Existing-home sales were essentially flat in March, while the growth in home prices moderated, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Sales gains in the Northeast and Midwest were offset by declines in the West and South. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said that current sales activity is underperforming by historical standards. "There really should be stronger levels of home sales given our population growth," he said. "In contrast, price growth is rising faster than historical norms because of inventory shortages." Yun expects some improvement in the months ahead. "With ongoing job creation and ... (full story)