Market sees strength in singles 
ACCORDING TO the California Association of Realtors, single people comprise more than 25 percent of home buyers in California — and with the availability of loan options, that statistic may continue to grow.

Promising albacore season in store on the North Coast 
Topping the news this week has got to be the early start of albacore fishing. Khevin Mellegers, from Mad River Outfitters (707-826-7201) said fishing was really good Tuesday and Wednesday with boats averaging 12-15 fish. He added that he heard of one boat bringing in 42 fish out of Trinidad.

Georgia Nicols’ horoscopes for July 23 
ALL SIGNS MOON ALERT: We have the all-clear to shop or make important decisions today. The moon is in Cancer. ARIES (March 21-April 19): It’s a good day to putter around home. You might want to entertain others. The focus is definitely on domestic matters and family members.

Flagstar Reports 2006 Second Quarter Results 
TROY, Mich., July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Flagstar Bancorp, ( Nachrichten ) Inc. , today reported 2006 second quarter net earnings of $28.6 million, or $0.44 per share - diluted. For the six months ended June 30, 2006 net earnings totaled $47.6 million, or $0.74 - diluted.

Piggybacks don’t bring home bacon: S&P rates lenders’ risks on popular mortgage product as too high 
Wall Street is sounding the alarm on one of the most popular ways to finance a home purchase these days: so-called “piggyback” mortgages. With piggybacking, a home buyer takes out two mortgages…