RealtyTrac's 2009 Foreclosure Report Gives Reason For Optimism

Like real estate, it appears that foreclosure activity is a local phenomenon, too.
As reported by RealtyTrac.com, more than half of all foreclosure-related activity in 2009 came from just 4 states:

1. California
2. Florida
3. Arizona
4. Illinois

More than 1.4 million filings made in 2009 are attributed to the above states. Furthermore, each ranks in the Top 10 for 2009 Foreclosures Per Capita.

Home Buyers Get A Green Light : Pending Home Sales Plunge In November

Just one month after touching a 3-year high, the National Association of Realtors® Pending Home Sales index plunged in November.  A "pending" home sale is a home that is under contract to sell, but has yet to close.
The 16 percent drop marks the first retreat in Pending Home Sales since January of last year.

Details of Exiting Home Sales

Courtesy of Focus Publications, here's the nitty gritty detail behind the recent spike in existing home sales. - David

Existing Home Sales Jump 7.4%!

Sales of existing homes jumped 7.4% in November (!), spurred by the availability of good deals at low rates, and aided by incentive programs. - David