Housing inventory

Any worries about the possibility of higher interest rates and an economic expansion that might eventually fizzle haven't been enough to soften the housing market throughout the South Bend, Ind., region.

After a strong February, existing-home sales took a U-turn in March. While buyer conditions heat up and mortgage rates remained low, consumers took a patient approach — especially in the expensive West Coast markets.

If favorable interest rates and rising consumer incomes continue, market potential for home purchases will be boosted in the short term, according to First American Financial.

Buyers in the tightest housing markets finally got what they've been looking for: inventory. But instead of sales surging as a result, they're sinking.

Sales of previously owned homes eased more than forecast in March, suggesting the housing market is still finding its footing after a weak 2018.

Economic growth will slow in 2019, but conditions will help home sales hold steady, with mortgage volume now being projected to rise over 2018, according to Fannie Mae.

Steady interest rates could lift the housing market going forward, but for now there is an ongoing slump in single-family home construction authorizations along with maintenance and remodeling activity, according to BuildFax.

Amid ongoing strong housing demand, home sales in Central Texas climbed to a new high for March, as did the median home-sale price, the Austin Board of Realtors said.

The housing market in Houston picked up in March as interest rates fell and the supply of properties for sale grew to its highest level in five months.

As prices climbed, the number of homes sold in Northeast Ohio dipped from year-ago levels in March.