Sunday NOVEMBER 29, 2009, The Sun Chronicle 

Upbeat real estate news? Yes, we're not kidding. Foreclosure filings - default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions - for the state fell by 44 percent through June, reports RealtyTrac.

That's compared to a 9 percent rise in foreclosures across the country from the prior six months, reports the online marketplace, and a nearly 15 percent increase from the first six months of 2008.

The situation in Massachusetts appears to be a lot healthier than in many states, certainly Nevada, Arizona and Florida, which posted top foreclosure rates.

But that's just the good news around here.

The truly fantastic news was the dedication this weekend of a house built in Plainville by Old Colony Habitat for Humanity volunteers.

Say congratulations to recipient Dave Bishop, single dad of four - Tyler, 18, Amanda, 15, Haley, 12, Mackenzie, 7 - who loves mowing the lawn.

The poignancy of his sentiment is a reminder of everything homeowners stand to lose in a foreclosure or never attain when circumstances prevent purchase. It's not just about money; it's about lifestyle.

The Bishop girls are excited to have birthday parties with more than three people and to have sleepovers at the house. It's that simple.

This home is Old Colony Habitat for Humanity's seventh finished project in the area; perhaps the dedication will nudge some folks to get involved in building the next one.

Habitat for Humanity is an independent non-profit organization that builds houses for families in need of shelter and sells these homes on a no-profit basis, with a no-interest mortgage.

It uses mostly volunteer labor and donated materials and does not accept government funds for home construction. Families selected for Habitat homes become partners in the program.

Like Bishop, they must contribute hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" to Habitat, working with other members of its volunteer workforce.

After a family moves into its home, Habitat offers financial counseling and home maintenance education, the very kinds of supports that might have saved thousands of families from the real estate meltdown that turned into a disaster last year, and continues.

RealtyTrac reports that 1.19 percent of all U.S. housing units (one in 84) received at least one foreclosure filing in the first half of this year.

But in Plainville one family is putting down roots instead of being forced to tear them up. Hot dog!

See our Photo Gallery for pictures of the event