But monthly sales rate rises 24%
Northeast, West represent extremes in activity
West is hardest-hit region
46% of movers cite desire to own home, live in better neighborhood
Q1 housing vacancy rates mostly flat from a year ago
NAR credits tax credit for surge
Every region but the West sees declines
West sees the biggest monthly decline
South makes up more than half of starts, sees biggest decrease
Survey: Midwest, South most pessimistic
West sees the biggest monthly decline
Northeast sees biggest year-over-year gain
Northeast, West the most pessimistic
Permits rise 45% year-over-year in Northeast
NAR: January rate in West up 29% from year ago