NAR: Midwest, Northeast see steepest drops in signed contracts
Q2 drop brings rate to 1999 level
But monthly sales rate rises 24%
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
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
Real estate brief