Reporter

McKim covers residential real estate for the Business section. She previously reported for The Orange County Register, where her series on lead-tainted imported candies was named a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize in Public Service.
Military service members struggling to pay their mortgages now have a new point person to call for help at the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley. Coakley’s initiative is meant to help veterans and current service members avoid foreclosure. The effort was created in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services.
Prices for single-family homes increased modestly in April — marking the first bump in seven months — igniting cautious hope within the real estate industry.
ON THE HOT SEAT
Pat Villani of Coldwell Banker spoke about the crucial spring selling season and signs of optimism for the market.
Home of the Week
This yellow three-bedroom antique Colonial is surrounded by gardens, mature trees, a potting shed, and a workshop attached to a two-car garage.