Home Delinquencies on the Rise

The mortgage delinquency rate climbed to 2.87% in the first-quarter, up from a recent low of 2.03% in the fourth quarter of 2005. The rate is at its highest level since at least 2000. The rise in delinquencies has been steepest in Modesto, Stockton and Merced, Calif., and the Port. St. Lucie-Fort Pierce metro areas in Florida. On an absolute basis, delinquencies are highest in Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, Mich. and Brownville-Harlingen, Texas. — Ruth Simon

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Source: Equifax/Moody's Economy.com

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports: Purchase Applications Rise, Refinance Applications Decline in Latest MBA Survey

Also, real estate investment trusts, or REITs, are companies that invest in various property niches. That's made them a hot play on Wall Street in recent years. Last year, the typical REIT tracked by a composite index from the National Association of Real Estate Investments Trusts was up 35%.

This year, some thing have changed. Year-to-date gains through March 31 were 3.5%. Good, but not spectacular. It's worth noting that mortgage-owning REITs -- think of bankrupt New Century from Irvine, for example -- are dragging down the overall group.

However, according to the WSJ, Investors Should Continue to consider REITs

Housing Bubble and Real Estate Market Tracker from SA for 4/11