The housing market is starting to show a pulse.

For the first time in a long time, housing figures are coming in better than expected. The National Association of Home Builders’ sentiment index jumped three points this month to 20, its highest reading in over a year. Last week, the Commerce Department said building permits and construction of single-family homes rose in October. The Federal Reserve’s fourth-quarter loan survey showed a pickup in demand for mortgage loans.

Mission accomplished?

BY KELLY EVANS

excerpts taken from WSJ.com.  Full article may be found here: Housing Market May Be Nearing a Bottom