Home sales in the U.S. hit the lowest levels seen in more than 1-1/2 years last month, according to the Nation Association of Realtors. Home sales have fallen 0.2% to an annual rate of approximately 4.9 million units. Although sales have slipped, experts do not expect this trend to continue. It is suggested that as the weather improves, home sales will pick up once again. Gennadiy Goldberg, an economist at TD Securities said, “the negative housing momentum, which was exacerbated by severe weather conditions during the winter months, may be starting to fade.” More here

Experts have compiled a list of ways that homeowners can lower their electricity bill, save energy, make their homes more comfortable, and reduce climate change impact and pollution. Doing simple things such as using ceiling fans, drawing the curtains during the heat of the day, and turning down the thermostat when you are not at home will save about 2% on your heating/cooling bill. Installing tankless water heaters and using incandescent lights are simple investments that will save money. Also, unplugging electronics not in use will further curb unnecessary energy expenditure. More here

An increasing number of Americans are feeling financially secure, according to new data. Last year, vacation home sales jumped 13%, the highest level seen since 2006. Overall, annual home sales increased approximately 30%, averaging 717,000. Median home prices increased to $168,700 from 2012. Additionally, the stock market has gained strength, according to Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Associaton of Realtors; the S&P 500 had a 30% return last year. More here

Although the housing market has not yet made significant strides this year toward recovery, Fitch Ratings’ Chalk Line report suggests that, as the year continues, more growth and stability will be apparent. As the economy begins to gain momentum and job growth increases, the housing market will follow suit. Some factors that may negatively affect the housing market may be rising prices, low income levels and investor participation. Experts say it may be a slow start, but the housing market will soon level out and make profitable gains once again. More here

According to new data, house flipping is experiencing a resurgence. Flipped homes made up 4.6% of all single-family home sales last year in the United States, a 0.4% increase from 2012. The Vice President of RealtyTrac, Daren Blomquist said, “strong home price appreciation in many markets boosted profits for flippers in 2013, despite a shrinking inventory of lower-priced foreclosure homes. For the year, 21% of all properties flipped were purchased out of foreclosure, but that is down from 27% in 2012 and 32% in 2011.” Experts have given a few tips to help house flippers, such as knowing your market, search for flippable houses in unconventional ways, never buy a house you could not make money on by selling the next day, and pay attention to local and national housing data. More here

Many baby boomers are making the decision to downsize, according to research. An increased number of people born between 1946 and 1964 are trading in their hefty mortgages and oversized SUVs for smaller, more efficient homes and vehicles. Boomers may be downsizing, but research suggests that they are not sacrificing quality in the transition. Sheryl Connelly, the global consumer trends and a “futurist” for Ford said, “the boomer population has always set the trends,” she adds, “and now they’ve set a course for a more streamlined life that doesn’t sacrifice style and comfort.” More here

Unemployment rates fell last week and consumer confidence improved. The number of people filing for unemployment payments fell, declining to levels not seen in approximately seven years. Firings are also declining as many companies are preparing for an increase in sales due to the recovering economy. Manufacturing has also improved, showing more signs of a healthier and continually improving U.S. economy. Brian Jones, senior U.S. economist at Societe Generale said, “the labor market is getting better, you’re going to see it improve further as we go through the balance of the year.” More here

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications jumped by 4.3% this week, making this the first increase in four weeks. The Market Composite index increased 4.3%; the Refinance Index rose 7%, and the refinance share of mortgage activity jumped to 52%. Additionally, the national average contract interest rate for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with conforming loan balances fell .09%, and the national average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with jumbo loan balances decreased .10% from last week. More here

Average fixed-rate mortgages declined this week in the United States, according to Freddie Mac. The national average 30-year loan decreased 0.7% averaging 4.34% while the national average 15-year mortgage fell 0.9% averaging 3.38%.  Home prices are expected to rise by single digits this year, and inventory may fall after the spring buying season. Experts suggest that low inventory rates and rising prices may slightly hurt the market, but expect positive results as long as mortgage rates remain low. More here

According to Fitch Ratings’ annual U.S. CMBS loan default study, commercial mortgage backed securitization defaults fell for the fourth year in a row, decreasing to the lowest level seen in six years. The study found that apartment availability is also declining, causing rent to jump in many areas. The national apartment vacancy rate fell .03% from 2012, averaging 4.2%. A Fitch expert said, “significant amounts of new supply are beginning to come online in many markets, which could temper additional rent growth and drive up vacancy. Demographic trends continue to favor a strong rental housing market with a growing population of young Americans, who traditionally rent. Fitch expects multifamily defaults in legacy CMBS to stabilize near current levels.” More here