When mortgage rates finally began to fall last quarter, reaching their lowest level in 1.5 years, buyers responded enth-usiastically, positioning the market for a solid finish to the year. Rates are down, open houses are up, inventory and closed transactions are slightly down, and prices are slightly higher. Lower mortgage rates, pent-up demand, and renewed buyer confidence, signals positive momentum for the fall and beyond. (Full Report)

The U.S. central bank's 1/2% point interest rate cut last month was an acknowledge-ment that its policy rate was "out of sync" with where the economy stands, but shouldn't be taken as a sign that the battle with inflation is finished. The Fed is expected to cut rates by a 1/4% point at its Nov. 6-7 meeting, a move that would lower the benchmark rate to the 4.50% - 4.75% range. (Read More)