As reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, 372,000 new homes were sold in July on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis.
Government : Home Prices Up 3.0% In Last 12 Months Nationwide
According to the Federal Home Finance Agency’s Home Price Index, home prices rose by a seasonally-adjusted 0.7 percent between May and June 2012. The index is now up 3.0% over the past 12 months, and made its biggest quarterly gain since 2005 last quarter.
Existing Home Sales Rise To 4.47 Million
Home resales climbed 2% last month as the housing market continues its slow, steady recovery.
Single-Family Housing Starts Remain Strong
Single-family housing starts were above 500,000 for the fourth straight month in July, a mark not met since the federal home buyer tax credit of 2010.
Homebuilder Confidence Rises To 5-Year High
For August 2012, the National Association of Homebuilders reports the monthly Housing Market Index at 37 — an increase of more than 100% from one year ago and the highest HMI value since February 2007.
Home Affordability Sinks For The First Time In 12 Months
Rising home prices are taking a toll on today’s home buyers. For the first time in 4 quarters — and despite falling mortgage rates — home affordability is sinking.
5 States Home To 50% Of Foreclosure Activity Nationwide
According to data from RealtyTrac, a national foreclosure-tracking firm, the number of foreclosure filings dipped below 192,000 in July 2012, a 3 percent decrease from the month prior.
Improving Market Index Spans 32 States, District Of Columbia
80 U.S. metropolitan markets are showing “measurable and sustained growth” this month, according to the National Association of Homebuilders’ Improving Market Index.
Case-Shiller Index Shows Home Values Rising Nationwide
All 20 Case-Shiller Index markets improved between April and May 2012.
Pending Home Sales Index Falls Just Short Of 100
The Pending Home Sales Index is on a 14-month winning streak.