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Park Slope Mansion: Never a House Divided

Park Slope is primed to get a new mansion. A Montessori school that made its home in a 50-foot-wide stone palace since 1970 has closed, making way for what could be the most expensive private mansion ever sold, not only in Park Slope but in all of Brooklyn.

http://on.wsj.com/TxjhnT

Crystal-Clear Home Design

In the latest James Bond thriller, "Skyfall," Bérénice Marlohe wore a full-length Swarovski-crystal-encrusted dress, shown at left. Now the iconic crystals are increasingly finding their way into home décor-from furniture to faucets to wallpaper. Swarovski, a family-owned company based in Wattens, Austria, makes crystals in more than 150 colors.

http://on.wsj.com/XqzU8f

Michelle Hansen Tags Home With Message to Chase Bank: You're 'Stealing' My House -- AOL Real Estate

Cases of homeowners struggling against their banks to fend off foreclosure are a dime a dozen these days. But Michelle Hansen of Aurora, Colo., is upping the ante against JPMorgan Chase, which she says is refusing to grant her a loan modification after she became delinquent on her mortgage.

http://aol.it/TZmal5

Steve Salton's Tigers, Leopards at His Home Are Dragging Down Home Values, Neighbors Say -- AOL Real Estate

The house next door can bring down your own home's value in all kinds of ways. If it's foreclosed-on and sitting vacant, falling into disrepair and attracting blight, that'll definitely do it. But that's not the issue homeowners on a quiet cul-de-sac in Mayfield, N.Y., are citing as a reason that their homes' values may be plummeting.

http://aol.it/WIVWlA

10 Dogs Who Photobombed Real Estate Listing Photos

Real estate photos can capture the essence of a home to give you an idea of what it could be like to live there, but these photos can also sometimes capture the spontaneity of life. Like if your dog walks in on the shot, for example.

http://read.bi/WIP6fK

A Bel Air Estate With Winery Lists for $29.5 Million

A Bel Air estate with winery and a home built by Hollywood director Victor Fleming lists for $29.5 million; historic New Mexico ranch goes on the market for $15.1 million; Software entrepreneur Vinny Smith buys a Lake Tahoe home once owned by late casino mogul Bill Harrah for $8.5 million

http://on.wsj.com/UKzoUt

Should You Pay Your Mortgage With Plastic?

Q. I realize mortgage interest rates are at historic lows, but I just got a come-on for a new credit card with 0% interest for more than a year on transferred balances. Should I transfer all or part of the balance of my mortgage ($22,500) to one of these cards?

http://on.wsj.com/XeOTCd

Standing Up to the Eiffel Tower

Every few years, Parisian real-estate developer Cédric Fabre likes to move apartments. He does it for profit and for the fun. His latest conquest, and newest home, is a 2,200-square-foot, eight-room apartment on Avenue George V, steps off the Champs-Élysées.

http://on.wsj.com/WFD4Uy