With only three months into 2012, both the housing market and the overall economy are improving at modest rates. These improvements have inspired confidence in consumers, seen most by a 9.2% increase in pending home sales in February from the year prior. Both home prices and sales are expected to increase throughout the year. As rents continue to rise, buying becomes more and more attractive while home affordability, or the percent of income it takes to pay the mortgage, continues to be among the most favorable in history.