Home sales jumped in Jan. to fastest pace in almost 2 years

[sinkingfeeling]

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/story/2012-02-22/existing-home-sales-january/53203816/1

WASHINGTON – Sales of previously occupied homes rose in January at the fastest pace in nearly two years, flashing modest signs of health ahead of the spring buying season.

The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday that home sales increased 4.3% over December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.57 million. That's the highest since May 2010.

The report offered a mixed picture of the slowly improving housing market. The number of first-time buyers, who are critical to a housing recovery, increased slightly to 33% of all sales. That's below the 40%, which tends to signal a healthy market.

Sales of homes at risk of foreclosure also increased to 35% of all purchases. Those sales hurt the market by lowering overall home prices.

[CAPHAVOC]

1. So funny.

Foreclosed homes selling at real value. Meanwhile back at Wall Street they are going nuts trying to prop up prices.

[msongs]

2. goes along with gasoline selling at "real value" nt