According to the results of the National Association of Realtors’ most recent Realtors Confidence Index, surveyed real estate professionals across the country have an optimistic take on what’s ahead for the housing market over the next six months. In fact – when measured on a scale where any number above 50 indicates more respondents view the market as strong rather than weak – the outlook for single-family homes has risen to 75. That’s a three-point improvement over the previous month and a seven-point gain over last year’s level. In particular, Realtors said that home buyers should be helped by the reduction in monthly mortgage insurance premiums and the offering of 3 percent down-payment loans. The positive forecast is in line with what many industry analysts have been saying for the past several months. Expectations for a strong spring selling season are based largely on the fact that mortgage rates are still historically low, the economy and labor market have been improving, and there is growing demand among young adults who hope to become homeowners. More here.