Getting Bullish on Housing

Peter Coy and Prashant Gopal report on recent developments in the housing market that may signal a solution to the four-year-old crisis.

1 minute read

February 9, 2012, 11:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Although housing prices continue to sink in many communities, Coy and Gopal think that policy makers and big banks are finally taking the necessary steps to deal with the foreclosure crisis and underwater homeowners.

"Lenders and government agencies have finally begun to understand how to deal with the crash by efficiently saving the homes of people who can afford to stay in them-and quickly recycling the properties of delinquent borrowers who are beyond hope. That triage, while painful, is a prerequisite for the eventual recovery of the housing market."

According to Coy and Gopal, "Unclogging the legal and financial system is key to the recovery. The latest improvement is an upsurge in lenders' enthusiasm for short sales as an alternative to foreclosures."

And yesterday's announced settlement over flawed foreclosure practices is adding to the sense that progress is being made on the foreclosure front as the agreement will "keep many struggling borrowers in homes they might otherwise lose."

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 in Bloomberg/Business Week

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog