1.Stocks barely budge at end of volatile week
“After hitting new highs earlier in the week, stocks were under pressure for a third day Friday as worries about the economic recovery grow.”
2.Housing starts up sharply; permits highest since 2008
“(Reuters) – U.S. housing starts jumped in April and building permits hit their highest level in nearly six years, offering hope that the troubled housing market could be stabilizing.”
3.Delinquency and Foreclosure Rates Continue to Improve
“The delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties decreased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 6.11 percent of all loans outstanding at the end of the first quarter of 2014, the lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2007. The delinquency rate decreased 28 basis points from the previous quarter, and 114 basis points from one year ago, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) National Delinquency Survey. “
4.U.S. Stocks Fluctuate as Confidence Drop Offsets Housing
“U.S. stocks fluctuated, after the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell the most in a month yesterday, as an unexpected drop in consumer confidence offset a rise in the pace of home construction. “
5.US Home Building Climbed 13.2 Percent in April
“U.S home construction surged in April to its highest pace in five months. Almost all that increase came from the volatile apartment sector, a sign that Americans are still struggling to buy single-family homes.”
6.The worst markets for underwater mortgages
“The number of homes in negative equity has fallen as the housing market has recovered in recent years, but new data shows they’re still holding back the housing rebound in some areas. “
7.The 10 best cities to flip a house
“As the national housing market continues to rebound, real-estate investors are trying their hand at home flipping — buying and selling a house within six months.”
8.Housing starts surge, yes, but mostly for apartments
“Builders ramped up construction in April, but they were mostly building multifamily apartment buildings. A monthly report from the U.S. Census Bureau showed total housing starts up 13 percent month to month, but that was driven by a 43 percent monthly jump in buildings with five or more units. Single-family housing starts rose just under 1 percent for the month.”
9.Housing Gets a Boost as Construction, Permits Rise Sharply
“WASHINGTON — U.S. housing starts jumped in April and building permits hit their highest level in nearly six years, offering hope that the troubled housing market could be stabilizing.”
10.Setting The Stage For A Super Home Sale
“If you’re getting ready to sell your home, there are a few things you should do first. At the top of the list are repairs, decluttering, and staging your home for a super sale. With the help of your agent and/or homestager, you can create the perfectly staged home that’s eye-catching at first glance.”