It's in every serious pundit's mouth this week. Reading BusinessWeek, I see them channeling Bloomberg and stating that "The U.S. housing market is poised to withstand the removal of government and Federal Reserve stimulus programs and rebound later in the year, contributing to annual economic growth for the first time since 2006."

It's March, and as spring fills the air, realtors everywhere breathe a sigh of relief and prepare for a more hopeful market. Spring brings out both buyers and sellers, and the increased activity also tends to bring a little bouyancy to home prices. But while pundits everywhere herald the end of the real-estate crisis, some U.S. markets are wrestling with seriously grim foreclosure numbers. 

For the savvy foreclosure investor, these markets represent a heavy concentration of great deals, highly motivated sellers and terrific profit opportunity.

It seems these days it’s hard to put a finger on the price of a home.

For one thing, the economy continues to shift causing fluctuations in various markets. For another, prices are based on comps – and comps have been affected by short-sales and other distressed-owner sales.

DEAR BENNY: I read with interest what you wrote about putting rental properties in LLCs. What can you tell me about the new series LLCs for real estate investors? It appears they can be formed only in certain states, but would they be recognized in all states? --Elizabeth

DEAR ELIZABETH: The "series LLC" is a new, untested concept. Oversimplified, it is a "master" limited liability company, composed of two or more limited liability companies.

DEAR BENNY: In your column a few weeks ago you mentioned a book written about condos and townhomes. Could you please give me the name of the book and where I can buy it? --MaryLou