Home prices aren't dropping, which is good for current homeowners. But the hurdles of homeownership are still there for everyone else.

Andrea Riquier reports: "The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city index rose a seasonally adjusted 0.1% in March, compared to February, and was 2.7% higher compared to a year ago. That was the slowest pace of annual growth since August 2012."
That's a story of deceleration, and it's welcome news to potential homebuyers hoping to enter the market. It's also not terrible news for existing homeowners, who are still appreciating equity.
According to Riquier, the report also reflects the Census population estimates released earlier this month in reflecting the American preference for sunny climates. "The cities with the highest price gains in March were Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tampa."
Still, signs of the recession are still apparent in those areas. "Even with the gain, bargains may be found in these metro areas," writes Riquier. "Prices in Las Vegas and Phoenix are nearly 20% lower than their 2006 peaks, according to Case-Shiller; Tampa’s price index is about 9% lower."
The new real estate market data also got picked up by Eliot Njus for local coverage in Portland. Njus also explains the distinctions in the data between homes in different price ranges.
FULL STORY: Home-price gains are weakest in 7 years, and that’s a good thing, Case-Shiller says

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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