First-time homebuyers being left out
Eighty percent of Americans believe it is difficult for most first-time buyers to afford a home, according to an AP-AOL Real Estate poll. Many people — 59 percent — believe the situation is worse now than five years ago.

Existing-home sales keep falling
In further evidence of a sharp slowdown in the once-booming housing market, sales of existing homes fell for a sixth straight month in September and the median sales price dropped by a record amount.

New home prices plunge unexpectedly
The median price of a new home plunged in September by the largest amount in more than 35 years, even as the pace of sales rebounded for a second month.

Building permits temper housing news
A slump in U.S. building permits to a five-year low in September may have been overlooked in the exuberance over unexpectedly robust housing starts reported on Wednesday but analysts say it’s a cause for concern.

Is housing out of the woods?
Depending on whom you ask, the winds may already be shifting for the housing market. All year, economists have warned of a bursting housing bubble. However, a recent stream of encouraging data has some prominent prognosticators changing their tune.