Second quarter numbers released Thursday by the Florida Association of Realtors show some positive signs for Southwest Florida’s housing market. WGCU’s Mike Kiniry has more.

Criminals won't be able to work in Florida's mortgage industry under emergency rules adopted yesterday by Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet. As James Call reports, the new regulations are a response to recent media reports that Florida licensed thousands of mortgage brokers with criminal backgrounds.

In neighborhoods all across Lee County the number of abandoned homes continues to climb. This causes problems for other home owners and law enforcement. It also adds more work to Code Enforcement officers who have to make sure those homes remain boarded up and secure from criminals and drug dealers. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez has this report.

President Bush signed a measure into law yesterday to address foreclosures and the nation’s troubled mortgage giants Fannie and Freddie Mac…and Florida is slated to receive some of the financial aid. But not everyone believes the legislation will live up to its expectations. And some say it’s just smoke and mirrors. Lynn Hatter reports.

Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet have ordered an investigation into reports that the state allowed thousands of criminals to work in the mortgage business in recent years. James Call reports.

The median value of existing homes sold last month in Lee County dropped nearly 20 percent. But how significant is that number? WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

An investigation has found that thousands of criminals were licensed by the state to work in the mortgage market despite their backgrounds. At least one top official says it’s time for the person who had oversight of the state’s oversight agency to step down. Bobbie O’Brien has more.

Foreclosures aren’t just affecting homeowners these days. Renters are also facing homelessness because foreclosures as well. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez has this report.

A family of six is proud to call a brand new house in East Ft. Myers home today. A week ago there was nothing on the site but a concrete slab. The four bedroom two bath house, complete with landscaping, is the result of a nationwide effort by Habitat for Humanity – called a Builders Blitz…..WGCU’s Valerie Alker prepared this report.

With foreclosures on the rise, the City of Fort Myers held a free workshop Tuesday to help residents better understand their financial situations and take steps to avoid losing their homes. WGCU’s John Davis has more…