankers fear another real estate bubble

While homeowner equity is at its highest level since 2007, 6 million homeowners are still underwater on their mortgages.

Codes + Standards

Latest construction accident fatality statistics reverse trend of declining deaths

2012 statistics show construction fatalities on the rise, with North Dakota's rate 10 times the national average

Energy Department rolls out new efficiency standard for furnace fans

The new standard could reduce carbon pollution by up to 34 million metric tons and reduce energy use by 46 percent.