Like spring flowers, the "For Sale" signs are sprouting in front yards all over the country. But anxious sellers are facing the most brutal environment in decades, with a slumping economy, falling home prices and rising mortgage foreclosures.

The home-buying season is shaping up to be even worse than expected, with prices falling, sales slowing and few signs of a turnaround.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Like spring flowers, the "For Sale" signs are sprouting in front yards all over the country. But anxious sellers are facing the most brutal environment in decades, with a slumping economy, falling home prices and rising mortgage...

WASHINGTON -- The economy showed off unexpected signs of resilience Friday as job losses slowed, the dollar gained a bit of muscle for a change and there were even indications that food prices may be easing. The unemployment rate dipped, though that may not last.

WASHINGTON -- The economy showed off unexpected signs of resilience Friday as job losses slowed, the dollar gained a bit of muscle for a change and there were even indications that food prices may be easing. The unemployment rate dipped, though that may not last.

Despite the slow real estate market and no shortage of 'for sale' signs, competition is surprisingly fierce for houses owned by banks.

• Local real estate news and transactions

WASHINGTON - Sales of existing homes nationwide fell in March while the median home price declined, compared with the price a year ago, as a severe slump in housing showed no signs of abating.

Signs advertise homes for sale and for rent last month in Tacoma, Wash. In Silicon Valley, affordable rentals have been a rarity for years.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose more than 1 percent on Monday on signs the two largest bond insurers would stabilize, bringing a wave of relief to a market dogged by concerns of further bank write-downs.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A steady rise in U.S. consumer prices in January pointed to persistent inflation pressures despite fresh signs on Wednesday that the declining housing sector remains a drag on the economy.