As we turn the calendar from 2014 to 2015, it’s only natural to look back at the year that was. 2014 turned out to be a year of big change in housing finance.

Mel Watt took over as the first director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro was chosen by President Obama to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Department of Justice reached a record-breaking $16.65 billion settlement with Bank of America (BAC) over toxic mortgages.

But none of those were among HousingWire’s 10 most popular articles of 2014. You, our dear reader, were more interested in other things.

So, before we get to our top 10 most popular articles of 2014, here are five honorable mentions that barely missed the top 10.

The 10 hottest neighborhoods in America

Our look at the nation’s 10 hottest neighborhoods, with data provided by Redfin.

3 reasons right now is the best time to buy a home

Spoiler alert! The reasons were falling mortgage rates, recovering housing markets and slowing home price growth.

Deion Sanders’ stunning North Texas home hits auction block

Our look at the home of former NFL and MLB star Deion Sanders, which went up for auction on November 18. The home features “soaring ceilings with large crown moldings, marble inlay floors, gold faux-finish walls, Brunelleschi and Bernini-inspired columns with Corinthian capitals, and circular rooms designs.”

Quicken Loans bets a billion dollars on March Madness

Quicken Loans offered up $1 billion to anyone who could predict the outcome of every game in the college men’s basketball tournament. All you had to do to win was beat the listed odds of 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 1.

PGA golfer Dustin Johnson sues Nat Hardwick for $3 million theft

In a story first reported by HousingWire, PGA golfer Dustin Johnson sued his former advisor, Nathan (Nat) Hardwick and Hardwick’s former business partners, alleging that they conspired to steal $3 million from him.

And now for HousingWire’s top 10 of 2014.

10. Do you know why buying a home is cheaper than renting?

This article, from February, delved into why it’s cheaper to buy than rent. Rising rent was a constant theme throughout 2014. And with interest rates remaining well below 4%, buying should remain cheaper than renting for a while.

9. 3 things to know about interest rates in 2014

In January, HousingWire brought you three things to know about interest rates in 2014. Were all three things right? Click through and find out.

8. The Windy City's top 12 suburbs

The city of Chicago and its suburbs proved to be very popular among HousingWire readers this year.

7. Economist: 3 major things you need to know about the 2014 housing market

This article, by economist David Berson, provided some valuable predictions about how housing would perform this year.

6. Here's proof the housing bubble is about to burst

This post, from frequent HousingWire contributor Lynn Effinger, earned quite a bit of commentary from HousingWire’s readers. The bubble hasn’t burst yet, but that doesn’t mean that Lynn was wrong either.

5. Texas Realtor celebrates the murder of two NYPD officers

This is the most recent article to make the top 10. It was posted just over a week ago but generated tremendous traffic on social media.

4. New details emerge about missing Arkansas Realtor

Beverly Carter, an Arkansas Realtor, was reported missing on Sept. 25 after she didn't return from a showing. Tragically, her body was later found in a shallow grave about 25 miles north of Little Rock.

3. Homebuilder confidence rises in November

We love homebuilders. You love homebuilders. And you especially loved homebuilders in November.

2. Fatal tragedy after open house reminds Realtors of dangers

The carjacking of a Realtor served as a reminder to real estate agents and Realtors of precautions they need to take to protect themselves, given the exposed nature of the business. Here, the National Association of Realtors provides a list of 10 ways to stay safe.

1. Third prominent banker found dead in six days

HousingWire doesn’t normally cover deaths in the industry, but sometimes real life trumps housing finance. This was the one of the first articles in what became a distrubing year-long trend of banker deaths.

So, there you go. This last year was a great one for all of us at HousingWire. We thank each and every one of our readers for making this a truly memorable year for HousingWire and we look forward to sharing 2015 with you.