Advice for First-Time Homebuyers (Washington Post)
With a current real estate market that's unpredictable, what's in store for would-be buyers or those thinking about selling? The Post's special feature, Property Values: The Market & You, helps forecast what to expect in the coming months.

The Home Buying Process: Step by Step (Benton Evening News)
(ARA) - Buying a home can be a very intimidating process, especially if you've never done it before. So the first thing you should do before you start is to figure out whether owning a home is right for you.

Arts & Entertainment (East Bay Express)
At Berkeley's Namaste Restaurant, an "experiment in generosity" means the price of your meal is up to you. It's hard to say who'll prevail in two whistleblower lawsuits against Alameda County, but the facts are mighty suspicious.

Realtors: O.C. house sales off 20.5% in August (Orange County Register)
Blog: Jonathan Lansner covers the Orange County real estate market.

O.C. early September home price 3.9% off peak (Orange County Register)
Blog: Jonathan Lansner reports on the Orange County real estate market.