MORTGAGE

Federal Reserve meets The Fed isn't going to raise short-term interest rates. Instead, the committee might describe the methods and timing of taking money out of circulation to keep inflation at bay. Interest rate roundup | Trend index

• Compare rates
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• Mortgage calculator
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• Fixed vs. ARM

• Mortgage blog Bankrate's Holden Lewis on mortgages

DISCUSSIONS

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NEWS AND FEATURES

Christmas present for the bears As a Christmas present for my furry and fanged friends, today I offer them Marc Roth. Mr. Roth has caused a stir in the real... More blog posts

More headlines Unexpectedly, new-home sales fall Six indicted in latest loan fraud case Stimulus flows to roads but bypasses buildings Around the Region Plan for downtown Quincy gets $8m No easy fix for delinquencies

BUYING

ON THE BLOCK Live where you work These properties are ideal for aspiring shopkeepers.

More buying headlines A new look for downtown Quincy Office rents falling, report finds Use of Milton’s poor farm at issue Treasury to press mortgage firms on foreclosure prevention FHA wants tighter rules for lenders Patrick unveils $150m loan fund for rental properties

HOME DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT

DESIGNING Small wonders These powder rooms are beautiful, but hardly puff pieces. Search for local home pros and suppliers

PETER HOTTON Chilling out - but not in a good way Q. Are those ads touting a heater that will save up to 40 to 50 percent off your heating bill for real? I have a condo with four rooms and electric heat, which costs me $400 o $500 per month in the cold season. I am getting tired of those outrageous bills, even with the heat turned way down, enough ... 2 p.m. Thurs Chat with Peter Carol Stocker Recommended Garden Gift Books Here are some of the best 2009 garden books that I would recommend for holiday giving:"Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities! Notes from a Gloucester Garden,"...

SELLING

10 steps before selling your home Eager home buyers are few and far between. The Globe Magazine has 10 steps to hook one.

More selling headlines As jobs remain elusive, foreclosures rise again Judge upholds ruling on sales of foreclosed properties Home sellers slash prices by $28.4 billion