Columnist Kenneth Harney writes about proposed changes to the "phantom income" tax penalty -- which hits some who lose their homes to foreclosure -- and two other possible tax-related adjustments that would affect homeowners.

June Arney reports on a new development in tax sales:

A judge has called a hearing to examine whether homeowners are being charged excessive legal fees and expenses in tax-sale foreclosure cases in Baltimore, where an estimated 3,500 such cases are pending.

Rona Kobell writes about a controversial Eastern Shore land preservation deal and the "charming, high-energy Louisiana native" behind it. 

The Washington Post has a story about creative home-selling strategies, such as rent-to-own and seller financing.

And the Contra Costa Times reports on one effect of the housing slowdown in Oakley, Calif.:

Drivers passing by Almond Grove Elementary School off Carpenter Road will not hear the sounds of children playing or see parents dropping off students. After the sudden slowdown in the housing market, there weren't enough students from area subdivisions to fill the campus, so it will stay unused until new homes start selling again.