Real estate news update: 7-20

A daily dose of headlines for real estate agents, mortgage lenders and consumers.

Extra credit checks make some lenders anxious Washington Post: People who applied for a mortgage as of June 1 might notice their debt under renewed scrutiny days before they are scheduled to complete a home purchase.	Little, no money down mortgages still available Washington Examiner: Homebuyers with little money for a down payment are finding more home loans available for a low, or even no, down payment.
Debunking rumors of housing sales tax Washington Post: The levy is aimed at high-income taxpayers, leaving most people untouched. And it will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2013.	How we sold a house Wall Street Journal: The worst of the home-price nosedive may be over, but selling a home can still feel like an agonizing stalemate.
Homebuilders less confident in housing market Washington Times: Homebuilders confidence in the housing market has sunk to the lowest level in more than a year, more evidence that the economic recovery is slowing.	Uncle Sam still saving D.C. real estate Washington Business Journal: A shift from the planning stages of stimulus and regulation initiatives to full-scale implementation yielded robust gains for Metro D.C.

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