New Home Sales Up (OK, you assumed that, why does it matter?)

It matters because…(as the rights-protect WSJ article points out), Buyers have a real affinity for new homes. I'm assuming that is because people are busier, more distracted, etc than ever before. So, they want plug-n-play, no hassle options. Not buying a new home, why do you care? Well, if you are _selling_ a used home…you want, as much as possible, to position your asset as "next to new" so it fares well against the new home competition. Not selling a home, but buying one? Sure, that's tough these days. Homes that are present well, promoted well, and priced well go quickly and often in multiple offers (at least in Seattle and other hot markets). So…look through the dust at "diamond in the rough" options. You'd be surprised how much a willingness to hire a painter and/or landscaper can save you. (or, do it yourself, of course) http://www.foxbusiness.com/news/2013/05/23/us-new-home-sales-rise-prices-at-record-high/