According to CoreLogic’s most recent report, home prices have increased in many States. In February, prices increased 12.2% when compared to February 2013, marking the 24th consecutive month that home prices have shown growth in the United States. Fourteen States have experienced double-digit price growth year-over-year. A few of the states with the most gains shown are California, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona, Texas and Florida. Additionally, home sales increased nationally by 10.7% from February of last year. More here

Consumer confidence in the United States jumped to a six-year high last month while home prices also showed measurable gains at the beginning of the year. Many experts suggest that the slump experienced in February was due to extreme winter weather conditions. Ryan Sweet, the senior economist at Moody’s Analytics said, “the economy is showing signs of shaking off the weather effect. We are going to get a big lift to second-quarter growth from the weather.” More here

According to Freddie Mac, average fixed mortgage rates increased from the previous week. Mortgage rates are still considered historically low, but are expected to increase over time. Freddie Mac chief economist, Frank Nothaft said, “mortgage rates rose following the uptick on the 10-year Treasury note after comments by the Federal Reserve Board Chair Janet Yellen indicated a possible increase in interest rates as soon as early 2015,  also, the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city composite house price index rose 13.2% over the 12-months ending in January 2014.” The 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged nationally at 4.4%, and the 15-year fixed rate mortgage averaged nationally at 3.42%. More here

Many lenders are now beginning to offer subprime mortgages to those with credit scores under 640. After the housing bubble burst, many borrowers with poor credit scores were eliminated from the mortgage market, but according to recent data, many of these borrowers are now beginning to qualify for loans. Experts say it may be more difficult to get subprime loans than in the past as interest rates on these types of loans have increased and down-payment percentages have grown. More here

According to Trulia’s Housing Barometer, the housing market is recovering and has made a significant improvement over the last 12 months. The report shows that four out of the five housing indicators have improved from last year. The Housing Barometer is made up of five key factors: new construction starts, existing home sales, delinquency and foreclosure rate, employment rate for individuals age 25-34, and home price levels. More here