The figure grows by $5.3 trillion, or 3.7%, in the fourth quarter, pushing total U.S. net worth to more than $150 trillion.

Contract closings increase 9.4% from the prior month to an annualized 6.54 million, the fastest pace since May 2006.

Momentum in residential real estate has become difficult as a lean supply of available properties continues to fuel increases in asking prices.

For many, prices have risen much faster than incomes, pushing homeownership out of reach for a new generation of hopeful buyers.

A new study found that one in four borrowers under 25 spends 16.8% or more of take-home pay on student loans.

The latest data shows a shortage of affordable properties, which continues to weigh on buyers and constrain sales.

Sales of new U.S. homes fall to a five-month low, adding to signs of weakness despite lower mortgage rates.

Existing home sales unexpectedly fall in April while single-family housing permits fall to the lowest level in almost two years.