Rental housing makes up 34% of the housing stock, and is growing at the rate of 1.6 million per year, while owned households is actually on the decline.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Five years after the U.S. housing bust sent sales and prices plunging, the spring home-buying season is pointing to a long-awaited recovery. Reduced prices, record-low mortgage rates, higher rents and an improving job market appear to be emboldening many would-be buyers. Open houses are drawing crowds. A wave of foreclosures is leading investors to grab bargain-priced homes.

As mortgage rates take another dip to an all-time record low , borrowing just became a little cheaper for home buyers or refinancers. Read more what Freddie Mac has to say

Will 2012 have renters feeling the burn? And are conditions looking more favorable for aspiring homeowners or should you put your dream of owning anything with a picket fence on the backburner?

How does the foreclosure rate compare to previous years?

Despite a sluggish economy, mortgage rates remain surprisingly low.

Wronged California homeowners seek a piece of the $25 billion mortgage lender settlement.

To prevent foreclosures many banks have started paying homeowners to sell.

December saw a rare home sales increase. But how will current mortgage rates affect future home sales?

The La Palma ERA franchise has multiple reasons to celebrate. Learn why the sky's the limit for this thriving real estate company.

Though disagreement continues to plague the Federal Open Market Committee, a recent move has economists singing a more positive tune.

Existing home sales got a bump in December, along with a small gain in median prices.

What's the scoop on the 2012 housing market? And what factors will influence house prices over the next year?

Surprisingly, 2011 wraps up with housing starts exceeding expectation.

Are home sales in Villa Park up or down? And find out why 2012 promises to give the real estate market a much needed shake-up.