INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... Americans' confidence in the housing market reached an all-time high in April's Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index. The share of Americans who say now is a good time to sell also hit a record high, so more listings should come to market.

Rates have moved little, which Freddie Mac's chief economist put to "a tight labor market, solid economic growth and restrained inflation." He added, "the demand for purchase credit remains rock solid, which should set us up for another robust summer home sales season."

But even as rates increase, First American's chief economist observes, we are still "well below the historical average of about 8% for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage--and house-buying power remains strong."