Fannie, Freddie in talks with government to reduce mortgage balances … and more

1. Fannie, Freddie in talks with government to reduce mortgage balances [Reuters] 

2. Southampton home granted LEED platinum certification [Curbed]
3. Understanding why high-end retail is scarce in Park Slope [NYO] 

4. FHA lenders are accused of withholding mortgages from would-be borrowers with credit scores under 620 [Inman]
5. City saves Choir Academy of Harlem from closure [NYT]
6. Ashley Olsen and Justin Bartha check out Tribeca apartment in Cobblestone Lofts [Post] 

7. Endangered Bowery relic hits the market, asking $6.5 million [Curbed] 

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8. Politicians plan to increase penalties on landlords who violate city heat laws [WSJ] 

9. Future uncertain for Hotel Chelsea on West 23rd Street [NYT] 

10. Homebuyers face competition as bidding wars are back [Smart Money] 

11. Mount Vernon, NY is hit hard by the housing slump [AOL]  

12. Commercial real estate prices decline in October: CoStar [Calculated Risk] 

13. Marketing group names Canal Downtown nabe “CanDo” to boost interest [NYDN] 

14. EPA embarks on massive cleanup of Gowanus Canal [Brooklyn Paper]