New U.S. Home Sales Rise Sharply as Prices Fall-The New York Times

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U.S. renters turn buyers as homes become affordable

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NAR: Existing-Home Sales Show Strong Gain

During this press conference, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced a bit of good news amongst a tidal wave of negative information regarding the economy and the real estate market. Homes are selling despite what most people see on the nightly news. I have begun to see a perceptible increase in activity: in terms of buyer interest and actual sales. Could this be the beginning of the turnaround in the housing sector?

Cheap rates and foreclosure sales lure house hunters.

Read this article in Newsweek regarding buyers and the current market. I think it's right-on when it describes the psychology of current buyers. Even though there are plenty of skeptics out there, the bottom lines is that this is a time of great opportunities and buyers continue to have the upper hand. Many people who were priced out of the market in the past can now take advantage of lower prices, surplus inventory and great rates.

Video on Eco-Friendly Kitchens

Are You Sitting on the Fence?

Homebuyer's Fair, April 18 and 19

"Whether you are a first-time buyer, or interested in moving from  your current home to a larger one, or downsizing, the Southern California Homebuyer's Fair, sponsored by the Los Angeles Times and the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, offers a free, two day, power primer on the home buying process, packed with dozens of educational "how-to" seminars designed to help you navigate today's real estate market with confidence and peace of mind.

What credit score do I need for a mortgage? Also: Does checking my credit report actually hurt my score?

Find the answer to these common questions in this article.

Keep yourself informed by reading the many articles included in this edition of Beyond the Headlines.