Booming Biz with Others' Distress. His Own? That's Separate

Local developer Doug Wilson sorts through distressed assets for banks even while he deals with his own busted projects.

» | Oct 19

Home Prices Rise, Uncertainty Persists

Index shows first positive monthly price change in two years, but foreclosures, defaults and tough financing leave clouds on the horizon.

» By KELLY BENNETT | Sep 10

In El Cajon, Bidding Wars on Discounted Condo Conversions

The strong governmental push in the housing market stands out most in the inland city's real estate picture.

» By KELLY BENNETT | Sep 10

Price Declines Slowing, But Recovery Still Appears Distant

Even with indicators beginning to look better for the local economy, a number of the unknowns leave the declaration of a turnaround doubtful.

» By KELLY BENNETT | Sep 10

After Slow Start, Homelessness Plan Begins to Pick Up

Leaders made a bold promise three years ago: End chronic homelessness by 2012.

» By KELLY BENNETT | Sep 10

Frenzy, Deadlines and Price Increases Keep Market Murky

San Diego County's housing prices rose for the fourth straight month in August, reflecting increased momentum and the impact of federal incentives.

» By KELLY BENNETT | Oct 28

Living in Limbo as De Anza Cove's Legal Fight Continues

Mobile home residents and other San Diegans interested in what the city will do with such prime bay-front real estate continue to watch and wait nearly seven years after the city prepared to evict.

» By DAGNY SALAS | Oct 25

More Housing News

• Perplexed by SD Housing? You're Not Alone
• Local Developer Plagued by Fire, Lawsuits and Criminal Charges
• A Hotel/Apartment Project, But Where Are the Apartments?
• Vacancies Rise, Rents Drop, but No Plunge
• Reborn, East Village Faces the Rough and Tumble of Growing Up

VOSD Investigation

A Staggering Swindle

Jim McConville used rented identities to buy 81 condos in Escondido and San Marcos last year, pulling $12.5 million from the deals. Now, the condos face foreclosure, at least one lender says he's ruined, and U.S. taxpayers could be on the hook.

» BY KELLY BENNETT and WILL CARLESS

Part I -- Rented Identities, Extravagant Prices and Foreclosure: A Post-Boom Real Estate Scam (April 10)

Part II -- How It Could Happen in 2008 (April 13)

Loan Mods: Great, If You Can Make It Through the Red Tape

Advocates say the process to a reduced mortgage payment is getting better but is still overly cumbersome, and some San Diegans who could be helped are slipping through the cracks.

» By KELLY BENNETT | Sep 10