State sales of existing homes generally fell below those of a year earlier in the first quarter, but a growing number of states are showing improvements, according to the National Association of Realtors.The NAR's metro area home price report found that sales of existing homes (including condominiums) stood at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.41 million units in the first quarter, down 6.6% from a 6.86-million rate a year earlier. However, the rate was 2.4% higher than the 6.26 million recorded in the fourth quarter. The NAR also reported that the national median resale price stood at $212,300 in the first quarter, down 1.8% from $216,100 a year earlier. "It appears the worst of the price correction is behind us," said NAR president Pat V. Combs, a vice president of Coldwell Banker-AJS-Schmidt. "More stable home prices and declining mortgage interest rates are increasing buying power, which should encourage potential buyers who've been on the sidelines." The NAR can be found on the Web at http://www.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.
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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.
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