Hurricane victims looking to rebuild will soon be able to shop for houses at Lowe's; Habitat for Humanity hopes a fledgling land-donation program will help people get their houses rebuilt; and more.

The need for real estate here is far outstripping the supply as the Canadian city, flush with new oil riches, battles an extreme labor shortage.

A Pennsylvania couple accepts less than their asking price on a Pocono Mountains property and uses the proceeds to invest in a larger house for their family.

The long-anticipated real-estate downturn has begun. The shift could welcome first-time buyers, make property attractive as an investment vehicle or for private use, and turn home-builder stocks into a good investment for patient, risk-tolerant investors.

MGM Mirage is asking $28 million for a Las Vegas house once owned by Steve Wynn. Plus, Britney Spears sells her Manhattan residence for $4 million.

The city is still struggling to get back on its feet. Congress has recently appropriated $10.5 billion to help local homeowners rebuild their homes, but redevelopment is likely to be spotty.