Total existing-home sales -- including condominiums and co-operatives -- set the third-highest pace on record in the first quarter, rising in 44 states and the District of Columbia from the levels recorded a year earlier, according to the National Association of Realtors.The seasonally adjusted annual resales rate was 6.84 million units in the first quarter, up 8.3% from 6.32 million in the first quarter of 2004. (The record high of 6.90 million units was set in the second quarter of 2004, followed by 6.88 million in the fourth quarter of last year, the NAR reported.) The biggest year-over-year gains were recorded in Alaska, where the resale rate was up 21.4%; Wyoming, up 17.5%; and Oregon, up 17.3%. The NAR can be found online at http://realtor.org.
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A federal judge in Texas dismissed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's medical debt rule and prohibited states from passing their own laws prohibiting medical debt on credit reports.
5h ago -
Dr. Mark Calabria takes on the additional role of chief statistician of the United States; retired Ally Bank executive Diane Morais has joined First Citizens Bancshares' board of directors; MainStreet Bank has promoted Alex Vari to chief financial officer; and more in this week's banking news roundup.
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While refinances are behind the latest increases, the pace of purchase activity may be a stronger indicator of where the housing market sits.
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The share of economists expecting a September rate reduction grew in the July Wolters Kluwer survey, but the October or later percentage also increased.
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Rising home prices and softening sales offer a mixed view of a market that some say is shifting to favor buyers.
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The notes are backed by home improvement installment loans originated by approved dealers in Foundation Finance Company's network.
11h ago