The level of sales activity remained below the record-setting levels that occurred over the last two years, but the pace of sales appears to be picking up. Many buyers who had adopted a wait-and-see approach with respect to interest rates earlier this year realize that while rates are higher than they were six months or a year ago, they still remain just above historically low levels.

The grass isn't always greener on the other side.

The California housing market continues to experience year-over-year double-digit price appreciation, which is consistent with our expectation that the statewide median for 2005 will increase by 16 percent over last year.

Sales fell last month compared with December 2004's record-setting pace, prompted by consumers' concerns about rising interest rates.