Purchase

Both the number of sales and median prices grew in Miami-Dade and Broward in March, just as coronavirus began to grip South Florida.

Toronto home sales and listings plunged in the first part of April as the COVID-19 pandemic curbed demand in Canada's largest city.

Mortgage applications decreased 0.3% from one week earlier, although purchase activity was higher for the first time in six weeks, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Sales of previously owned homes dropped in March by the most since November 2015, representing weaker demand that likely is going to get much worse in coming months as the pandemic bears down on the economy.

Separate reports from Radian and Redfin show home values rose during March despite a slowdown in sales, but that is likely to change as shelter-in-place orders affect the real estate markets.

Maui's housing market showed stability in March ahead of an expected downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus outbreak, along with the shift to a lower paying refinance business, will likely limit commission earnings for the rest of 2020.

In March, home sales rose year-over-year for the fourth consecutive month, but the coronavirus inhibited what's typically the biggest monthly boost of the year, according to Remax.

COVID-19 has led to an unprecedented number of homes for sale being withdrawn, canceled or temporarily taken off the market in Sarasota County, Fla., but the prices on the homes that are being sold have held steady, according to a Sarasota real estate firm.

From the crossroads of America down to the bayou, here's a look at 12 housing markets where it's the most financially prudent to buy a home rather than rent, according to First American.