Home Sales Surge as Prices Pick Up (HIGH-END OF MARKET BREAKS OUT THE CHAMPAGNE!!)

``Basic supply and demand functions have helped push up final home sale prices in recent months. Construction stalled out during the Great Recession, and there is now a tight market of affordable homes in desirable locations. This has allowed realtors to ratchet up prices, which is a great thing for homeowners but effectively limits the pool of individuals who can afford to shift from renting an apartment to paying down a mortgage.''