Some Good News

New home sales rose 26.9% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 411,000 units from an upwardly revised rate of 324,000 units in February. Economists had expected a pace of 330,000 units. It was the biggest monthly increase in 47 years.

The index of leading economic indicators — designed to forecast economic activity in the next three to six months — rose 1.4% in March after a revised 0.4% gain in February. It was the 12th straight monthly increase and the fastest pace of growth in 10 months.

The Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage applications for the week ending April 16 rose 13.6%. Purchase volume increased 10.1%. Refinancing applications jumped 15.8%.

Foreclosure Activity in Massachusetts

Foreclosure activity in Massachusetts rose slightly in February to 4,554 properties with foreclosure filings, up less than 1 percent from the previous month and 55 percent ahead of the level reported in February 2009, according to the latest RealtyTrac® U.S. Foreclosure Market Report

Everythings Coming Up Roses

Since my last post, my daughter Liza got her first teaching job in Brooklyn at her favorite school, son Matthew had the best time of his life in Las Vegas (I did not ask too many questions), I sold a condo and a house, Malle and I scheduled our golf vacation in Myrtle Beach.

Blackberry Curve and The Rising Sun

I have had my new Blackberry Curve for almost one week and it is an upgrade from my Treo. Wish I had more time to try all its bells and whistles but I'll learn them over time. The keys are smaller than on the Treo and I thought this might be a problem - but not so.

The real estate market seems hot right now as buyers and sellers try to take advantage of the Federal tax credit but I am a little worried that the market may die after the credit expires at the end of April.

Was great to wake up early this morning and get to see the sun rise in the finally blue sky. The temperature said 38 degrees but it feels like 70