Texans fault FEMA for lack of long-range housing plan for those with homes left uninhabitable Texans fault FEMA for lack of long-range housing plan for those with homes left uninhabitable. The Tribune's Dahleen Glanton reports from Beaumont, Texas.

WASHINGTON - More than 400 real estate industry players have been indicted since March - including dozens over the last two days - in a Justice Department crackdown on incidents of mortgage fraud nationwide that stem from the country's housing crisis.

Janie Torres thought she was getting help from her friendly neighborhood real estate agent. Instead, she lost her home -- becoming an apparent victim of a form of fraud spreading across California's Central Valley as the mortgage crisis deepens.

SINGAPORE: The consumer watchdog wants to reduce the growing number of complaints against property agents and real estate agencies. So it is developing a CaseTrust Accreditation Scheme for the industry.

PEABODY and mdash; The Tanner City's school system is selling itself short to potential homebuyers, say some School Committee members. Now, they want to boost the district's curb appeal and market its selling points to North Shore real estate agents.