This brings new meaning to the term “Boat House.”

Rather than a date with a wrecking ball, this original Robert Venturi-made home in Long Beach Island, N.J. — also known as the “Lieb House” — was relocated by barge to a new location in Glen Cove on New York’s Long Island, according to the New York Times.

The total cost of the unusual moving method was in the six-figure range, which is apparently a good deal for a piece of history — Venturi is among the nation’s most prominent architects and a Pritzker Prize winner. He has been described as one of the “most influential architects of the twentieth century.”

He’s a pretty big deal.

So it’s no wonder that new owners Deborah Sarnoff and her husband Robert Gotkin — who currently own another Venturi-designed home — were willing to go to such great lengths to preserve the “modern” work of art. It is expected to be used as a guest cottage at their Glen Cove residence.

And there’s no need to repairs despite the odd trek says a Venturi film maker who was on the scene:

“It looks terrific, I’m a little speechless. There no damage, not even a glass, not even a scratch. It looks like it’s been unwrapped from a box.”

Check out video highlights of the relocation mission after the jump.

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“The Garden State” is taking a $40 million step to help its distressed homeowners, enacting two bills that are designed to help assist those who are facing foreclosure.

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine today signed the legislation into law, which earmarks $25 million for a program that allows cash-strapped homeowners to refinance their first mortgages, as well as another $15 million to help those who have already lost their homes to default remain in them as tenants in “rent-to-own”-type situations.

Here is what Corzine had to say about the initiatives (via Newsday.com):

“[this is] the single worst economic challenge this country has faced in the last 150 years, except the Depression. … We are proactively putting in place actions on housing stabilization that are unequaled across the country as far as I could see.”

In addition, the state will introduce a mediation program that provides those feeling the foreclosure pinch with access to counselors and lawyers to help them avoid foreclosure situations at no cost.

For more information on these foreclosure programs in New Jersey, as well as to seek assistance or determine if you are eligible, click here.

“Prince Chunk” — a 44-pound homeless cat that was found meandering the streets of Voorhees, N.J. — has a new home, according to a Yahoo!News report.

The 10-year-old feline was abandoned by its owner earlier this month because of a foreclosure situation. “Powder” — the cat’s real name — was taken in by the Camden County Animal Shelter until a home could be found for him.

It’s a story that captured national headlines due in large part (no pun intended) to Prince Chunk’s rotund appearance. In fact, the cat appeared on “Live with Regis and Kelly” — a major morning program that is beamed into millions of living rooms nationwide.

The unlikely high-profile public relations campaign was apparently effective because more than 400 people expressed their interest to become the adoptive parents of “Prince Chunk.” And one south Jersey family who already has two cats has been selected out of the bunch.

Let’s hope that he doesn’t eat his new owners out of house and home.

Legislation was introduced today in New Jersey that would create stricter requirements for mortgage solicitors in an attempt to reduce the growing number of foreclosures, according to the Herald News.

Currently in the Garden State mortgage solicitors — who are also known as loan officers or originators — need to fill-out a one-page form and fork over about $100 to issue loans on behalf of New Jersey lenders.

It’s not much in terms of applicant due diligence, considering families often plunk down hundreds of thousands to realize their dreams of homeownership.

And that’s the reason Trenton politicians and two state mortgage associations are throwing their support behind this bill.

Here’s a snip:

“… [the] legislation today that would require training, licensing exams and criminal background checks for loan officers. While mortgage-company owners must follow certain regulations, few of their employees do…. Many experts think the profitable commissions and low-education requirements for loan officers help contribute to skyrocketing foreclosure rates — as homeowners are pushed into mortgages they can’t afford.

Housing advocates stress that licensing requirements aren’t a magic bullet. Pending legislation in Congress and some state legislatures could do more to clean up the mortgage industry, they say, by holding lenders responsible for a borrower’s best interest.

According to the clip, as the housing market boomed over the last several years, the ranks of unregulated loan officers increased and flocked to the subprime market because these loans translate into big commissions.

In these cases, it appears that the mortgage servicers are looking out for their own interests rather than the homebuyers.

The moral of the story: Find a loan officer with a solid track record — one who comes highly recommended. Ask friends, family members Realtors® — anyone who has experience buying homes — about a trustworthy mortgage servicer.

It will pay off in the long-run … literally.